Buying an area rug can seem daunting with so many options to choose from. With some knowledge on what to avoid, you can make the process much easier. Here are some key things to keep in mind when rug shopping:
Choosing the Wrong Size
One of the most common mistakes people make is buying a rug that is the wrong size for the space. When determining what size rug you need, make sure to measure the entire floor area where you plan to place the rug. The rug should be large enough that all furniture legs will fit on top of it. Having a rug that is too small will make the room look disjointed.
As a general rule:
| Room | Recommended Rug Size |
| Living room | Rug should extend past sofa and chairs by 18-24 inches on all sides |
| Dining room | Rug should extend past table by 24 inches on all sides and outward from table by 36 inches |
| Bedroom | For areas beside bed, rug should extend 18 inches beyond nightstands. Under bed, extend 24 inches past end of bed. |
Having accurate room measurements and knowing standard furniture sizes will help you choose the right proportions. An oversized rug can also be cut down, but an undersized one cannot be enlarged.
Ignoring Quality and Material
Buying a low quality or poorly constructed area rug means it likely won’t last or wear well. Check that the rug has tightly woven fibers and sturdy backing. It should not have any loose threads or already be shedding. The more handcrafted work on the rug, the higher quality it will be.
Pay attention to the material as well, which affects look, feel, and durability. Natural fiber rugs like wool and silk are generally the most expensive yet most durable options. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are cheaper but still offer durability. Avoid delicate fabrics like cotton or jute which can stain easily.
Not Thinking About Pile Height
The pile of a rug refers to the height and density of the visible fibers. Pile height ranges from flat-woven to plush:
| Pile Height | Best Uses |
| Less than .25 inches | Contemporary/minimalist decor, high-traffic areas |
| .25-.5 inches | Casual/informal spaces |
| .5-1 inch | Medium traffic areas, family rooms |
| Over 1 inch | Bedrooms, formal living rooms |
Consider who will be walking on the rug and how much wear it needs to withstand. Low pile is best for high-traffic zones. Medium pile works well for family rooms. Plush pile provides cushioning but shows footprints and vacuum marks.
Choosing the Wrong Color
While color is largely a matter of personal preference, stick to some basic guidelines:
– Lighter solid colors help small rooms appear larger
– Darker shades can make a bold statement but show dirt easily
– Neutral earth tones are versatile and easy to match decor
– Avoid extremely light rugs which discolor over time
– Complement existing furniture and flooring colors
Remember that the rug will set the color palette for the whole room. Accent colors in artwork or pillows will pop when paired with a neutral rug. Don’t go overboard with loudly patterned rugs competing for attention.
Ignoring the Style of Room
Area rugs come in endless styles, so select one that fits the room’s existing decor. Traditional rooms with elegant furniture call for ornate Persian or Oriental rugs. Rustic cabin retreats look best with Southwestern tribal patterns. Contemporary rooms need a simple solid color or abstract design without any frills.
Consider the rug’s borders too. Fringe or tassels add a casual vibe. Rugs with carved outlines offer definition. Distressed overdyed rugs boost texture. Make sure the rug’s style doesn’t clash with the rest of the room.
Not Thinking About Shedding
Natural fiber rugs like wool will shed loose fibers, especially when new. Synthetic piles like polyester or olefin shed less. To minimize shedding:
– Ask retailers about a rug’s shedding potential
– Consider low-pile indoor/outdoor rugs which won’t release fibers
– Frequently vacuum the rug all over to remove loose fibers
– Avoid cutting the rug which can loosen the weave
– Use rug pad to secure the rug and prevent shifting
With regular vacuuming, shedding will decrease over time. Prepare for some fibers to release, especially with wool, and properly care for the rug.
Forgetting About Slip Resistance
Check that rugs have slip-resistant backing to avoid sliding. This is especially important for high-traffic areas and kid zones. See that rug pads extend to all edges of the rug. Curling corners are also hazardous.
Inspect these safety indicators:
| Location | Slip Indicators |
| Under dining tables | Rug slides around when chairs are pushed in and out |
| Top of stairways | Rug bunches up when walked on |
| Playrooms | Children slip when running on rug |
Install tack strips or double-sided tape under problem edges. Flip rugs over annually to prevent uneven wear in high-traffic pathways.
Forgetting About Rug Pads
Rug pads are essential to anchor rugs in place, prevent sliding, and provide cushioning. They also reduce wear from friction between the rug and floor. Consider these benefits:
| Rug Pad Benefit | Description |
| Grip | Prevents slippage on smooth floors like hardwood or tile |
| Cushioning | Creates soft padding under rugs in high-traffic areas |
| Floor protection | Reduces scratches and wear from rug friction |
| Noise reduction | Muffles noise when walking across rug |
Measure the rug and get a pad in the same size. anchors while retaining cushioning.
Not Planning for Pet Owners and Kids
Pets and kids can be rough on rugs. Look for durable, stain-resistant fabrics able to withstand high activity. Tightly woven low pile rugs hide dirt and are easy to clean. Coated synthetic fibers resist moisture and repel stains.
Avoid delicate materials like silk or jute in pet zones. Natural fibers attract hair and require more frequent vacuuming. Spot clean messes right away to prevent setting. Flip occasionally to evenly distribute wear in kid play areas.
Buying Used Rugs Without Inspection
Used rugs from online resellers or antique shops can seem like great finds but require careful inspection before purchasing:
– Examine overall appearance. Look for stains, tears, missing fringe, or uneven wear indicating damage.
– Bend back corners to check for curling or delamination of backing. Peel-back damage can trip people.
– Run hands over surface to feel for thin worn spots or holes where filling is missing.
– Review country of origin and materials. Unknown origin or fabric means less assurance of quality.
– Check for pests like carpet beetles which can infest natural fibers. Look for small black or white specks in fibers.
– Smell rug for musty odors which can be hard to remove.
Unless a thorough inspection checks out, pass on used rugs of uncertain condition. Quality new rugs will wear better long-term.
Not Preparing the Rug’s Location
Before purchasing and installing a rug, ensure the planned spot is properly prepped:
– Vacuum and mop hard floors to remove dust and debris that could accelerate rug wear.
– For carpet, get a professional deep cleaning first. Embedded dirt will grind into the rug backing over time.
– Fill any uneven spots in the floor. Rugs will not lie flat over bumps or cracks.
– Get padding installed if the floor is hard materials like stone, tile or vinyl. Cushioning helps rugs lie flat and reduces noise.
Take time to address floor flaws and clean thoroughly. This helps rugs last longer and lie smoothly in place.
Conclusion
The wide world of rugs offers endless options when shopping for the perfect size, style and look. Keeping the right considerations in mind will help you avoid regrets down the road. Measure carefully for ideal proportions. Inspect quality and materials to get long-lasting durability. Consider traffic levels and room style for the right pile height and design. Address safety with slip-resistant backing and pads. Check for shedding potential in fibers. Prepare flooring ahead of time. With knowledge of what to avoid, you can feel confident finding an area rug that exceeds expectations.
