It’s no secret that the perfect area rug provides the finishing touch to any living room. From accenting the space by making it look bigger, to even making a room appear homier or adding an exciting touch, rugs are an essential décor item. Even more, it’s especially important to appropriately style a living room, since people typically spend the majority of their time at home in theirs.
Rug shopping can be intimidating due to the variety of shapes, sizes, colours, fabrics, patterns and more. Here are some top rug styles to help you on your search.
First and foremost, the size and shape of your living room affects what rug will work best for you. If you have a lot of space, a circular rug can be a lovely and unique addition, as it is a shape that is not typically seen in living rooms. Furthermore, a circle rug placed under a coffee table or beneath the legs of a couch can add a playful touch.
For a smaller living room, the traditional rectangular rug can make the space appear bigger. If all the furniture is touching the rug it can really unify the space and make your living room look like a cohesive unit. Play with complimentary colours as well to ensure all the design elements in your living room go together.
MANDALA
A mandala is a complex, abstract design that forms out of the centre of a circle. A circular rug with this design can add an aesthetically pleasing detail to a minimalistic living room. It is important to note that designs like those look particularly stylish in a living room with neutral furniture. Match complimentary colours from the design in the rug to pillows, drapery or a throw blanket to bring everything together.
SOLID COLOUR
If your living room furniture or wallpaper is patterned, a solid colour rug that is either circular or rectangular is the best option. It is an easy way to tie in other design elements without clashing. In a smaller living room, a large monochromatic rug placed underneath a sofa, coffee table and additional seating will make the space appear larger than it really is.
ANIMAL HIDE
Animal hide rugs are definitely trendy. If you’re looking for a statement piece, this is the best option.
However, if real fur is out of your budget, there are plenty of fantastic faux fur rugs on the market.
Here are some trendy ideas for animal hide rugs:
- Sheepskin: This is a great option to make your living room cozier. They are also a great neutral as they typically come in white, cream, beige or grey shades.
- Cowhide: Pair a cowhide area rug with wooden furniture for a rustic appeal. For an eclectic, modern look, place this rug in a room with glass and metallic accents.
- Zebra skin: This is definitely the boldest out of all the animal hides. It is a daring choice but if your living room has a lot of neutral colours or a black and white theme it can work together nicely.
SHAG
Similar to a sheepskin rug, a shag rug adds warmth to a living room. On a darker wash hardwood floor or with a leather couch, the softness will provide a welcome contrast. Depending on the colour, it can additionally add a vintage flair. Shag rugs were all the rage in the 1960s and 1970s and they are definitely making a comeback. If you collect vintage furniture, a shag rug would be a fantastic choice for your living room. Just keep in mind, shag rugs require special care.
PAISLEY
Another great option if you’re looking for a stylish, vintage appeal is a paisley area rug. If you like to have fun with texture and patterns, you can combine this pattern with velvet or suede furniture. Luckily paisley rugs come in a variety of colours and styles to suit whatever theme you want for your living room.
Also important to consider when rug shopping for your living room is how the space will be used. If you have children or pets, it’s important to consider practicality when purchasing a rug. Dark colours are the best option to avoid footsteps or spills.
However, if you have a pet with lighter fur, it is better to avoid dark colours. Here are some more DOs and DON’Ts to keep in mind while looking for the perfect area rug. If you do happen to get footsteps or pet fur on your rug, give us a call and we will make it look brand new.
Lastly, remember to have fun on your search and do not be afraid to take risks – the right rug can transform a room and add a new life to the space.
