Carpets are one of the most effective decorative elements. Their main feature is that they dress any room with elegance, but they also transmit a feeling of warmth, insulate thermally and are a solution for delimiting spaces. That is why when choosing a rug, you have to take into account not only its style, colors and pattern, but also the type of fabric, the size – which will depend on its location – and other properties.
The first thing when choosing a rug is to take into account the decoration of the room. Make it coordinate with furniture, upholstery and curtains. There are so many to choose from in the market that choosing one could become a really hard challenge, but you can start answering some questions like: Should I opt for hand-knotted rugs or washable rugs? Or should my rug be warmer or softer, longer or smaller? You get the idea.
If the other textiles are printed, choose a plain one so as not to overload the space –as in the image above–. If plain fabrics predominate, you can continue with the same simple line or choose a flower design or geometric shapes.
If you want to multiply the luminosity, choose a smooth rug in a neutral, light and soft tone, which will help to enhance not only the light but also the spaciousness and warmth.
Another option is the colored ones. And it seems incredible how the color of a rug can transform any room. Warm tones convey comfort and energy, while the so-called “cold” ones, such as blue, green or lilac, make environments more relaxing. Light and neutral colors provide spaciousness to the space, but they get dirtier.
This factor will depend on the use you want to give them and the budget you have. Those woven with natural fibers are more classic and valuable, which is why they are the perfect complement to give an exclusive air to any space.
Cotton: Rugs made of this material are comfortable and functional. They fit perfectly in informal environments and in rooms such as the children’s bedroom, the bathroom or the dressing room. In addition, being so fresh, they are ideal for the summer months. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that its low weight requires that you place a non-slip base underneath.
New materials: Plastic materials such as PVC, polyethylene or vinyl are also a trend. These types of rugs are resistant to stains and moisture, they are great for areas of the house such as the kitchen. They are also one of the best options for outdoor rugs, as they are not damaged by exposure to sun or rain. You can also choose from many colors and shapes.
Natural materials: There are more and more materials that, in addition to decorating, respect the environment. To the traditional esparto grass rugs are added those made with sisal, coconut, jute, bamboo, wood, algae … and even interwoven paper, with very attractive finishes. Their only disadvantage is that they are sensitive to rubbing and therefore less durable.
Wool, warmth underfoot: Wool rugs have become one of the most widely used in interior decoration. They are warm and very decorative. A good example are the oriental rugs, such as the beni ouarain, characterized by their black or brown geometric motifs on a beige or cream background.
The kilim, a world apart. They are the best known oriental rugs, but unlike beni ouarain they are made with either cotton, wool, silk threads or animal hair mixed with wool. Kilim are rugs of oriental origin (the most famous are the Turkish and Persian ones). They are woven flat, without hair, so they are much lighter. The most typical have a geometric design and a very characteristic striking color, where brown and reddish tones are the protagonists. Of course, you have to make sure to place a non-slip mesh on their bottom to prevent them from moving.
Long hair offers a softer surface and conveys a greater feeling of comfort and warmth. However, these rugs become real “dust catchers”, so they need more frequent cleaning, almost daily, and stains are more difficult to remove. If you decide on a shag rug, place it in an infrequently used area that you want to give a cozy feel to, such as a corner of the living room.
The size of the rug is as important or more important than its color or design. In the living area, it should be in proportion to the sofas and protrude a few centimeters on each side. In the dining room, the ideal is that it exceeds the perimeter of the table between 50 and 80 cm on each side, so that all the chairs are located within its limits.
In addition to the living room and dining room, there are more rooms in your home where the presence of a rug is capable of completely changing its image, increasing its warmth and raising its level.
Being an area that generally has less natural light than the rest of the house, a light rug will help make it look less dark. To make it look deeper, place just one. And if it is very long and narrow, combining several will help visually “shorten” it. Play with the shapes to make the whole environment more cheerful.
Who does not like to walk barefoot and feel the sensation of stepping on a soft and warm floor? For this, wool rugs are more pleasant. You can place a large one, which protrudes from the sides and foot of the bed, or two small lateral ones. If the room is large, a third at the foot decorates more and provides warmth.
To maintain a wool rug, it is enough to vacuum it once a week. Of course, clean the stains as soon as possible to prevent them from drying out. When the good weather arrives, store it rolled up in tissue paper and in a vertical position so that it does not deform. Synthetics require more frequent vacuuming but are stainless.
