How to Choose Rugs for Your Living Room

How to Choose Rugs for Your Living Room
Cathy Hobbs
Updated:
A rug can help a room to look finished, and put together.
A rug can help a room to look finished, and put together.

The right rug can pull an entire room together, complementing the décor and design and giving it that polished and put together look.

When choosing an area rug, you'll want to make sure that the rug you decide on is in line with the style of the room. Your rug is essentially a piece of furniture, and will be one of the largest focal points in the space, so be sure to choose colors and designs that complement the overall style of the room.

A rug is also a fast and simple way to update a room. If you’re in the market for a new rug, here are some tips for choosing one that will complete your space.

View: <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/chevron-stripe-indoor-2foutdoor-rug/rugs-drapery/rugs/all/235870">Chevron Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug</a>

Color

Color is a great place to start. If there are a lot of colors and patterns in your room, choosing a neutral or single-shade rug may be your best option. If you’re starting new, you may want to choose your rug first, and then fill in with other accessories after. It’s easier to match throw pillows and other small accessories with your rug, rather than trying to find a rug that coordinates with all of your décor.

View: <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/18416863/Loloi-Rugs-Selma-Shag-White-Transitional-Hand-Woven-Rug-X-656300HW10-ZSMLES-transitional-area-rugs">Loloi Rugs Selma Shag White Transitional Hand Woven Rug</a>

Texture

Look for textures that will complement the rest of the furniture in the room. Contrasting textures often work well together, for example, if you have modern, minimalist furniture, you could balance the look with a fluffy shag rug. Don’t forget about practicalities, for instance if you have pets, you might not want to get a rug that traps animal hair.

View: <a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/rugs-america-tahoe-patch-rug-in-beige/3267677?Keyword=rugs">Rugs America Tahoe Patch 7-Foot 10-Inch x 10-Foot 10-Inch Rug in Beige</a>

Size

When choosing a rug for your living room, a good rule of thumb is to choose a rug that fits the size of the seating area, one that’s at least big enough for the front legs of the furniture to sit on. Make sure it’s not too big though, allow for about two feet between the rug and the walls.

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Top Image: Ballarddesigns.com

Original Post: Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes 

Cathy Hobbs
Cathy Hobbs
Author
5-time Emmy award winning television personality Cathy Hobbs (ASID) is the founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™. Cathy currently hosts her own self-branded design television series, Design Recipes, airing on the top rated “PIX Morning News” on WPIX-TV in New York City. Cathy was a finalist on Season 6 of HGTV's Hit Reality Series "DESIGN STAR and most recently served for a year as the green expert for “The Life Improvement Squad” a national campaign with IKEA and O Magazine.
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