Selecting an area rug is one of my favorite aspects of designing a room. It serves as an anchor in the space, weaving together various tones and textures. Funny enough, it is also an area many clients come to me struggling with. Whether its the size, color, or material....they're overwhelmed with choosing a rug. Rightfully so, because those things are huge and not a peace of cake to return once its unwrapped and in your home. Here are some main aspects I consider as an interior designer when choosing an area rug for your Northern Virginia home:
1.Size Matters
The rug will serve the purpose of creating a cohesive space, which means furniture needs to be placed accordingly. This can be accomplished a few ways:
Furniture "Floating" on the Rug
Back Legs Hanging off the Edge
Rug in Front
The size and shape of the room will determine which method will work best for your space and also the rug size needed. At our Initial Meeting, we will review these options and I take measurements to confirm the best rug scenario for your home.
2. All About the Padding
The rug pad can be easily overlooked but its also quite important. What is the purpose of the pad? Cushion only? Non slip? Do you have a robot vacuum that needs to get over it? How high is the pile on the rug itself?
In terms of size, the rug should extend roughly 1-2 inches over the pad. Often times, this means we'll need to cut the rug pad to fit perfectly.
3. Lifestyle
Do you have children or pets? Are you hoping to have this rug for a long time or is this something you'd like to hold onto for a few years and then replace with something nicer once the kiddos get a bit older?
Throughout the design process, we dive into these lifestyle questions together which allows me to source the perfect rug not only visually, but also in terms of longevity - whatever that means for you personally.
4. Investment
Area rugs can range from $500 - $20,000+. Obviously, the larger the rug, the quicker the price tag goes up. Choosing a custom sized rug or hand knotted rug can also add to the cost. Determining a comfortable investment is key before sourcing a rug for your family.
5. Aesthetic
Finally, the fun part. Taking all those aspects into consideration, I head to my trusted trade vendors and find a few rugs that check all the boxes, as well as fit the aesthetic direction of the project. This include the colors, patterns, and texture of the rug.
Many decisions go into selecting each item for your interior design project - rugs are only one piece of the beautiful puzzle of a space!
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