Area rugs are one of those room accessories where a little bit of research before purchasing goes a long way. It’s especially important to choose wisely if you’re purchasing a vintage rug, since the majority of these are non-returnable.
We’ll just go out and say it: Your living room will look better with no area rug than with a poorly chosen one. To help you choose and decorate around an area rug with confidence, we asked two designers to share some faux pas to avoid.
Incorrect Sizing Is the Biggest Pitfall to Avoid
We interviewed two designers for this story, and they both said the biggest area rug mistake they run into most often is a matter of incorrect sizing.
“The number one mistake I see people make when selecting an area rug is going too small,” interior designer Andrea Sinkin says. “It looks like you have this tiny island floating in the middle of an ocean.”
She suggests going as big as you can with the rug, but ensure there are at least 6 inches between the edge of the rug and the wall on all four sides.
“An area rug should be big enough so that at least the front legs of the sectional, sofa, or chairs can be placed on the rug,” adds interior designer Yvonne Harty. “The right size rug grounds the room and instantly makes a statement.”
Sliding Rugs With Curled Edges Are a Dangerous Eyesore
Rugs that don’t stay put in a room not only end up crooked half the time, but they are also a tripping hazard. The same goes for rugs with edges that curl up.
Sinkin has a little hack that can instantly solve both these problems. She likes adding a dab of hot glue to the corners of a rug.
“You just need a little dollop of glue and the rug will be safe, steady, and a non-tripping hazard,” she says.
If you’re hesitant to apply hot glue to your floor, there are other methods for getting an area rug to flatten and stay put.
Material Choice Matters
One of Harty’s biggest design pet peeves is when she sees someone miss the mark on rug material. Certain rug materials may save you money in the short term, but show wear quickly.
“Stay away from viscose in high-traffic areas, especially if you have pets or small children,” she says. “It stains easily and shows wear. Wool or performance blends that feel soft are perfect for a family home.”
Avoid Too Much Pattern
Rugs are a great avenue for introducing pattern to a space via geometric prints and floral motifs.
However, Sinkin warns that not every room needs more pattern. If your living room already contains patterned wallpaper, drapes, or upholstery, a solid-colored area rug can offer a place for your eyes to rest. A little pattern mixing and layering is a good thing, but do it sparingly.