Area Rugs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Style
Area rugs are the ultimate game-changer in any room. They add warmth, style, and a layer of coziness that upgrades your space from functional to fabulous.
Whether you're sprucing up your living room, or adding a pop of color to your bedroom, the right area rug is an essential decor element. From 9x12 area rugs that specify large spaces to washable rugs that stand up to life’s little messes, here’s everything you must know about the perfect area rug for your space and style.
Why Area Rugs Are the Foundation of Great Design?
An area rug has the power to tie a room together and create a complete and balanced vibe. The size, color, and texture of a rug can dictate the mood, add contrast, and even make a room feel larger or cozier.
Consider a 9x12 area rug in a spacious living room to anchor the furniture, or a large area rug to establish a distinct area in an open-plan layout. With such versatility, an area rug becomes a statement piece but also an investment in the comfort and functionality of your home.
Choosing the Right Size for Your Space
When choosing an area rug, size matters—especially for larger rugs for open spaces. For instance:
9x12 Area Rugs
This size is ideal for creating a cohesive seating area in a large living room or dining area. Place the front legs of your sofas and chairs on the rug to create a defined, harmonious space that feels balanced and inviting.
Large Area Rugs
For mainly expansive rooms or open-plan layouts, consider a rug that spans much of the floor. This brings warmth to larger rooms and prevents echoing, adding a cozy feel to high-ceiling or hard-floor areas.
Popular Styles and Designs for Area Rugs
Once you have the size in mind, the next step is selecting a style that resonates with your taste and existing decor. Here’s a breakdown of some popular designs to consider:
1. Vintage Area Rugs: Timeless Character and Charm
Vintage area rugs offer a touch of history and unique beauty to any room. With complicated patterns, faded colors, and often hand-woven craftsmanship, vintage rugs add sophistication and a sense of nostalgia.
A vintage Turkish rug, for example, offers a combination of classic elegance with modern decor, especially when you pair it with clean-lined furniture. These rugs are perfect for adding character to any room and work especially well in traditional, eclectic, or bohemian spaces.
Vintage rugs also offer exceptional color versatility, so you can go bold with jewel tones or choose muted pastels for a softer look. Not only do they look beautiful, but each vintage rug has a story, making it a piece of art underfoot.
2. Blue Area Rugs: Cool Elegance for Modern Spaces
Nothing says modern elegance quite like blue area rugs. From rich navy hues to light, airy shades, blue will help you add a sense of calm and sophistication to any room. To achieve a chic and polished look, pair a blue rug with neutral furnishings and a few metallic accents. Or, for a coastal vibe, combine lighter blue rugs with white or beige decor.
Whether you choose a monochromatic blue rug or a blue and white rug with a geometric or floral pattern, blue tones create a cool, soothing atmosphere. Blue rugs also work well in high-traffic areas since they mask dirt better than lighter colors, making them as practical as they are beautiful.
3. Green Area Rugs: Nature-Inspired Freshness
You can bring a touch of the outdoors inside with a green area rug. Hues of green add a refreshing, vibrant feel to any space and can complement a range of styles. A deep emerald green is perfect for adding drama to a living room, while softer sage or olive tones can bring a tranquil vibe to a bedroom or reading nook.
Green rugs are especially well-suited for rooms that already incorporate natural elements, such as wooden furniture or plenty of indoor plants. Regardless of the accent you choose, a green area rug can make a unique statement and instantly liven up a room.
Material Choices
The material of your area rug influences everything from texture to maintenance. Let’s look at three popular choices and their benefits:
Wool Rugs: Soft, Durable, and Luxurious
A wool rug offers a plush feel underfoot, exceptional durability, and natural stain resistance. Wool’s inherent resilience makes it flawless for busy spaces like the living room or family room. You can find high-quality piece that not only looks and feels luxurious but also stands the test of time.
Plus, wool rugs are incredibly cozy, adding warmth in colder months while remaining breathable during summer.
Wool rugs are highly versatile in terms of design. From vibrant vintage area rugs to minimalistic modern styles, wool can carry a variety of patterns and colors, making it a top choice for those seeking both comfort and style.
Turkish Rugs: Artisanal Craftsmanship and Rich Patterns
For lovers of intricate details and artisanal quality, a Turkish rug is the ultimate choice. Handcrafted using traditional techniques, these rugs feature bright colors and unique patterns that bring an artistic flair to any space. They are usually made from high-quality wool or cotton, adding to their durability and elegance.
Turkish rugs bring an exotic, worldly feel, making them ideal for eclectic interiors or rooms where you want to make a design statement. Whether you choose a traditional red Turkish rug or one in more muted tones, a Turkish rug can be the perfect anchor for your decor.
Washable Rugs: Practical and Stylish for Modern Living
In high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets, washable rugs are a lifesaver. These rugs are made from materials that can handle frequent washing. It allows you to keep your space looking fresh and clean without much hassle.
Washable rugs are available in a myriad of colors and patterns, from understated designs to vibrant motifs. Therefore, it’s easy to find one that suits your aesthetic.
While washable rugs are practical, they don’t compromise on style. Whether it’s a playful pattern for a family room or a sophisticated design for the dining area, these rugs are ideal for busy households.
Styling Tips for Area Rugs: Making Your Room Stand Out
Once you’ve selected the perfect area rug, here are a few styling tips to maximize its impact:
- If you want to add depth to a space, consider layering a smaller, patterned rug over a larger neutral one. This approach works particularly well in living rooms, adding dimension and character.
- For large rugs like a 9x12 area rug, make sure that the front legs of your furniture rest on the rug. This creates a well-defined seating area and makes the room feel cohesive.
- Darker rugs work well in larger rooms, while lighter-colored rugs can make smaller spaces feel bigger and brighter.
Elevate Your Home with the Right Area Rug
Regardless of the look you’re going for, a vintage area rug, the coziness of a wool rug, or the practicality of a washable rug, the right area rug can transform any room. From calming blues to fresh greens, and luxurious Turkish patterns to easy-care washable options, area rugs come in countless styles to fit every aesthetic.
So, embrace the opportunity to play with texture, color, and design. Plus, you can take a look at the vast collection of premium rugs from Kuden Rugs.
With the right area rug, your space will not only look cohesive but feel more inviting and uniquely yours.