Transforming Your Home With Ease
Sometimes, we get in a funk that leads us to want to make extreme changes. For some people, it's a haircut, and for others, it's an interior design refresh. If you fall into the category of wanting to renew the look of your home, there are some fairly simple ways to go about doing so.
Before you go out and look at paint swatches, a hassle-free option would be swapping out your area rugs! Area rugs are an incredible tool used to bring a room together and create a cozier atmosphere. When choosing a new rug, there are many things you may want to consider first:
Before Buying a New Rug
Now, before you head out and buy a completely new rug, you may want to look into getting your current rug cleaned. Area rug cleanings can not only help an area rug last, but they can also brighten the appearance of your rugs. Sometimes, a simple cleaning can do the trick of transforming the look of your space!
What To Consider When Buying a New Rug
From material to shape, there are tons of factors to consider before signing up for a new area rug. Because these can be an investment, it's important to know what you're looking for ahead of time!
Style
Obviously, personal preference is important when it comes to choosing a new rug. You want something that will match your home's aesthetic while also offering a fresh new take.
You may want to go with a bold floral in a room that has mostly understated pieces, or you may choose a muted color with a fun texture to add some variety.
Shapes are also important to consider. In a very sharp and geometric room, throwing a circular rug in the mix can break up the harshness to add some balance!
Size
When it comes to choosing a size, the math can get tricky. As a general rule, most interior designers recommend getting an area rug that will successfully fit all of your furniture on it.
Measuring your couch or bed frame beforehand can help you make an educated guess about the correct dimensions for your home.
High-Pile vs. Low-Pile
Integrity is important, but some people prefer one style over another. The rug pile has to do with the look and feel of your rug. High-pile tends to cost more and be harder to keep clean, but it offers a softer foot-feel. Low-pile, on the other hand, is more durable and cleans up easily.
If your area rug is going in a room with lots of foot traffic, like the living room, you may want to go with low-pile. Guest rooms make a great space for high-pile because they don't see as much foot traffic but create a cozy feeling.
Cost and Material
Price is definitely a factor when choosing an area rug. There are plenty of inexpensive options out there, but that might mean sacrificing quality and longevity. When choosing an area rug and considering price, it's important to brush up on your knowledge of materials.
There are two main distinctions: natural fibers and synthetic. Natural fibers tend to cost more, and most of them are quite durable. Wool, especially, is a popular choice for area rugs because of its strength and beautiful coloring. Synthetics are growing in popularity because they are more affordable and generally easier to clean.
Happy Hunting!
Now that you know what to look for in an area rug, you're all set! Once you've got your new rug, it's time to start keeping up with cleaning it. Vacuuming every week is recommended, and a professional area rug cleaning every 6-18 months (depending on foot traffic) can help your fibers stay stronger and brighter for years to come!