How To Use Rugs for Great Interior Design

Area rugs are one of my favorite design elements. A great rug can take a room from “meh” to “wow” quickly and inexpensively.

Rugs add color, texture and warmth to any room, and they are versatile, easy to change if buying new furniture or repainting. Think of rugs as an accessory to express your creativity and personal style.

It’s easy to find inexpensive everyday rugs at department stores like Target or Kohl’s, or at “big box” stores like Home Depot.

Standard area rugs sizes include:

1. 6’x9’
2. 8’x10’
3. 9’x12’

To help determine what size rug is looks best in your space, use tape or newspaper on the floor of the area, then measure, including under any furniture like sofas or beds. Rugs may also be custom made in any size.

Many shoppers don’t realize that custom bound rugs are affordable and available at most flooring stores. Any carpet can be custom bound into a rug of any size. The only cost is the price of the carpet and labor charge for binding.

Carpet remnants also make excellent bound rugs, for a fraction of the price. Existing rugs may also be re-bound or even re-sized—a room size rug cut down into runners, for example, or a rectangular rug cut into a square or circle.

With a variety of carpet styles available, choices for rugs are unlimited. Frieze or “shag” styles make good casual choices. Subtle tone on tone textures add interest without competing with furniture or drapery fabrics, and can be more formal. Plaids, animal prints or other patterns can make the rug a focal point of the room. Use darker patterns to help hide wear in heavy traffic areas or on stairs.

Don’t forget rug pads underneath, as well, to help rugs wear and feel better longer. Pads also provide a non-slip backing to help prevent rugs from sliding.

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