When you want to add instant flair and character to your bedroom, start with the floor. An area rug can bring a room to life, serve as a great focal point, and enhance warmth and comfort. The area rug is one of the most important accessories for a bedroom. It anchors the room and brings a sense of unity and completion to the space. While there are many factors to consider when choosing an area rug, don’t be floored by the vast selection available.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Area Rug
If budget is your primary concern, your first consideration should be whether to go for a handmade or machine-made rug. Both have their practical advantages. Handmade area rugs are generally of higher quality, with each one being unique. They are made from natural fibers such as wool or silk. Wool, in particular, absorbs color better than synthetics, giving the rug a more natural look. Additionally, natural fibers last longer and can withstand more foot traffic. However, in a bedroom setting, heavy wear probably won’t be a concern. The downside of handmade rugs, of course, is that they can be expensive.
If your budget doesn’t allow for the expense of a handmade rug, machine-made rugs are a good alternative. Many manufacturers produce high-quality rugs using a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Common synthetic fibers include nylon, polyester, and acrylic. These fibers are durable and, for the most part, stain-resistant. Rugs made with a blend of natural fibers like wool or cotton and synthetic materials can offer vivid colors and a luxuriously soft texture. Add affordability to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect rug for your bedroom!
When decorating a bedroom from scratch, the area rug should be your starting point. Consider it a piece of art that can inspire the entire room. If a particular rug catches your eye, take it home and place it in the bedroom to begin your design journey. You can then pull colors from the rug to match your window treatments, bedding, and other accessories. For a clean, open visual appeal, try echoing the background color of the rug on the walls. Use the rug as the bedroom’s focal point, arranging the furniture around it accordingly. Strong patterned rugs, such as those with a central medallion, work well in this context. For a child’s room, a themed rug can be a fun and fitting choice.
Adding a Rug to an Already Decorated Bedroom
If you’re adding a rug to an already decorated room, the rug must complement the existing colors and patterns in the fabrics, furniture, and accessories. In this case, let the room’s decor guide your rug choice. For a cool, casual bedroom, a breezy cotton rug with an all-over pattern would work well. If you’re buying a rug for a child’s room, try tying it into the room’s theme or adding a fun dimension with a contemporary geometric design. When selecting your rug, bring swatches of fabric or paint with you to help you find the perfect match in terms of color, style, pattern, and texture.
An area rug’s color can either complement or contrast with the room’s existing palette. If you’re unsure, consult a color wheel to help determine which colors work best. Avoid trying to match the rug exactly to a single color in the room. Instead, think about how the overall color scheme flows. Do the colors in the rug unify the room’s elements? Contrasting colors can make a bold statement in a bedroom. If you’re having trouble visualizing how the rug will look in the space, consider bringing a picture of your room with you to the store to get a better sense of how the colors will work together.
If there’s already a heavy concentration of pattern in the room, you might opt for a solid rug or one with blocks of different solid colors to break up the space. An animal print rug is always stylish and fits well with both traditional and contemporary interiors. Abstract area rugs also work beautifully in contemporary settings, enhancing the sleek lines of modern furniture. They can even surprise in traditional rooms, where they offer a sophisticated contrast to the more formal elements. Oriental and floral rugs add color and elegance to any bedroom style. When deciding between small or large patterns, let the size of the room guide your choice. A small rug may get lost in a large room, while a large pattern could overwhelm a smaller space.
Rug Shapes and Sizes: What Works Best for Your Bedroom
Shape is another important factor to consider when selecting a rug for the bedroom. Think outside the traditional rectangle—try a round area rug. These rugs look fantastic in front of a bay window or a cozy bedroom sitting area. You can place a round rug in one part of the room and a rectangular one in another, helping to separate the spaces. You can either match the patterns or mix things up, as long as you stay within the same color family and watch the scale of the patterns.
Standard area rug sizes typically range from approximately 4×6 feet to 8×11 feet. Larger rugs can range from around 10×13 feet to 13×16 feet. Choose a size that is proportionate to the room and the furniture, particularly the bed. If the room is spacious, consider placing the rug beside the bed or at the foot of it. Make sure to maintain a sense of balance throughout the room. In smaller bedrooms, avoid overcrowding the space with a rug that’s too large. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a three-foot border between the walls and the rug. And while rugs are typically placed symmetrically, you can experiment with a more dynamic look by positioning the rug diagonally or placing it halfway under the bed, extending out into the room. It’s also okay to use more than one rug in a room. Many rug manufacturers offer sets that work beautifully together in a bedroom.
Don’t Forget the Rug Padding!
When purchasing a rug for your bedroom, don’t overlook the importance of rug padding. Padding keeps the rug firmly in place, reduces noise, and provides additional cushioning underfoot. This is especially important if you’re placing the rug on wood floors. Padding also helps reduce wear on the rug and makes vacuuming easier!
In the end, your choice will come down to personal preferences and style. Think about what you want your bedroom to represent. Consider the area rug as a piece of art—art doesn’t have to be confined to the walls! Remember, the rug you choose will bring warmth, style, and personality to the space, serving as a reflection of your taste and your unique approach to design.
