How to Choose the Best Rugs for Living Rooms

19 Oct.,2022

 

Modern Luxury Living Room Solid Rabbit Fur Rugs

An area rug can really liven up a room and pull your décor together. But finding the best rugs for living rooms is challenging. Because a rug is such a focal point in a room, read up on some important questions you should ask yourself before selecting your rug of choice.

We’ll guide you through some key considerations to make rug shopping simple and ensure you get the best option for making your home look great to create a comforting aesthetic for both you and your home’s visitors. 

Rug Material

Before you get too deep into designs, color palettes and size, consider the rug material that will work best for your space. 

The most important thing to consider when evaluating rug materials is the amount of traffic in the room where you’re placing the rug. Some areas get more traffic than others.

The best rugs for living rooms are durable rugs. While a living room doesn’t get the kind of traffic that a foyer or hallway get, it is a popular place in a home. You’ll spend tons of time in your living room during get-togethers and for quiet nights at home.

You’ll want to get a rug that withstands heavy traffic while still looking great. Generally, a wool or wool-blend rug is the best material for a living room. 

Wool tends to be stain resistant, which is important since many people eat and drink in their living room while watching television or socializing. While you’ll certainly be careful around your new rug, accidents will still happen. Keeping stain resistance in mind will help you keep the space looking great for many years.

Another factor in selecting rug material is how noisy a room is. A thicker rug with some shag will help dampen noise. Some split-level homes have unique arrangements in what’s below the living room. 

If you have another living space or bedroom below your living room and would like to dampen the sounds of movement in the room, a thicker rug will serve those purposes well. 

Just note that thicker rugs tend to not work as well for high-traffic areas. That’s because dirt and debris can get caught deep in the rug’s fibers and look worn quicker than a thinner rug with less shag.

Home Occupants

Pause for a moment and consider your home’s occupants. If you have anyone in your home with reduced mobility, be sure you select a low-pile rug.

Low-pile rugs reduce tripping hazards in your home. These are great for homes with young children too as they tend to run from place to place without considering tripping hazards or changes in the floor’s surface.

Homes with children are often best to outfit with a cotton rug. These rugs are easier to clean, soft and durable. If you’re really going for serious durability and simple cleaning, consider an indoor/outdoor polypropylene rug.

An indoor/outdoor rug repels water to prevent spills from soaking in. You can wipe off spills with a sponge or rag. And before you start to think that your living room rug will look like it belongs on your patio, rest assured that advances in design have enabled these rugs to still look great in any space.

Once your children grow up, you can always replace the rug with something a bit fancier or with a more intricate design. But while you’re worried about spills or tracking muddy feet indoors, go with the practical living room rug option of an indoor/outdoor rug.