The foundation of any great room lies underfoot. A great rug can set the tone and quite frankly, make or break a room. I’ve spent years – literally – writing about interior design and looking at beautiful rooms, and this is what I’ve learned about choosing area rugs.

Size

The #1 mistake when it comes to choosing area rugs involves size. The majority of people choose rugs that are way too small. Ideally, you want your rug to fit under all the major pieces of furniture (sofas, buffets, beds, etc.). If this isn’t possible make sure that at least the front legs of major pieces fit on the rug. If you don’t, your room will look more cluttered and choppy than it should.

So what do you do if this composition doesn’t work for your space? Layer rugs. Layering rugs on top of each other is a major trend that can solve a whole host of decorating problems. It allows you to play with more color, texture, pattern and size. It’s definitely not for the decorating nervous Nellies, but if you like to have a little fun with your decor, have at it.

Color and Pattern

In my humble opinion, a colorful patterned rug is one of the best ways to add interest and personality to a room. While some people opt for neutral floors and colorful accessories, I think they’re missing a great design opportunity. While neutral rooms can of course be absolutely lovely, I’m always a little bit disappointed to see a plain, beige rug as the foundation for a space.

The other great thing about colorful patterned rugs is that they hide a multitude of sins. Let’s be real here – things spill, dogs track in dirt, and kids, well, they leave sticky marks behind that we don’t even want to think about. A lovely light rug will show each and every blemish, while color and pattern will help hide it. I chose the Kamran and Celestine rugs from Ruggable for my home. They hide a lot!)

Texture

Texture is hugely important when it comes to choosing area rugs, and this is why I used to be hesitant to buy rugs online without first seeing a sample. Some are thicker and nubbier than they appear, while others are sleeker and even a little slippery. However, I adore the convenience of buying online, so I always make sure to inquire about the pile before purchasing. I recently bought two rugs online from Ruggable and I was absolutely thrilled with them.

What about you? When choosing area rugs, what’s at the top of your list?

Photos courtesy of Ruggable – Shop Ruggable and save 10% off with code AFF10!