3 Key Things to Consider When Choosing an Area Rug for Your Living Room

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Buying an area rug for your living room is not a task that should be taken lightly. Creating a luxurious and cozy room depends on how the carpet feels and how it blends with the rest of the décor such as the couch, window treatments, and wall color. A rug is also a significant investment, and the last thing you need is to purchase one that will get damaged within a few months. Therefore, as you go shopping, it is worth considering the following factors which will determine the aesthetic value, durability, and comfort of the area rug.

Choose a rug that adds value to the space

The color, pattern, and design of a carpet determine how well it will improve your living room space. Patterned rugs add visual interest in a room and are excellent choices for breaking the monotony of solid colors throughout the living room. If you have a solid sofa and window treatments, consider a patterned area rug with colors within the palette that you have selected for the room. Note that neutrals make the living room feel larger than it is, and they are ideal if you have a small living room.

Have the texture of the carpet in mind during the selection. Texture depends on the material used, and it will determine how comfortable the rug feels when you step on it. There are wool, wool-mix, and manmade carpets.  Wool and wool mix rugs are extremely comfortable and suitable for creating a luxurious space. Manmade carpets are the most practical choice, and they are available in varying colors and patterns.

Choose a suitable underlay

When shopping for area rugs, many people tend to underestimate the importance of a carpet underlay. An underlay will determine the durability and appearance of your carpet after many years of use. The underlay improves the feel of the carpet underfoot, protects it from indentations that are caused by heavy furniture, and provides floor insulation. The underlay also increases the life of the rug. Don't forget to get a quality one for your area rug. There are good materials such as rubber waffle, foam, and felt.

Try before making a purchase

An area rug is not the kind of thing you just buy without knowing how it looks or feels; otherwise, it will be an eyesore in your living room. Take the time to visit a carpet showroom with a variety of rugs in different colors, materials, and textures. Feel each material with your hands and visualize it in your living room. Ask questions about the durability and maintenance requirements or each carpet that catches your eye. Ensure that you are well informed before making the purchase.

Finally, a carpet is only as good as the installation process. Find a qualified designer or contractor to install the underlay and rug so that you don't end up dragging furniture on top of it and damage the fibers.

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6 December 2017

Ian's Interior Design Blog

Welcome! My name is Ian. I have spent the last 6 months working on the interior of my home. After bringing up two kids, my home wasn't looking the best. I just hadn't had the time to carry out any work on it. Not only did the interior of my home look like something from the 1990s, it had also been damaged by my kids. I called in a team of interior design experts and they helped me to redesign the space. I am now really happy with how my home looks. I have written a series of articles which will help you to transform your home.