Choosing The Best Living Room Rugs
Searching for the perfect area rug doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. With a little guidance and the right attitude, you can find a rug that's both stylish and functional. The key is to prioritise material, style, and characteristics before committing to a rug purchase from your local rug store.
Evaluating these three elements will help you find a rug that perfectly blends with your unique design vision as well as meets all of your household needs. It's all about finding the balance between aesthetics and practicality - something which can be easily accomplished with the tips in this guide.
With this in mind, consulting an experienced professional or expert is key in ensuring that you choose an optimal option for your unique setting and one that can be properly maintained with professional rug cleaning.
Common Materials Used
When looking for the best living room rug, you'll find that there are many materials to choose from - let's look at some of the most common ones used:
Jute and Sisal
Jute and Sisal are two of the most popular materials available for living room rugs. Not only do these fibres offer great texture, but they are also sustainable natural fibres that are 100% biodegradable. Best of all, jute and sisal come with a neutral, rustic look that can serve as the perfect backdrop for a living room refresh.
Wool
Wool is another fantastic material for living room rugs and other home furnishings. It is inherently soft, yet it offers superb durability - perfect for high-traffic rooms. Not only that, but it's also naturally flame-resistant moisture repellent, and stain resistant.
Cotton
When many people think of cotton, living room rugs may be the first thing that comes to mind. But at its core, cotton is so much more than a soft and attractive rug material. Cotton is incredibly versatile and can be used in just about any industry. Its durability makes it one of the most useful materials out there – living room rug or otherwise.
Acrylic
If you're looking for an amazing living room rug, acrylic is the material to choose from - it is lightweight and easy to maintain, making it the perfect choice for busy households. Acrylic also resists fading and wear, so your living room rug will stay looking vibrant and attractive even with frequent use. Plus, its soft underfoot and its rich colours make it the perfect accent piece.
Synthetics
Synthetics are becoming an ever-popular choice for living room rugs - not only do they come in a variety of colours and patterns, but they are also made from high-grade materials such as polyester, nylon, polypropylene, and olefin that are durable, easy to clean, and hold up against wear and tear.
Hides
Hides provide a distinctive aesthetic and luxurious texture, while also protecting the floor underneath. They don't just come in natural colours. Dyed hides provide extra pops of vibrant colour that can be used as focal points in living rooms.
Viscose
Viscose, a man-made concoction, is the worst choice for living room rugs - not only does it not handle exposure to moisture very well, they are hard to maintain and are structurally very weak. We listed this material since it's common, not because it's practical or a good choice.
Ideal Characteristics of Living Room Rugs
When searching for living room rugs, there are numerous characteristics to consider. First, the size of the rug matters. The living room rug should be large enough to fit at least part of the furniture on top, with enough excess material to soften the space. Patterns and textures can also significantly add character and depth to living rooms. For example, a shag rug with deep hues will bring warmth and cosiness — ideal for relaxed homes.
In comparison, a tightly woven flatweave with angular patterns can seem light and fresh — ideal for modern living rooms. Lastly, living room rugs must be durable enough to withstand everyday foot traffic while maintaining their shape; some materials specifically designed for this purpose include synthetic fibres like olefin or polypropylene. Choosing the right living room rug may take time and effort but personalising this space can make a living area more inviting and inspiring.
Living Room Rug Placements
The placement of living room rugs can have a big impact on the overall feel and look of an area. To ensure your living space looks its best, it is key to consider not only the size and material of the rug but also its location within your space.
The Rug Beneath the Main Table
The living room is the heart of any home and finding the right rug to fit can make all the difference. Having a living room rug underneath furniture will offer sound absorption from everyday living as well as protection against wear and tear from foot traffic in your own living space.
Rug Under the Front Legs of All Furniture
When it comes to living room rugs, one of the most important elements of placement is to ensure that all furniture in the living room has its front legs on the rug - this creates a sense of cohesion and helps to tie together the living room’s various components.
Entire Sitting Area on Top of The Rug
Allowing the entire sitting area to rest on top of a rug brings focus to the rug and instantly ramps up the comfort level in the living space. This approach is also beneficial for creating boundaries between furniture pieces and defining where conversations can take place.
Living Room Rug Styles
From shaggy and soft to geometric and modern, living room rugs provide a lot of variety and can be the perfect accent piece in your living space. For a splash of natural beauty, consider a hand-knotted sheepskin rug. Alternatively, for something simpler and more timeless, add a Tibetan weaved rug made with natural fibres. If you are looking for an easy way to incorporate bright colours, pick up an eye-popping design that features unique patterns or shapes.
Finally, if you're going for a chic minimalist look, consider getting a luxurious faux fur living room rug. Whether you select one large area rug that fits the whole living room or multiple rugs is entirely up to what kind of atmosphere you are trying to create.
In Conclusion
Living room rugs exist to make a space both more beautiful and more comfortable. They can add texture and colour, as well as a cushion for feet for those standing or sitting on the floor. Living room rugs have improved significantly over the years, with technology such as stain-resistant materials making them easier to maintain than ever before. Whether you opt for neutrals or patterns at your local rug store, an area rug will breathe life into your living space so that you can find yourself feeling more at home in your living area every time you walk in.