When furnishing a modern home, never overlook the style power of a great area rug. For some modern buyers, the mention of area rugs drums up images of traditional Turkish styles, but rest assured there are plenty of contemporary options available that will coordinate seamlessly with your modern furniture picks. An area rug has both functional and aesthetic benefits. They can help to muffle sound, warm up your floors on colder days, make any space more comfortable, and bring serious style to a room. No matter the shape and style of modern area rug that catches your eye, you can learn everything you need to know about purchasing your next rug from our comprehensive buying guide. We’ll cover everything from materials to pile height, so you can make the best informed choice.
Rug Weave
A major factor to consider when shopping for rugs is the weave. You’ll want to be sure to check out the weave specifications in the product description for any rug you’re buying online, so you can get a better idea of how the rug will look and feel when it arrives at your home. There are a few different weave types that are popular in modern interior design, and you can pick the one that most appeals to your personal sense of style and way of living. Hand knotted rugs are considered one of the most high end and luxury styles of rug. Since they are crafted by hand, they are very labor intensive to make and can be costly. However, the quality of these rugs and heirloom quality can be tough to beat, making them a worthy investment to some people. A more inexpensive alternative to hand knotted rugs is machine knotted ones, which can bring the same aesthetic quality to your home at a more accessible price point. Knotted rugs are generally crafted from wool, jute, cotton, or other natural materials and they typically pair best with a modern aesthetic that leans into Scandinavian or organic elements. Other hand crafted styles popular in modern design include hand tufted and hand knotted designs. Tufted rugs can also be made by machines, and feature a lower pile height and flatter surface compared to their knotted counterparts. Hooked rugs are durable, bring serious texture to your space, and have a looped look for an extra cozy look and feel. If you prefer a low profile rug that’s easy to clean and won’t collect dust and dirt as quickly, a flat weave rug might be the perfect choice. This style of rug doesn’t require any knots to create the rug, and they can last for up to twenty years, making flat weave rugs a great long term investment.
Rug Size
If a rug looks out of place in a room, it probably has little to do with the color or pattern of the rug and much more to do with the size and shape of the rug. Choosing an area rug that isn’t too big or too small is tricky and will require you to take some measurements, but it’s paramount to ensuring your rug complements your furniture and overall aesthetic, and doesn’t take away from it. As a general rule, you want to keep at least six inches to a foot of space between the edge of your area rug and the wall to keep your space from looking boxed in or cramped. Next, look at the overall dimensions of your furniture arrangement in each room. In the living room, all furniture in the main arrangement should be either partially or completely on the rug for an elevated look that’s well pulled together. If only the coffee table is on the rug, your rug is too small. If all furniture is completely on the rug, you don’t want the rug to extend much more than a foot beyond the perimeter of the furniture arrangement. In the dining room, it’s best practice to choose a rug that mirrors the size and shape of your dining table. Round tables pair best with a round rug, and rectangle dining tables look best with a modern rectangular area rug. Choose a rug that’s large enough that the table and all dining chairs are completely on the rug, even when the chairs are pulled out. In the bedroom, queen beds pair perfectly with rugs that are 8x10”, and king sized beds look right at home with 9x12’ rugs. You can play around with the size depending on the dimensions of your bedroom, the size of your nightstands, and your personal style preferences.
Rug Materials
A modern area rug is only as good as the material it’s made from, and you want to consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing the materials for your area rugs. The textile fibers will affect everything from the softness, texture, and durability of your rug, and you want to make an informed choice.
Natural Materials
Natural fibers are popular for both indoor and outdoor applications since they are environmentally friendly, generally relatively inexpensive, durable, and totally contemporary. Some of the most popular natural materials include jute, hemp, sisal, seagrass, and bamboo. These materials and fibers commonly show up in the form of organic, tan woven rugs that will complement almost any modern aesthetic. Cotton and wool rugs are also popular, and prized as a softer, more cozy alternative to other natural fibers. Certain high end rug manufacturers construct their wares from silk, which is both beautiful and expensive. Silk is an extremely strong fiber that comes with a luxurious feel, natural sheen, and soft texture. It’s also hypoallergenic, resistant to tearing, and mold resistant.
Synthetic Material
While many people prize the integrity and look of natural materials, synthetic fibers can be just as stunning with added manufactured benefits that give them an edge. Synthetic materials are especially popular when it comes to finding a rug for your outdoor living space, to ensure it will be resistant to damage from the natural elements, like rain, salt air, and fading from the sun. These materials are modeled to mimic the look and feeling of the most popular natural materials, usually at a more accessible price point. Polypropylene is considered an alternative to wool, and can be a more suitable option in highly trafficked spaces because it is highly durable. Nylon is typically considered the gold standard synthetic rug material, and it’s super simple to upkeep and clean. Acrylic mimics the look and stunning natural sheen of silk at a lower price point. Polyester brings a soft high end feel without the cost, and is ideal when dying the rug bright colors and patterns.
Rug Care
The best way to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking its best is through proper care and maintenance. No matter what material of rug you choose, the manufacturer will probably provide specific instructions for how best to care for the rug, and you want to ensure you stick to a regular maintenance schedule to show off your area rugs at their best. Most rugs should be vacuumed regularly, around once a week, to remove the normal build up and collection of dust and debris. If you opt for a looped or braided rug you will want to vacuum at the highest setting and consider removing the beater bar to penetrate into the rug’s thick fibers. Shag rugs have the longest piles and can be difficult to clean so you may consider beating these rugs outside and using a handheld vacuum attachment for best cleaning results. Some modern rugs are even machine washable for easy maintenance and care. These rugs are an ideal option in homes with pets or kids. If you spill or stain your rug, follow all the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and consider hiring a professional rug cleaner.
