Designer Area Rugs

A rug sets the scale of a room before a single piece of furniture arrives. I look for natural fibers, honest construction and colors that sit quietly beneath the furniture and art. Rug sizing by room. In a living room, choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of every seating piece to rest on it — usually 8 by 10 or 9 by 12 feet. Under a dining table, the rug should extend 24 to 30 inches beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on it when pulled out. Under a king bed, a 9 by 12 rug placed two-thirds down the bed leaves soft footing on both sides. Construction and fiber. Hand-knotted rugs are the most durable and can last generations. Hand-tufted rugs offer a similar look at a shorter lifespan. Wool is resilient, naturally stain-resistant and suits nearly every room; silk and viscose add sheen but are best kept out of high-traffic areas. Jute and sisal bring texture to casual spaces but are less forgiving of spills. Leave a border of floor. In most rooms, leave 12 to 18 inches of floor exposed between the rug and the walls. In smaller rooms, 8 to 10 inches is enough. A rug that is too small is the most common reason a room feels unfinished. Pads and care. A quality felt-and-rubber pad protects floors, prevents slipping and extends a rug's life. Rotate rugs every six to twelve months to even out sun and wear, and have fine rugs professionally cleaned rather than steam-cleaned at home.