How To Pick The Perfect Rug

Rugs are an easy (and instant!) way to totally transform your room. Whether you want a solid, textured design or a patterned look, we have four easy steps that will help you determine the perfect rug for your space.

How To Pick The Perfect Rug

Step 1: Find your look

Take a look around your room and determine what your style is – this will help you pick the look of your rug.

  • Textured Rugs

    Textured Rugs

    Textured rugs are a subtle way to give your room some personality. Often they are solid, so it's a great choice if you have bold bedding. Because of their thick texture, rugs are best in areas that don't have a rolling chair, like underneath your bed.

  • Solid & Bordered Rugs

    Solid & Bordered Rugs

    Solid and bordered rugs offer a more tailored look that won't go out of style. If your room is on the smaller side, try a lighter-colored rug to help open up the space.

  • Patterned Rugs

    Patterned Rugs

    If your bedding is neutral, make a big statement with a bright patterned rug. Or, if your bedding is patterned, complement it with a subtly striped rug.

Step 2: Choose Your Material

You'll walk on this rug every day, so you want to make sure the material is just right.

  • Wool

    Wool rugs are long lasting, soft and easy to clean, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.

  • Cotton Chenille

    If you're looking for a supersoft rug, silky cotton chenille is the way to go.

  • Natural Fiber

    An affordable choice that's durable too, natural fiber rugs are perfect for adding a neutral tone to a bold room.

Step 3: Select Your Size

Follow these easy steps when figuring out what size of rug you should put in your room:

  1. Measure your space with a steel measuring tape. Don't rely on "eyeing it"- it's always best to measure, and don't forget to double-check your measurements.

  2. Make sure to consider the location of vents and doors, as they may affect where you place your rug.

  3. For small rooms, leave a strip of eight inches of exposed floor space around the area rug. For larger rooms, try to leave a minimum of 18 inches of exposed floor space.

  4. Remember that you don't have to cover the majority of the floor. You can place a smaller accent rug under your bed or desk.

Step 4: Care For Your Rug

Now that you've found the perfect rug, learn how to care for it to ensure it lasts for years to come.

  1. Place a rug pad between your rug and the floor. It will prevent slippage and act as a buffer to minimize abrasion. It will also extend the rug's life.

  2. Vacuum or shake out your rug regularly. When vacuuming, pass over each area several times from different directions. Avoid high-powered vacuum attachments which can pull threads away from the rug's backing.

  3. Rotate or reposition your rug every six months to avoid repetitive wear and to balance any fading from light.

  4. Blot spills as soon as they occur with a clean, white cloth, working from the outside edge inward to prevent the spill from spreading.