The Downeast Rug Guide

Incorporating the right rug in your home can enhance the feel of any space, making it feel even more roomy and stylish.

When you’re looking for the right rug, there are a few things to consider. First, consider the dimensions of the room you’d like to place the rug in. The size and shape of the room will determine the size and shape of the rug you’re looking for. Most of the time, if you have a larger room, you’re going to want a large rug as well. But don’t forget about smaller, accent rugs. They are also important for hallways, bathrooms, and entryways. Decide which rug dimensions work for you and your home.

Next, you’ll want to decide on rug construction. A simple understanding of rug fabric, texture, and weave style can help you decide what kind of rug will work best in your home. In most cases, durability is key. Hand tufted, hooked, and power loomed rugs will last 3 to 10 years, while hand knotted and flat weave can last for 20+ years. Make sure you also pick a material that you’ll be able to maintain.

While keeping construction in mind, this is also the best the time to think about what pattern or style you’d like your rug to have. The rug you choose isn’t just a welcome mat that invites guests into your living space, it’s a reflection of your lifestyle and aesthetic. Popular styles include traditional, contemporary, transitional, bohemian, and outdoor.

The last thing to consider is how you’re going to place your furniture on your rug. While you may have an idea of how you’d like to layout your furniture on your new rug, there are some common rules to help you in making the most of your space. For example, make sure you have at least one foot of space between the edge of the walls and the rug. Another rule is for larger rugs is to put the front legs of your furniture on the rug and the back legs on the flooring.

Find more of these helpful hints on furniture layout, get a deeper dive into rug construction, and shop  our hand-picked rug collection on our Choosing a Rug page.