There are many reasons why area rugs are so popular; from the fact that they are the perfect way to define and add personality to a space, to the assistance they offer with the acoustics and the comfort and warmth addition in a room, the benefits of an area rug extend far beyond style. Either you want to protect your hard floors, bring some colour in a wall to wall carpeted area, or individualise a work from home nook, area rugs will help you do it with style. More than that, one of the great advantage of rugs is that they are easy to maintain. Regular hoovering is a great practice, as well as having your rugs professionally cleaned at least once per year. A carpet cleaning company, will not only restore your carpets’ good look and get rid of stains, but will also remove all the built up of dust, bacteria and allergens, from deep inside your rugs. This will greatly improve your indoor air quality, and it’s highly beneficial for those struggling with allergies or breathing conditions.
In terms of materials, colours or styles, there are so many options available on the market that it might be hard to make a decision. The first think to consider before buying an area rug is the size of the room. For example, in a living room all the furniture should be on top of the rug. If that’s not possible, have the front legs of major upholstered pieces on the rug and the back legs off. However, all the legs of smaller pieces should be on the rug. In the bedrooms, ideally, the rug should be large enough to extend beyond the sides of the bed at least 12 inches for a twin or double bed, and at least 18 inches for queen or king. You can go bigger, but these numbers should be the minimums you want to look for.
Another think to consider before buying a rug, is texture. That’s very important if you are layering a rug over a carpeted area. For example, a thick, luxurious shag rug will bring softness and elegance to a space, if placed over a shot pile or looped carpet. If you are more of a fan of plush carpet, than you should chose a low profile Berber or woven rug to layer on top of it. So the key, is to vary the texture.
No matter where you choose to place an area rug, either a carpeted area or on hard floor, you should always consider the colour of it. Patterns are a great option for plain areas, as they bring new life into a space. If your rug is to be placed in a colourful room, choose one that complements and integrates well in the existing décor.
From back-to-nature beauty to must-have maximalism and playing with patterns, we have put together a list of most popular area rug trends in 2021:
Warm tones and natural materials- earthy, natural colours and authentic designs become more and more popular, as they are boosting a relaxing, and yet luxurious atmosphere that is comfortable and pleasing to the eye at the same time. Unlike other colours, earthy tones could be used in both modern and traditional homes. Do you want to create a harmonious and inviting asthenosphere in your living room? Warm browns, beige, broken white, or soft greys are the options you should choose from!
Vivid colours and bold patterns- not everyone is enthusiastic about this trend, and I’ll have to admit it takes a bit of courage! However, if your space consists mostly of furniture and walls in solid colour, a patterned rug could inject some playfulness and bring the whole area to life. It’s all about finding the right balance! For example, an animal print area rug will bring warmth to a white-washed living space, while a bold geometric print will help you make a big statement in an otherwise plain area.
Rugs in unlikely places-your kitchen may not sound like the right place for a rug, however, it can be a wonderful way to sprinkle in a bit of colour or pattern in a neutral space. Plus, an anti-fatigue rug will add cushion under your feet for those long meal prep hours. Since there is a great risk of stains, you’re better off buying a cheap runner that you can change every now and then without a great impact on your budget. Another option are professional cleaning services. A professional carpet cleaner will help you get reed of those nasty stains and refresh the look of your rug.
Moroccan rugs-a mid-century Moroccan vintage rug is a tribal work featuring volcanic colours. What makes them so popular is their role within Moroccan history. The indigenous people of Morocco craft these masterpieces for practical usage. Most of the rug crafters do not own a formal degree or artistic training of any kind. They use simple forms and design patterns with pronounced degrees of colour contrast. All designs are original and vary from weaver to weaver and artist to artist. The family of a tribe passes these down for generations.
You can find authentic artisanal versions at most high-end furniture stores, but if the price point is too steep, many retailers have created gorgeous (and affordable) replicas.
Kilim rugs- these rugs, originating from Turkey, are widely loved for their eye catching designs. With distinct bold patterns and vivid myriads of colour, they are also used as wall décor, hangings, table covers, bed spreads, furniture coveringsor upholstery. With motifs that range from geometric shapes, animals, plants and symbolisms of natural events or emotions, these rugs are consider real works of art. Antique Kilim rugs are made by tribal women, and each design tells a story or evoke emotions using specific symbols. The design is not limited and follows no strict rules, so it is guaranteed that each piece is unique.
The decision on what type of area rug to buy, should be made taking under consideration your needs, the pre-existing décor and your personality. Don’t opt for a cowhide rug just because you think it looks cool and it is popular! Trends come and go, while an informed and authentic decision will save you time and money.
After you purchased “your dream area rug” make sure you take good care of it, so you can enjoy its good look for many years to come. Is essential to read and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and refrain from using DYI products in the attempt to get reed of dirt or stains. The best things you could do to maintain your rug is to keep it out of direct sunlight, regular hoovering on both sides of it, and occasional professional cleaning. Even with regular home care, professional carpet cleaning is a must to extend the life of your rug and bring out its natural beauty and bright colours.There are many carpet cleaning companies on the market, so a bit of research might save you from hiring a novice. A good way to find out more about a business is to ask around about it, check their Google rating, and read the reviews. You want someone with years’ experience and a lot of knowledge in their area of expertise, such as Happy Clean, which is the best rated carpet cleaner in Dublin.
