Do’s & Don’ts of Area Rugs

As a homeowner, it’s easy to grow tired of your current home decor. If you’re a homeowner that loves to rearrange the furniture and change the paint colors with the seasons, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, certain upgrades can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to change up the look of a room – and it doesn’t cost that much!

Area rugs are a quick and easy way to make a strong, new statement in any room. Deanna Kovach, a Dover, DE interior designer, shares some of the best tips and tricks for incorporating area rugs into your home decor. Here are a few things to consider:

• Consider your lifestyle. Does it feel like your home is always full of hustle and bustle? Those of you with active households will want an area rug that can withstand all of the foot traffic passing over it on a daily basis. Choose an area rug made of wool that features a pattern. This will help to disguise general wear and tear and add visual interest to the space.
• Think about the shape of the space. The shape of the room you want to incorporate an area rug in will play a big part when it comes to choosing the area rug that’s just right. Generally speaking, the shape of the rug should match the shape of the room, but there is some wiggle room to get creative. For instance, if the room features a round coffee table, incorporating a square area rug can help add depth to the room.
• Choose the right size. You don’t want an area rug that’s so large it overwhelms the space. Conversely, you don’t want an area rug that’s so small it looks awkward or misplaced in the room.
  • Living Room: When it comes to the living room, consider all of the furnishings, then decide whether you want the furniture completely on the area rug, the front legs of the furnishings on the area rug, or a single piece of furniture, like the coffee table, on the rug with the rest of the furnishings surrounding it.
  • Dining Room: If you use an area rug in your dining room, regardless of its shape, all of the tables and chairs should sit on top of it. If your dining table extends, ensure that the area rug is large enough to cover the table at it’s largest size.
  • Bedroom:  Your bed is the determining factor here. Find an area rug large enough to sit beneath the bed, extending 18-24 inches beyond the bed frame. You can also center the area rug in your bedroom, leaving the top 1/3 of your bed “hanging over” the rug.
  • Kitchens, Hallways, and Entryways. Long, rectangular runners are ideal for these spaces. If your entryway is large enough, you could consider adding a circular area rug, depending on the shape of the space and the furnishings you have incorporated there.

For more help with decorating or choosing an area rug that’s perfect for your home, contact Deanna Kovach today!