Buying Guide - How to Shop for a Bedroom Rug
When you’re shopping for bedroom area rugs, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all of the options. Is one really as good as another? Should you prioritize form over function, or opt for structure over style? Read on for some valuable shopping tips.
Why Buy a Bedroom Area Rug?
There are as many reasons to buy a rug as there are styles and sizes of bedroom rugs. The right rug can transform a drab space, introducing a splash of color to dark rooms and brightening boring hallways with patterns that pop. Fun textures like faux fur or classic elegant patterns can change a room’s mood in minutes.
While there are a host of aesthetic reasons for buying a rug, there are also many practical ones. Dark or patterned rugs absorb wear in high-traffic areas, where they absorb dirt and footprints as they protect floors from damage. Rugs can also hide existing damage to hardwood or linoleum, cover up unsightly carpet stains, and reduce the need to sweep or vacuum an entire surface.
Finally, area rugs can help cut heating costs. Wide, thick rugs offer insulation, placing a warm layer between feet, furniture, and cold floors.
Bedroom Rug Ideas
People have been weaving rugs since the 5th century B.C., and there are as many types of rugs as there are uses for them. They help insulate our living spaces from the cold, muffle loud noises, reduce allergens, and soothe tired feet. Rugs can hide unsightly spots in our home, or call attention to the places we’d like to accent. Whether you want to create a cozy atmosphere or brighten a child’s bedroom with a burst of color, there’s a rug for that!
It’s important to choose the right rug for the right space. How much traffic does your bedroom receive? If you’re planning to place a rug in a high-traffic area such as a doorway or entrance, you may prefer a dark colored, low-pile rug made from tough synthetic fibers.
Low pile is easy to clean, slips effortlessly under doors, and generally shows less wear than other materials. In contrast, fluffy, soft high-pile rugs serve best as cozy accent pieces, warming cold floors in front of beds or windows.
Size is another factor to keep in mind as you shop for bedroom rugs. While some people prefer wall-to-wall floor coverings, large rugs can be expensive to ship and difficult to clean. To achieve a neat, unified look, Architectural Digest suggests choosing a rug that falls anywhere from six to 14 inches from each baseboard. However, some individuals prefer to place smaller rugs or runners around their bed, saving money on square footage.
Finally, be sure that your chosen rug’s color or pattern aligns with your bedroom’s overall aesthetic. While neutral colors tend to look good in almost any space, dark tones can make a room seem smaller and cozier, and busy patterns or textures are great at hiding scuffs and stains.
Loud, bright colors and bold motifs that work well as accent pieces may be overpowering when they’re spread from wall to wall. Not sure if a color or design fits your bedroom? Don’t be afraid to contact companies and request a swatch or sample before you buy — it can save you money in the long run!
What Else Should You Consider When Buying a Bedroom Rug?
Even if you’ve found a rug that fits your style and budget, there are still a few other factors to keep in mind before making that final purchase. For example, shipping prices are certainly something to consider, with large, heavy rugs costing more to ship than smaller, lighter items.
To save on shipping fees and avoid costly returns, compare your rug’s size with that of the area you plan to put it in. Does the rug fit the space correctly? Do you really need a wall-to-wall rug in that particular area, or could you go a size smaller?