How do I choose the right rug for a room when decorating?

CLemin joel
by CLemin joel

Hey guys,The interior works for our new home are going on. We have finished almost with furniture, lights, paintings and all. However, I got a feeling like my rooms are lacking something. A few days back, when I visited one of my close friends home, I noticed the presence of rugs in their home. That simple decorative piece brightened up their room, and it gave a kind of warmth and comfort for me when I walk through it. So I'm thinking of having this in my home. I had visited rug stores in Toronto, and I realized that rugs have many different important characteristics that help light up a room in terms of interior design. But I'm in confusion now, How can I choose the right type of rugs for my rooms? Because I think the wrong one could be disastrous for any type of environment. Can someone help me with suggesting the factors I should look for while buying these rugs? Any help would be highly appreciated.

  5 answers
  • J J on Sep 06, 2019

    Look at your lifestyle before choosing a rug. Do you have pets or children? Make sure to get a rug that will hold up to occasional cleaning without color loss.

  • Scarlet Paolicchi Scarlet Paolicchi on Sep 06, 2019

    I would say you really can't go too wrong as long as you like the rug and it matches your general decor style. Here are some more specific tips https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2011/02/choosing-the-right-rug/

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Sep 06, 2019

    Clemin joel......Don't stress over it! If you like the look you choose it will be fine. Consider the colors you have and where you believe rug/rugs are needed for your comfort. I have a very low pile carpet in my family room and have matching rugs at our recliners and couch because it's areas that are used the most plus a runner to match as you leave the room and enter hardwood floors. Congrats on the new home and just enjoy decorating and taking charge!

  • Beth Beth on Sep 09, 2019

    Hi there! In a living room or family room, at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should be on the rug, so an 8' x 10' or 7' x 9' usually works best. You don't want to just put a small 4 x 6 under the coffee table and call it done!


    Under the dining table, the rug should be large enough that the chairs do not catch on it when pulled back to let someone sit down. Usually it is best to place a rug in this room that just allows about 6" to 1' of flooring to show around the perimeter of the room.


    In a bedroom, place a rug perpendicular to the bed and pulled up 2/3 of the way towards the headboard so that your feet land on the rug when getting out of bed. This almost always requires an 8 x 10.


    When it comes to rugs, bigger is usually better. What you don't want to do is place lots of small ones around the room like stepping stones.


    Use their colors as either jumping-off points to build your color scheme or choose a solid to settle down a busy color scheme.


    I had a decorating business for many years, and rugs were one of my favorite components in a room. Nothing creates coziness and harmony like a good rug. Materials-wise, a good nylon will last, not pill, be soft, and not stretch out. Wool is soft and luxurious (great for bedrooms) but stretches (do not use in a dining room); olefin/polypropeline is made from recycled plastics and "stuff", has a cheaper appearance and will crush down under heavy furniture and in pathways such as hallways, but resists stain; nylon + wool blends are the best overall IMO, but if you have pets and kids, I would go for a good nylon and skip the wool. In carpet, you get what you pay for.

  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Sep 09, 2019

    You want a rug big enough that at least 2 legs of each piece of furniture sit on it. Too small rugs look bad.

    Pick a material that matches your lifestyle - if you have pets or kids, something easy to clean.

    Is your room neutral? Could be a way to bring in pattern. If you have a colorful busy room, go neutral for a rug.