Transforming Your Space with Area Rugs | Tips and Tricks

Sometimes, the missing piece to tie your room together is an area rug. Area rugs are a versatile and impactful design component that can transform the look and feel of any room. Whether you want to make a dramatic statement, enhance your decor, or add a touch of luxury, a well-chosen area rug can do it all.

Area rugs add beauty to your space and provide comfort and warmth. They can help define specific areas within a room, making large spaces feel more intimate and smaller spaces feel cozier. Area rugs can also protect your flooring from damage, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas.

If you’re looking for quality area rugs in Cochrane, Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile has you covered. We specialize in custom-binding wall-to-wall carpet to create area rugs tailored to your space, style, and budget. With hundreds of carpet options to choose from, you can design a one-of-a-kind rug that fits your exact needs.

Factors to Consider When Designing the Right Area Rug

With so many great area rug options to choose from, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, you might end up with a rug that’s the wrong size or not your preferred material.

Size

Choosing the right size rug is crucial. An undersized rug can make your room feel unbalanced, while an oversized one can overpower the space. Aim for a rug that extends under the front legs of all key furniture pieces. This helps define the seating area while leaving some floor exposed.

Material

At Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile, our custom area rugs are chosen from our wall-to-wall carpet samples, either in a high-quality Nylon material with a soft back or Polypropylene that are stain-resistant and easy to clean, making them the perfect match for families with children or pets.

Colour and Pattern

A colourful or patterned rug can transform any room. For a bold look, choose a rug with a vibrant, intricate pattern in tones that complement your existing decor. Neutral, textured rugs also work well for most styles, providing subtle visual interest without overpowering the space.

Pile Height

Pile height refers to a rug’s thickness and softness. Low-pile rugs are firm underfoot and work well in high-traffic spots. The medium pile offers more softness, while the high pile is plush but requires more maintenance. Choose a pile height that balances comfort with practicality for your needs.

Tips for Styling Area Rugs in Each Room

Living Room

• Placement: Ensure the front legs of all furniture pieces are on the rug. If possible, place the entire couch on the rug.
• Size: Common sizes are 8×10 feet or 9×12 feet.
• Style: Choose bold patterns or neutral textures depending on your decor.

Bedroom

• Placement: Push the rug against the wall at the head of the bed, with 18 inches on all sides for nightstands.
• Size: For a twin bed, a 5×8 feet rug; for a queen bed, an 8×10 feet rug; for a king bed, a 9×12 feet rug.
• Material: Opt for softer and more delicate materials like viscose or silk blends.

Dining Room

• Placement: The rug should be large enough to accommodate both the table and chairs, extending three feet beyond the table edges.
• Size: Typically 8×10 feet or 9×12 feet.
• Material: Wool or cotton flatweave rugs are easy to clean and strong.

Kitchen

• Placement: Use runners for narrow spaces and smaller mats in front of the sink.
• Size: Common sizes include 2×3 feet or 3×5 feet.
• Material: Flatweave rugs are durable and comfortable underfoot.

Bathroom

• Placement: Small rugs in front of sinks or shower stalls, runners for double vanities.
• Size: 17×24 inches or 21×34 inches.
• Material: Choose cotton or synthetic rugs for quick drying and moisture resistance.

Modern Living Room Rug Ideas and Inspiration

Statement Rugs

For a dramatic effect, consider an ornate rug with an intricate pattern. Persian-inspired designs or large-scale graphic prints like stripes or geometrics are ideal for making a bold statement.

Solid Colour Rugs

For a minimalistic look, solid-coloured rugs in navy, forest green, or burgundy are versatile and complement most decor styles. They create a cozy, cohesive look that doesn’t compete with other furnishings.

Textured Rugs

Textured rugs, such as shag, woven, or knotted designs, add warmth and dimension. They pair well with leather or upholstered furniture, providing extra coziness, especially when made of natural fibres like wool or cotton.

Area Rug Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Anchor Furniture: Ensure rugs extend under at least the front legs of furniture.
• Protect High-Traffic Areas: Use durable custom rugs to prevent wear and tear on flooring.
• Use Rug Pads: Improve comfort and prevent slipping.
• Leave Space: Aim for equal exposed floor space around the rug –ideally 18 inches, or 8 inches in smaller rooms.

Don’t:

• Go Too Small: Especially in bedrooms or living rooms.
• Place Delicate Rugs in Spill Zones: Keep high-maintenance rugs out of dining areas.
• Underestimate Customization: You don’t have to settle – custom rugs offer tailored
  Solutions.
• Forget Style: Make sure your rug fits your overall aesthetic and lifestyle.

Create Your Custom Area Rug at Riverbend Interiors

At Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile, we don’t carry pre-made rugs, but we do offer custom-bound area rugs made from any of our premium wall-to-wall carpet options. Whether you’re designing a runner for your hallway, a statement piece for your living room, or a cozy bedroom rug, we’ll help you bring your vision to life.

Bring in your design ideas or inspiration photos and explore our wide selection of carpet styles, colours, and textures. Our knowledgeable team will work with you to create a custom area rug that suits your space beautifully – and fits like it was made just for you (because it was).

Visit Riverbend Interiors Floors & Tile in Cochrane to start designing your custom rug today!