You could say that 2020 pulled the rug from under all of us. Well, this year it’s time to put the rug right back where it belongs – on your floor!
It’s no secret that I love rugs. Just like a great pair of shoes tops off an outfit, a great rug can turn a room from Ho-hum to Wow! Plus, they are a fun alternative to carpet, easy to move and change. But there are a few things to remember to get the most impact from them.
6 Tips for Using Rugs in Your Home
1. Be brave, go big
You’ll regret buying a rug that’s too small; it will look like an afterthought. Especially underneath a dining table, the rug needs to be large enough that when the chairs are pulled out, the chair legs remain on the rug. A handy rule of thumb for smaller rooms: the bigger the rug, the bigger the space will appear.
2. Define the space
A common design trend in homes today is open plan living, where previously separated rooms are combined, such as kitchen, living and dining areas. Placing a rug (or rugs) can help define each area within the greater space.
3. Connect the space
A long runner rug can lead your eye through a space. Imagine a hallway – a rug can add warmth and character to a commonly dull space, creating a visual pathway to draw your gaze towards the connecting the doorways.
4. Warm the space
Especially in rooms with a neutral colour palette, a bold or vibrant rug lets you easily bring a splash of warmth inside. And for darker, cooler feeling rooms, a white rug not only warms the space but also serves to brighten the room.
5. Go round
In key areas and entranceways, placing a round rug creates a sense of movement. Maybe that’s why TED talk presenters speak from a circular red rug?
6. Noise Control
If you have exposed timber or tiled floors, placing rugs are a great way to add much-needed noise absorption to the room.