Rug Roundup: How to Select the Best Rug & Secure it Down
This post is sponsored by Walmart, but as always, all opinions are 100% my own. Purchases made through affiliate links in this Rug Roundup post give a small percentage commission to Honey Built Home at no extra cost to you.
I’ve always been a firm believer that a rug paired with a rug pad is what really ties a space together. A room full of furniture is just that -a room full of furniture. Once you add a rug, that’s always when it feels like the room is complete and can even take a small space and make the room look larger! And be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post where I share my FAVORITE trick is keeping your rug in place once you have the perfect one!
Finding the Perfect New Rug:
When choosing a rug, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Where is the rug going to be? If it’s a bedroom rug, you want one that will be soft on your bare feet as you get in and out of bed. Bedrooms are one place where you can select your preference in pile height. A shaggy long pile rug would feel super luxurious and soft on your feet, but a short pile rug would also feel clean and cozy. In an office or high-traffic areas like a hallway, a high-pile rug would not be a good idea because the wheels of your chair can get caught around the fibers, and same with a dining room where food or spills would be more challenging to clean with a high-pile rug.
My rug recommendations based on rooms
The best material for a rug is going to depend on where the rug is, and what kind of traffic is the rug receiving?
High-pile rugs work in: Bedrooms, living rooms.
Low-pile rugs work in any room – office, living rooms, dining area, bedrooms,
Synthetic rugs also work in any room, and I prefer them as runner rugs or large room area rugs.
Wool rugs or natural fibers are great in living rooms or layered with another smaller rug. This allows you to create some depth and texture in a room and also get the right size rug.
Also some outdoor rugs work amazing under a dining room table because they are easy to clean.
How to pick the right rug size
Most rugs come in standard sizes, but picking the right now can sometimes be tricky but this is my sure fire way to find the best size rug to make your space feel cozy! If the rug is too small for the room, it’s like the room is wearing too small of pants and the ankles are out and dancing. A good rule of thumb is pick a rug where all the furniture legs can comfortably sit on the rug and there’s room to walk around each of the furniture pieces. Bigger is usually better.
In our living room graphic, both the 10×14, 9×12 and 8×10 seating area that work following the rule of having the furniture legs (at least the front two legs of your sofa) on the rug. The 5×8 is too small for the sofa.
For the bedroom, rug sizes will vary based on the SIZE of the entire ROOM! You can see how rugs fit under each bed, but the rug will only look to scale based if it’s sized to the room.
My go to for a typical bedroom is a 6×9 or 8×10 rug under any sized bed. If the room is larger, go with a 9×12.
For a dining room, you want to have the table’s legs on the rug with the front two legs of each chair also on the rug.
Area Rug Size Guide
To determine the right size rug, you can measure the room’s perimeter and subtract 5–18 inches from each side. If you’re a visual person, then another option is to use painter’s tape to outline the rug’s dimensions in its ideal location and then measure the perimeter. For living rooms, common sizes include 6′ x 9′ for smaller spaces and 8′ x 10′ or 9′ x 12′ for larger areas. In general, it’s better to choose a rug that’s too big than one that’s too small.
When deciding the style/color of rug I want, I look at the color scheme for the space. Subtle pattern rugs often have multiple colors allowing you to pair it to create a cohesive look much easier than a 1 or 2 color rug.
Here are some of my current favorites that would be great options for any space:
Top Favorites from Walmart:
1. Better Homes & Gardens Geo Medallion Washable Non-Skid Area Rug – This rug barely need an explanation on why it’s a favorite. We chose it for my friend, Jess’ dining room refresh and it’s been so durable for a dining room!
2. Nourison Astra Machine Washable Persian Light Blue Area Rug – This pattern would be so beautiful in a little girl’s nursery or even a playroom. It’s the perfect amount of subtle and bold at the same time!
3. Better Homes & Gardens Persian Blooms Ivory Faux Fur Indoor Area Rug – Florals are IN! If you haven’t seen a pattern, the floral prints are all of the rave in interior design right now.
4. My Texas House Harper By Orian Natural High Low Outdoor Rug – This is a very unique pattern/pile. With the high low pattern, this indoor/outdoor rug is perfect for any space. While I personally don’t trust myself with a white outdoor rug, this would be a beautiful addition to any bedroom.
5. Nourison Astra Machine Washable Persian Blue/Ivory – Blue and beautiful! This is a low pile, washable rug that is beautifully designed.
6. nuLOOM Mia Machine Washable Geometric Medallion Area Rug – Washable, Neutral option!
7. Nourison Positano Indoor/Outdoor Charcoal This is a rug I’ve chosen for many projects. It was one of the final contendors in my friend Jess’ kitchen, but opted for something less bold.
8. Better Homes and Gardens Blue Floral – This floral print is much different than anything I’ve ever seen. It’s a very elegant and timeless option.
9. Mainstays Grey Medallion Non-Skid Indoor Accent Rug with Fringe – One word. Fringe! *insert heart eyes*
10. Better Homes & Gardens Persian Blooms Runner Washable Non-Skid Area Rug, Brown – Every kitchen needs a runner, and Walmart absolutely has one you will love!
click on the image to shop
Securing Rugs to LVP:
My secret to keeping my rugs down on LVP is this magic Carpet Tape. I was skeptical on it’s durability, but it holds SO well. It’s worked perfect for keeping large area rugs in place, and also helps prevent mats and runners from sliding around the floor.
The Carpet Tape is applied to the bottom of any rug or mat you’re trying to secure. You don’t need much. 3-4″ has always been plenty for my runners. The tape is sticky on one side initially, so place that side onto the rug, and press firmly to apply. Then you’ll remove the sticker backing, lay the rug flat and press down firmly to secure.
I’ve used this on both LVP and Engineered Hardwood and have never had it cause any damage. With that said, I still recommend you do a test spot in an inconspicuous space to ensure your floors will be fine, as well.
Securing Rugs to Carpet:
This is one trick I wish I would’ve known sooner. There is nothing worse than your rug shifting, getting rolls in it, and then tripping you when you’re walking through the room. The trick is simple, but works WONDERS!
To secure the rugs to your carpet, you need two things. Screws & a drill. Yep, you heard that right–we are screwing the rug into your subfloor. The great thing with this trick won’t damage your carpet. 4 small screw holes at each corner, and your rug is not moving out of place!
Here are the simple steps:
1 – Lay your rug where you want it to be secured
2 – Pull it out flat
3 – Insert screws into all four corners
4 – DONE! No more tripping!
click on the image to shop
click on the image to shop
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How to Install a Runner Without Power Tools
Walmart Spring Decor Refresh
