Once you’ve made the decision to add a custom area rug to your living space, you may think the hard part is over. But think again: the challenge comes in choosing the perfect style, type, and size to complement that particular room. There are many factors to take into consideration, such as the overall style of the room, the size and scale of the room, and the function of the room.

Having a professional who is well-versed in area rugs in Marin County is important, but here are some tips to think about as you start your journey.

Think About Size

Choosing an area rug for your space is a lot like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. A rug that’s too small for the room will result in an unfinished, dwarfed view of the space that can actually create a floating effect that distracts from the overall design. A rug that’s too large will give the room a tight, overstuffed, and cramped appearance. You need a size that’s just right to complement the room and add to the décor in a positive light.

You can ensure a just-right fit by using the measurements of the room to guide you in selecting the best custom size rug.

In general, you want to pick a rug that’s two feet shorter than the shortest wall in the room.  For example, go with a 3’x5’ accent rug for a 5’x7’ room, an 8’x10’ rug for a 10’x12’ room, and a 5’x 8’ rug for a 7’x10′.

If this sounds confusing to you, let’s put it another way. The rug should fit completely or partially under all major pieces of furniture within the room. If you have a smaller area rug, place it at least halfway underneath the sofa, bed, or armchair for a cozier floor plan. You can even layer a small area rug on a larger rug for a more textured look.

You’ll also want to leave at least a foot of bare floor all along the room’s perimeter. If you have a neutral room, go with a patterned rug. If you have a busy room with patterned upholstery, go with a solid rug or one with a subtle graphic so as to not overpower the room. If you’re putting the rug under a dining room table, make sure the shape of your rug matches the table’s shape for a more unified look.

Consider low pile rugs for dining areas so chairs don’t get caught on the fibers as you move in and out. Consider high pile rugs for bedrooms, which will give you that light and fluffy feel as you get out of bed in the morning.

Be Selective and Mindful in Your Choice

As you may know already, ceilings are considered to be the “fifth wall” in any room, at least from a design standpoint. If that’s true, then your area rug is the sixth wall. Area rugs take up lots of visual real estate in your room, so it’s a good thing that they are available in a multitude of styles, colors, and patterns. You can’t just pick a rug at random and expect it to seamlessly blend into your room.

Be mindful of distinct motifs and color patterns that complement your interior décor. When you think about how much a custom area rug can make or break the space, it becomes even more important to ensure you’re accentuating the aesthetics of the room. For instance, hand-knotted area rugs do well with traditional interiors, while Moroccan lattice rugs do well with Bohemian or modern designs. You can even go with a geometric block pattern for a mid-century modern appearance.

Consider Function

You may not realize it, but every room in your house has a distinct function and rhythm, as well as differing levels of foot traffic. You have to take all of these things into account before choosing custom Oriental rugs. If you have a busy household with lots of kids and pets, you will want to choose a durable, heavy-duty area rug that can take daily abuse of muddy paws and sticky fingers. Likewise, you will want a rug that has busier colors and patterns which are better at hiding stains and crumbs.

Machine washable, performance fabric area rugs, indoor-outdoor designs, and natural rugs of seagrass, for example, are good for high-traffic areas and are more affordable options. If you have more of a high-end taste with little foot traffic, choose from rugs with high piles or rugs that are woven from silk viscose.

Choose the Perfect Area Rug With Roja Rugs

Still not sure which rug would complement your space the best? Our experts can provide advice on the best custom area rug collections to fit your style and budget. Just contact us to make your in-store appointment today!