Decorating with a New Roommate: How to Pick the Perfect Area Rug
July 21, 2022
An area rug is a versatile styling tool, providing color, texture, and warmth to your space. Rugs also offer practical benefits, protecting flooring in high-traffic areas and softening your step in cozy living spaces.
With various rug styles, shapes, colors, and patterns to choose from, selecting a rug with a new roommate can be challenging. However, by considering what size rug you need, the function it will serve, and your styling preferences, you can find the perfect area rug from Rug Goddess for yourself and a new roommate, so you both enjoy your living space and feel at home.
Determine Your Sizing Needs
Establishing what rug size you need for decorating your dorm before looking at rug options can help you and your roommate find the right area rug. Use a tape measure to figure out how much room you have for a rug and what dimensions might work in the space.
Measure the length and width of the space where you plan to put your rug, and determine whether you want it to cover the area or fit inside it. For example, if you are looking for a rug for your living room and the space measures 10’x 13’, you may want a slightly smaller size rug, for instance 7’6” x 9’6” to leave room around the edges, making the space cozier.
Some popular size options for area rugs include:
- 2’ x 3’
- 3’ x 5’
- 7’6” round
- 7’6” x 9’6”
- 8’ x 10’
- 9’ x 12’
Many rugs come in multiple sizes to fit various spaces. For instance, you can get the Kas Harbor 4230 Ocean Stripes Area Rug for your indoor or outdoor space in 2’x3’, 7’6” round, 7’6”x9’6”, 3’3”x5’3”, and 5’x7’6”.
Consider Rug Functionality
When choosing a rug for your dorm room, hallway, kitchen, or patio, it’s essential to consider its functionality. For example, you will want to pick a rug made of durable material if you plan to put it in a high foot traffic area or water-resistant material if you plan to use it in the kitchen.
Natural fibers, like wool, offer compact resistance, meaning they retain their shape even after heavy use. A rug like the Wayside Ivory/Sand Wool Area Rug would work well in high-traffic areas like the living room or hallway of an apartment.
Synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, are also very durable. They are resistant to moisture, stains, and UV rays, so that they can function as indoor or outdoor rugs. A rug like the Momeni Baja Navy Chevron Indoor Outdoor Rug, made of 100% Egyptian polypropylene is an excellent option for most settings.
Natural fibers, including jute or sisal, are usually less expensive than wool or polypropylene but may require more care. However, jute offers an attractive natural aesthetic, complementing a tropical or nautical style kitchen or dining area.
Opt for a neutral jute piece like the Kaleen Colinas Camel Reversible Jute Area Rug made of felted wool or the darker Kaleen Colinas Charcoal Reversible Jute Area Rug for a unique look and optimal functionality.
Specific colors can change the perception of space in a room. For example, bright colors can make a compact room appear more spacious, while others can lend a sense of intimacy to open, cold spaces. A rug’s color can significantly impact your shared living space, especially if it has low ceilings or lacks natural light.
Light or neutral colors, like cream, beige, baby blue, or gray, brighten a room, making it appear more extensive and spacious. If you have a small entryway, living room, or bedroom space, opting for a lighter-colored rug can give you and your roommate a sense of added space and calm.
Excellent options include the Kas Birch Ivory Heather Textured Wool Area Rug with hints of caramel and cream or the Momeni Baja BAJ-02 Blue Indoor Outdoor Area Rug in soft teal.
Dark colors can make a room seem smaller, creating a cozy atmosphere for a living room or bedroom. Dark rugs can also mask specs of dust or debris, making cleaning and maintenance easier. They can also provide warmth to cold tile floors. If you or your roommate have pets or young children, dark colors can be a practical option.
For darker colored rugs, consider the Nourison Home & Garden RS019 Black Area Rug with a black background and floral flourishes or the Kaleen Middleton MID02-25 Red Area Rug in deep crimson with classic floral patterns in gold, white, and blue.
Select the Right Pile Height
When choosing a rug with your roommate, selecting the right pile height is important. Pile height refers to the distance from the rug's base to the tip of the fibers. Rugs typically come in low, medium, or high pile heights that give a different aesthetic and functionality.
High pile rugs, like the
Low pile rugs are sturdy and easy to keep clean. Since they don’t have long fibers, they accumulate very little dust. However, they are not as soft or inviting as fluffier options. This type of rug is best for small, high-foot traffic areas of your home, like entryways or in front of your kitchen sink.
Medium pile rugs offer a middle option with a semi-plush aesthetic. Although they accumulate hair and dust, medium pile options don’t require as much maintenance as high pile rugs. An excellent option is the Kaleen Melange MLG05-28 Yellow Area Rug which is made of 100% hand-tufted wool and has a relatively low pile.
Explore Patterned Rugs
If a room lacks creative flair or energy, a patterned rug can provide an instant injection of personality. Endless pattern options are available, including geometric-style rugs, Moroccan-inspired designs, and intricate Persian-style textiles. For example, the Jaipur Village VBA05 Karter Blue Area Rug uses rich colors and geometric designs to bring warmth and visual interest to any room.
High-end artisanal manufacturers, like Kaleen, produce handcrafted rugs featuring unique designs. Kaleen rugs, like the gorgeous Kaleen Solitaire Pink Bamboo Silk Area Rug or Kaleen Solitaire SOL07-49 Brown Bamboo Area Rug, are a perfect statement piece for a minimalist living room or an energetic entertainment area.
Striped rugs are a popular choice for adding contrast to a cozy living room with rounded furniture. Subtle prints like plaids or herringbones, like on the Kas Gramercy 1611 Blue Heather Herringbone Area Rug, add depth and texture to a study or bedroom.
If your living space is already a little clustered, you might avoid patterned rugs as they can add to the visual noise of the space. Monochromatic textured rugs are often more effective at absorbing energy and establishing a calm, uncluttered area.
Find the Perfect Rug With the Help of a Professional Designer
Sharing design and planning responsibilities with a roommate can create obstacles when buying a rug. If you’re struggling to make progress in finding the perfect area rug, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable rug retailer like Rug Goddess.
A designer from Rug Goddess can view your space and listen to you and your roommate’s ideas before recommending complementary options for your home. By bringing in a professional eye, you can end up with a gorgeous decorative element for your space that matches your personal styles.
Call Today
Rug Goddess is an online provider of high-quality rugs. We offer a virtually unlimited selection of options, including color, shape, size, and brands. If you prefer, we can assist you with any custom-designed rug you may desire.
We offer exceptional prices on any of our rugs, including Persian, Moroccan style, Jute, and any other type of rug you may desire.
Many of our rugs have sample sizes available if you want to try them before you buy. We offer free shipping within the continental United States on orders over $49 for deliveries.
Contact us today and let The Rug Goddess experts help you find and place an order for that perfect rug to complement your home or office decor.