In staging, I like to think of rugs as the cherries atop a delicious, well-crafted banana split. Sure, the banana split is still delicious without the cherries – but the overall look of this iconic yummy dessert is lacking. It’s missing the punch of color and texture we all know and love.
Rugs are an important aesthetic when completing the look of a space. When used properly, rugs define areas (especially in open floor plans), tie pieces together, add excitement (or as I call it, a the right vibe) and warmth (amp up the coziness!).
Extend Rugs Under Furniture
In the living room, the key pieces of furniture should be on the rug… at least under the front legs of the couch or chairs. It kind of ruins the cozy factor if your feet have to hit cold hardwoods when you get up from watching Netflix.
In the dining room, the rug should be large enough for the table and chairs. Here’s a good test for size. You should be able to pull the chairs out from the table and all of the legs should remain on the rug.
Size Does Matter
I know big rugs can come with a big price tag. BUT you’d be better off from a design standpoint not getting a rug at all rather than one that is too small! In a bedroom be sure the rug extends out from under the bed … at least 12 inches for a twin or double bed, and at least 18 inches for a queen or king.
Save your floors: cover high-traffic areas
Putting a rug in heavily trafficked areas can save your floors from scratching if they are wood or from wearing out the carpet. Make sure the rug is secure enough that it does not create a tripping hazard.
Say YES to Color and Pattern
I love the playfulness and fun a rug can bring into the room.
You won’t find this surprising from me but embrace color and pattern. I am particularly fond of the boho style of rugs in a room. I even wrote a whole blog about how to use them the right way.
Rugs have practical uses too
Rugs can also be practical by preventing dining room chairs from scratching the floor, keeping your toes warm from cold bathroom tile, reducing dirt tracked in the house, and even eliminating leg fatigue when standing too long in front of the stove or sink.
An equal amount of spacing around the rug frames the rug and helps to balance out the space.
If you are going to use a rug as a runner in a hallway, make sure it is wide enough for both feet to walk on at the SAME TIME. Otherwise, well, it’s just plain annoying.
Rugs come in a wide assortment of color, textures, patterns, shapes, and styles.
So whether you need one for aesthetic or practical purposes – I guarantee there is a rug out there that meets your exact needs. So take a look around your home, is there a space that could use a rug and be transformed into the cherry atop a delicious banana split?
