Skip to Content

What is an Area Rug?

As the name suggests, an area rug covers a certain part of a floor, unlike a wall to wall carpet that covers the entire floor of a room. Area rugs are basically used for two purposes; one is décor, and the other is accenting or defining a space.

Area rugs give a wonderful shape and look to an ordinary space by adding warmth, texture, and a splash of color in the case of brightly colored rugs.

Benefits of Area Rugs

Area rugs can unite a space by bringing all its elements together, or divide a room in specific sections. They can even be used just to accent or define a space. With area rugs, it is very easy to achieve the kind of look you want to give your room.

Carpets usually come in solid colors and cost quite a bit. Moreover, changing a wall to wall carpeting is a feat in itself, and a major decision. Area rugs, however, are cheaper to buy, and easy to place, clean, and change. That is certainly not all – these are available in exquisite patterns and colors that make a room warm, comfortable and impressive.

How to Use an Area Rug

There are so many ways to use an area rug. They can be placed directly on the floor, or even on wall to wall carpeting to enhance the look of the floor. Unlike carpets, they can be easily and affordably changed when you are in the mood for a redesign of your space.

Area rugs can even be used as wall hangings to decorate a room (see our in-depth article on how to hang a rug).

Area rugs come in such a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and designs that there is no limit to what you can do with them.

Small area rugs do a perfect job of decorating your entryway while larger rugs act as an anchor for the furniture in your bedroom, living and/or dining room.

By covering up part of a hard floor, area rugs offer a warm and comfortable place to sit on the floor; throw in some large floor cushions and you have yourself a cozy conversational spot. Moreover, such a setting increases the seating of your space so you can host and entertain a larger number of guests.

Materials

There is a variety of materials you can choose from when buying an area rug, ranging from natural fiber such as wool to synthetic fiber such as polypropylene. Each material has its own benefits, so you can pick whatever you feel is best suited for your room.

Shapes and Sizes

The different shapes and sizes of area rugs mean that they can be placed anywhere in the house. Whether it is an empty corner or a well-furnished living room, an area rug adds style and color.

Round area rugs are an excellent choice to make your entryway chic and friendly. Although it is a matter of personal opinion and preference, circular area rugs do give a friendly look as compared to rectangular and square rugs.

Rectangular and square shaped area rugs can be used for an elegant and classy look. They also do an amazing job of filling up large spaces, such as a living room, by bringing together all the furniture.

An area rug adds more than just style to a space, and you cannot go wrong with it. These rugs enhance a room, and make it cozy by significantly reducing noise and accenting spaces.

You might have noticed that there are very limited options out there when it comes to selecting flooring textures, which is why area rugs are such a popular choice. They’re excellent for adding that extra oomph to typical wooden, tiled, or laminate floors.  Colorful rugs are an especially great option for those whose style quotient …

Read More about Colorful Rugs Guide: Styles, Tips and Ideas

Burgundy is a deep red color with a dark purple undertone. This color is actually named after the French Burgundy wine. As such, it presents a sophisticated character that is also transferred to burgundy couches.  A burgundy couch is often also called a dark red, maroon, or scarlet color. It is a bloody red tone …

Read More about Best Rugs That Go With Burgundy Couches

Rugs are one of the major parts of interior styling. Aside from lending personality to the floor space, they’re also used to emulate contrast and accents. Therefore, refreshing them each year is an excellent way of keeping up with the latest trends. If you’re looking for a stylish rug upgrade, then bold colors and patterns …

Read More about Rug Trends 2022: What Area Rugs are in Style?

Picking out the perfect area rug for large rooms requires a bit of a keen eye, and if you’re struggling with the task, here’s a handy guide for you: Typically, a large bedroom is 14’x16’ and bigger. As a thumb rule, it needs to accommodate a king or California king-sized bed of  6’3×6’ and 6’x6’x7’. …

Read More about Area Rug Size for Large Rooms: Bedroom, Living Room & Bathroom

Grey couches and furniture are very versatile. They can be affordable, luxurious, big, or small. These couches can be used in white and bright living rooms and even dark and moody settings.  The best rugs to go with grey couches and furniture are white and light for contemporary and easy decor. Also, you can pair …

Read More about Best Rugs That Go With Grey Couches and Furniture

Finding the perfect rug for a small room can be a challenge, and if you’re struggling with yours then here’s a handy guide for you. The most reasonable small bedroom size is 10’x12’, as anything smaller would be troublesome to even fit a standard bed in. That said, the universal rug size for such rooms …

Read More about Area Rug Size for Small Rooms: Bedroom, Living Room & Office

There is a simple and peaceful feel to white. It is fresh, clean, elegant, and timeless. This color is also very easy to be combined with literally any other shade, especially when it comes to interior design, and in particular couches and rugs.  There are some rug color schemes that when combined with a white …

Read More about Rugs That Go With White Couches & Furniture: Best Designs

Pink and white area rugs are refreshing and sweet, the same as a strawberry milkshake. You can place them in living rooms to add a touch of feminine style and subtle delicacy to the space without making the room feel too cheesy. In addition, pink and white rugs offer a bright new color to a …

Read More about Pink and White Area Rugs: Best Designs and Ideas of 2021