Rugs are well-loved for their ability to serve both aesthetic and practical functions. They can be the focal point in a room and add personality to it, which also allows them to set the theme for the whole interior design of your room or home. At the same time, they can be used to divide living room spaces and serve as an anchor for your furniture. However you want to use them, decorating your home with rugs is always a great idea.
Aside from serving multiple purposes, they also come in different kinds and types. Basic rug styles can be enumerated to three types: traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Each has something unique to offer and are beautiful in their own way. This article seeks to define each rug style and how you can make the most out of their beauty and construction.
Things to Consider When Choosing Rugs for Your Home
Whatever rug style you choose, there are three basic factors that can determine the way they can affect your room or living room space. Considering them will help you choose the right rug style that will best suit your needs.
Rug Color
The rug’s color is obviously matters, especially if you’re going for a specific design motif for a room. Just the color itself can establish your desired theme and it is usually important not to let the rug clash with its surroundings or you risk making the area look visually cluttered. This stays true to the principle of balance in interior design.
Rug Size
One of the most common errors buyers make is getting the wrong rug size. It may help to check the standard rug sizes first (9’x12’, 8’x10, 6’x9’, and 5’x8’) and see which one is the right fit for your specific living space. Though the rules in rug and room sizing aren’t strict, there are recommended rug sizes for each specific room:
- Living room: 6×9, 8×10, or 9×12
- Bedroom: 5×8, 8×10, or 9×12
- Dining room: 8×10 or 9×12
It helps to first measure your space and decide whether or not you need a custom sized one for your specific living area. For expert advice, you can seek the assistance of interior designers or design experts of established rug stores before making your purchase.
Rug Texture
Quite often, the texture of the rug is overlooked by many first-time rug buyers. What many don’t know is that rug texture can add warmth and contrast to a room when matched with other textures. While its softness complements the hardness of the furniture around it, it doesn’t hurt that it can also add protection for the underside of your furniture—and comfort for your bare feet!
The 3 Basic Rug Styles
Traditional Rugs
Traditional rugs are the most commonly purchased type of area rug. These are hand-knotted rugs woven to create elaborate details and designs. If you’ve seen or heard about rugs that are made in Central Asia with intricate European, Victorian, and oriental Persian patterns, they’re most likely hand-woven traditional rugs. They come in many different sizes but their color scheme commonly includes the colors red, black, maroon, blue, brown, and green, and the usual materials used to make them is wool and silk.
Key Design Benefits
- Provides a vintage touch
- Works well as a centrepiece
- Suits both formal and casual spaces
Contemporary Rugs
Contemporary rugs could be defined as similar to modern art, except it has a more freestyle approach to design and is influenced by current trends and modern art. This type of rug can feature anything from retro designs, striking sharp patterns, broad solid colors, and even abstract, geometric shapes. The elements and styles that go into making these rugs are endless compared to traditional ones.
Key Design Benefits
- Adds softness and warmth to a room
- Works well with modern interior design
- Accents living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms
Transitional Rugs
Transitional rugs are a fusion of traditional and modern rug styles. With a touch of the old and new, this rug style may incorporate designs inspired by traditional patterns and motifs with a mix of more subtle and muted colors. This enables transitional rugs to blend better with more modern interiors despite the presence of intricate Oriental and Persian designs. They’re also the perfect compromise for those who love both old and new design eras.
Key Design Benefits
- Balances coziness with class
- Goes well with natural flooring
- Suitable for nearly all kinds of interiors
Benefits of Using Area Rugs
A lot has been said about the different types of rug styles and their undeniable aesthetic appeal. Over many generations, area rugs have increased their value mainly because of their growing number of uses. If you’re not yet convinced about the usefulness of rugs, here are a few other benefits of having them:
- Served as heating blankets for tribal weavers
- Decreases room noise and echo
- Adds much-needed room warmth during colder seasons
- Provides comfort for feet
- Protects your furniture and flooring from each other
- Keeps furniture in place