Hard Flooring and Area Rugs: The Perfect Match!
Open concept homes have become really popular, and in a lot of these large spaces, we are seeing a trend for super durable, luxury vinyl tile and wood flooring. Both options provide wonderfully cleanable surfaces that add an air of sophistication to your home. But, if you are not careful a large room with hard flooring can feel a little cold and clinical without something fluffy to soften it. One of the best ways to add back some warmth and cosiness is by introducing area rugs.
Area rugs can have a dual purpose and may be used to delineate areas in modern multi-use rooms… creating spaces to work in, relax in and play areas if you have children. This is especially useful when we have our personal, work and school lives all operating out of one space. In a small studio apartment, area rugs can be used to define living and sleeping areas. Using rugs in this way takes away the chaos of a multifunction room and helps provide a sense of calm.
You can brighten up your home and change your look quickly and inexpensively with rugs. They come in a myriad of colour-ways, styles and materials… from sisal through to pure wool. Rugs can transform the way your space is viewed. Use them to your advantage to make a space feel larger or smaller. In general, though, it is best to keep your rugs proportional to the furniture that you place on top of it, be it a bed, table or sofa. Contemporary design thinking also states that your rug size should be based on the dimensions and shape of your room and not just your coffee table! A few inches in the wrong direction can make the difference between the rug pulling a room together or making it feel fragmented. Always go for the largest option if you are undecided, it will be worth the added expense in the end. Opting for a larger rug will fill in the negative space created by more sparse furniture arrangements.
Rugs and runners can be placed to suggest walkways, skillfully leading people through the space… and their softness makes them easy on your feet as well as being a great solution to sound absorption. They are almost a must in flats and apartments with hard flooring as they will prevent noise migration.
We advocate avoiding the traditional floating rug in the centre of the room. Ideally, the rug you choose should be large enough to fit under all four legs of each piece of furniture. If this isn’t possible the front legs of your furniture should be positioned on the rug. Apart from anchoring your furniture, it also helps prevents trips and falls.
Why not play with the idea of layering a smaller rug on top of a larger one or even on top of a carpet to create a fun new textural look… at the same time increasing cushioning? Whatever you decide to do, your overall goal should be to choose a shade and a pattern that harmonizes with your current colour palette. This will help reinforce a more cohesive feel to your room… look towards the other elements of your design scheme for textural inspiration to create maximum interest.
Don’t forget that a well-placed rug is an almost essential accessory to a well-dressed room!
- 20th September 2021