Area Rugs 101:
How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Every Room
The right area rug can completely change how a room feels. Whether you’re looking to add warmth to hardwood floors, define separate spaces in an open floor plan, or simply bring some color and texture into your home, choosing the perfect rug doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
At Caruso’s Floors, we’ve been helping Spokane families find their ideal flooring solutions since 1933, and area rugs are one of our favorite ways to help homeowners put the finishing touches on their spaces. After three generations in the business, we’ve learned that the best rug is one that fits both your lifestyle and your personal style.
Start with Size: Getting the Proportions Right
The biggest mistake we see? Rugs that are too small for the space. A tiny rug floating in the middle of a large room can make everything feel disconnected and awkward.
For living rooms: Your rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of your furniture sit on it. Even better if all four legs of your main seating pieces can fit. A good rule of thumb is to leave 12-18 inches of bare floor around the edges of the room.
For dining rooms: Make sure your rug extends at least 24 inches beyond your table on all sides. This gives you enough space to pull out chairs without catching the edge of the rug.
For bedrooms: In a master bedroom, try placing a large rug so it extends 18-24 inches beyond the sides and foot of your bed. For smaller bedrooms, you can get away with a smaller rug placed just at the foot of the bed.
For entryways: A 3×5 or 4×6 rug usually works well in most entryways, but measure your space first. You want enough room for people to step onto the rug as they enter.
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Fiber for Your Lifestyle
Different rooms have different needs, and the material you choose can make or break your rug’s performance.
High-Traffic Areas
For entryways, hallways, and family rooms where kids and pets spend lots of time, look for durable materials like:
- Wool: Naturally stain-resistant and incredibly durable. Our Karastan wool rugs are particularly good at hiding dirt and wear.
- Polypropylene: Great for outdoor spaces or mudrooms since it’s moisture-resistant and easy to clean.
- Nylon: Excellent for stairs and high-traffic areas because it bounces back well from compression.
Cozy Spaces
For bedrooms and formal living areas where comfort is key:
- Soft wool blends: Our Surya collection offers beautiful wool blends that feel luxurious underfoot.
- Silk accents: Oriental Weavers creates stunning rugs with silk highlights that add shimmer and elegance.
- Bamboo silk: Momeni offers eco-friendly options that are surprisingly soft and durable.
Easy-Care Options
If you’re looking for something that’s practically maintenance-free:
- Machine-washable rugs: Fibreworks specializes in indoor/outdoor rugs that you can literally throw in the washing machine.
- Stain-resistant treatments: Many Capel Rugs come with built-in stain protection that makes cleanup a breeze.
Color and Pattern: Making It Work with Your Space
This is where things get fun, but it’s also where many people get stuck. Here’s how to approach color and pattern without second-guessing yourself.
Start with What You Have
Look around your room. What colors are already there in your furniture, walls, and accessories? Your rug should complement these existing elements, not compete with them.
If your room is mostly neutral: This is your chance to add some personality. A bold pattern or rich color can become the focal point of the room. KAS and Dynamic Rugs both offer stunning statement pieces that can anchor a neutral space.
If you already have lots of color and pattern: Choose a rug that pulls some of those existing colors together. A solid color or simple geometric pattern usually works best.
Consider the Mood You Want
Different patterns and colors create different feelings:
- Traditional patterns like those found in Oriental Weavers collections create a sense of elegance and timelessness
- Geometric patterns from Surya feel modern and energetic
- Solid colors are calming and sophisticated
- Natural textures like those in Fibreworks jute rugs bring in an organic, relaxed vibe
Room-by-Room Recommendations
Living Room
This is usually where you’ll invest in your largest and most important rug. Consider a Karastan wool rug if you want something that will last for decades, or a Dalyn synthetic option if you prefer to change your look more frequently.
Pro tip: If you have hardwood floors, a rug pad is essential. It prevents slipping and protects both your rug and your floors.
Dining Room
Spills happen, so choose accordingly. Capel Rugs offers many dining room-appropriate options that can handle the occasional wine spill. Avoid high-pile rugs in dining areas – they make it harder to slide chairs in and out.
Bedroom
This is where comfort rules. A plush Momeni shag rug beside your bed feels amazing on bare feet first thing in the morning. Just make sure it’s not so thick that it interferes with opening and closing doors.
Kitchen
If you want a rug in your kitchen, stick with flat-weave or low-pile options that are easy to clean. Fibreworks has some great machine-washable options that can handle kitchen duty.
Home Office
A rug can help define your workspace and reduce noise. Dynamic Rugs offers some beautiful options that are professional enough for video calls but comfortable enough for long work days.
Maintenance Made Simple
The best rug is one you’ll actually take care of. Here are some realistic maintenance tips:
Weekly: Vacuum regularly, but check your rug’s care instructions first. Some delicate rugs need gentler treatment.
Monthly: Rotate your rug if possible to ensure even wear, especially in high-traffic areas.
As needed: Address spills immediately. Blot, don’t rub, and use cleaning products appropriate for your rug’s material.
Annually: Consider professional cleaning for valuable rugs, especially wool pieces.
Working with Professionals
Choosing the right area rug involves more than just picking something you like online. Factors like your subfloor, existing furniture, lighting, and daily routines all play a role in finding the perfect match.
At Caruso’s Floors, we work with homeowners throughout the Spokane area to help them find rugs that not only look beautiful but also perform well in their specific situations. We carry trusted brands like Karastan, Surya, Oriental Weavers, Dalyn, KAS, Capel, Fibreworks, Dynamic Rugs, and Momeni because we know they consistently deliver quality and style.
We also understand that seeing a rug in your actual space makes a huge difference. Colors can look completely different under your home’s lighting compared to our showroom, and scale is hard to judge without seeing it in place.
The Bottom Line
The perfect area rug should make your space feel more complete, not more complicated. It should work with your lifestyle, complement your existing decor, and bring you joy every time you see it.
Remember, there’s no such thing as rug perfection – there’s only what works best for you and your family. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of a traditional Oriental Weavers Persian-style rug or the contemporary appeal of a Surya geometric design, the right choice is the one that makes you happy to come home.
Ready to find your perfect area rug? Stop by our Spokane showroom and let our team help you explore options from our trusted brands. With over 90 years of experience helping local families create beautiful, functional spaces, we’re here to make the process as enjoyable as the final result.
Visit Caruso’s Floors in Spokane, Washington, or browse our selection online. Since 1933, we’ve been the Inland Northwest’s trusted flooring experts, and we’d love to help you find the perfect area rug for your home.