The right rug can truly transform a space. When staging your home to sell, think about incorporating a rug to brighten a room with colors and patterns, add a new texture, or soften the surface of a hard floor. Rugs can serve a variety of purposes if you choose the right one…
There are several factors to take into account when shopping for rugs. You can’t just pull any old floor covering off the rack and expect success. From color to material to size to placement, there is a lot to think about. We want you to know that although buying a rug can be an investment, it will be totally worth it if you choose the right one for your space.
Pick the Spot
The first step in rug buying is identifying where the rug will go. It’s a good idea to measure the space and identify whether it is a high-traffic or low-traffic area. The color, materials, and weave of the rug will all depend on these factors.
Select a Color Palette
Floor coverings make a bold statement in a room, so you’ll want to assess how much color is already in a space before you pick out a rug. If a room already has a bold paint color, colorful furniture or accessories, and striking patterns, you may want to go with a single-color or neutral tone to complement the existing look of the space.
On the other hand, if you’re starting from scratch and (re)designing a space, simplify things by picking out your rug first. Find a pattern and color palette you love, and then pick out furniture and accessories to match. This is much easier than doing things the other way around!
Find the Right Material
The material of a rug contributes to both the visual and tactile appeal. Floor coverings provide a great opportunity to pull in a new, bold texture into a space. Everyone wants a rug that feels soft and cushy under bare feet and is easy on the eyes, but not all materials will stay that way in high-traffic areas. Each material has its own feel, style, and durability.
- Wool
- Great in almost any room – soft, long-lasting, resilient, repels stains, easy to clean
- Viscose
- Rayon-like fiber made from wood pulp, mimics softness of wool, adds luster and shine
- Nylon
- Durable, affordable, doesn’t shed
- Jute and Sisal
- Rope-like, sturdy, neutral colors, rugged texture
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Made from recycled polyester, water and shed resistant, some can be reversible
Consider How the Rug is Woven
Not all rugs are constructed the same way. The method in which a rug is woven can add to or detract from the quality, durability, and value of a rug. These are factors you’ll want to consider when identifying which type of floor covering would be best for a space. Some different weaves include the following: shag, tufted, hand-knotted, and flatweave.
For example, a shag rug would be perfect for a bedroom. You roll out of bed and are welcomed by the fluffy, comforting texture. However, the same shag rug wouldn’t be so great in a dining room, as it could be difficult to slide chairs back and forth and the thick fibers would act as perfect crumb catchers. This would not be very easy to clean.
Size and Placement
Finally, you’re ready to decide what size rug you’ll need. Here are a few rules of thumb to go by…
In the dining room, the rug’s size will depend on the size of the table you have. You’ll want 2-3 feet on each side of the table to allow for chairs to be pulled out.
In the living room, the rug should fit the seating area. There should be room for all main couches and chairs to have (at least) the front feet placed on the rug. You also want to keep at least a 1-foot border on all edges of the rug between the floor covering and the wall.
In the bedroom, the rug should fit under at least ⅔ of the bed with a 3-foot border of the rug around the bed. This will allow for enough room to walk on it. Alternative Option: Utilize three smaller, separate runners for the sides and end of the bed instead.
For more staging and selling tips, contact one of our top-notch realtors! You can reach our office at 417-777-3300 or online by clicking here.