5 Common Area Rug Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Area rugs are often overlooked when designing rooms; however, they have an enormous impact on design and practicality. They can transform the whole feeling of the room, functioning as that extra push to take your room design to the next level. They take up quite the size of the room and visual space than most of the other design elements such as your furniture, throw pillows, or accessories. The process of finding the right rug for your space can be challenging and easy to make mistakes. There are some common mistakes that people make when choosing a new area rug. Keep reading to learn about how to avoid them.

Wrong Size

Finding the perfect size for a room is extremely important. You don't want an area rug too small or too big. If a rug is too large, it will overpower the space, making it feel suffocated and appear smaller. A small area rug can look like it is floating in the room. The most common mistake is selecting a small area rug. It may not appear to be a big deal, but both visually and practically, it can be a disaster. Imagine having only one of the legs of your chair on the rug, creating an uneven surface where you sit. It is essential to have your furniture legs on the rug itself, if possible. People often end up picking small area rugs because of perception and price. A 7 feet long area rug can be seen as absolutely massive, but it may be just right depending on the space. Typically as the size grows, the price goes higher. It is crucial to consider the overall size and layout of the room before purchasing area rugs. 

Selecting the Wrong Material

There is nothing wrong with loving a high-plaid area rug that is cozy. Now imagine it being soaked in water. What a nightmare, isn't it? The appearance of the area rugs isn't the only thing to consider when purchasing one. One of the most important factors to consider is where you place your rug and the materials used for the rug. There are various area rug materials to choose from, such as wool, cotton, polyester, polypropylene, or jute. What type of area rug to buy ultimately depends on the space you're placing them. For example, it is better to use low pile area rugs in high areas such as dining rooms, kitchens, or hallways.

On the other hand, area rugs for bedrooms should be cozy and comfortable, so picking a high-plaid wool area rug is a great idea. Area rugs for the bathroom should be water-resistant since there will definitely be water splashing around and humidity. Area rugs for the kitchen should be easy to clean, and picking polypropylene could be the answer you are seeking. As you can see, the materials used in an area rug are as necessary as the colors and patterns of the rug.

Design Mistakes

Rugs come in various colors, shapes, and patterns, so why settle for an uninspired look? You can keep things interesting with colors or even the area rugs' shapes. Going for a brighter color instead of a neutral tone or picking oval rugs instead of the standard rectangle can elevate your design. 

One of the most common mistakes is trying to match everything. No law forces you to purchase the matching runners for your hallway, right? Matching was a thing back then, but nowadays, the design trends have changed. You should aim to coordinate and pick colors that complement each other. This way, it will be easier to showcase your own style! 

Another common mistake is staying too neutral. For example, you may think beige is the only option that fits the other colors and patterns in the room. In that case, you shouldn't be afraid to add some personality with a bolder hue. But still, you wouldn't want a color that clashes with other elements in the space, like curtains or couches. If you want a bold design, you should avoid neutral grey and cream options and instead go for something with eye-catching floral or geometric patterns.

Not Getting Rug Pads

As the title says, not getting a rug pad is a common mistake. Unless, of course, your rug is on the carpet. A rug pad becomes necessary if you place your area rug on hardwood flooring. Putting a rug pad under your area rug will prevent slipping and thus become safe. By controlling the slips and slides of your rugs, you not only protect your rugs from premature wear and tears. They are essential when runner rugs are used on stairs! Also, from a comfort perspective, a rug pad will add some extra support even if your area rug is soft. You might think that rug pads are extra expenses that add to the cost of the rug you recently purchased, but as you can see, they are for our protection. Also, rug pads are nowhere near as expensive as rugs so you can get protection for yourself and your loved ones at a lower price.

Choosing the Area Rugs Last

Area rugs are often overlooked during the designing process because they are down on the ground, but they are the main component that ties other pieces together. Your furniture, curtains, and other accessories will look much more stylish with the correct type of area rug. It is a common mistake to pick the rugs at the last minute, which can lead to the wrong size and color. Just make sure that when you are in the market for rugs, consider how you want your room to look in the end. If you have already picked all your other pieces and have a color palette in mind, you may have difficulty finding a rug that brings each piece together. It is often easier to get a rug in the early stages of the design process and then pick out other elements. 

Conclusion

As you can see, buying area rugs can be tricky. From design to practicality, there are many things to consider when purchasing one. Planning ahead, deciding on the rug size, and then getting the rest of your furniture is a great way to start. This also means that you will not be surprised with the rug price later. Hopefully, our post helps you make a more informed decision about these lovely pieces. For more information, feel free to check our other blog posts such as; "How to Choose the Right Bedroom Area Rugs", "How to Choose Dining Room Rugs", "How to Choose the Best Materials for Rugs"