Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Area Rug
                     Common Mistakes to Avoid When
Choosing an Area Rug
Selecting the ideal rug may seem straightforward—until you discover that there
are countless variations available! It's simple to wind up with a rug that doesn't 
work because of colour conflicts or sizing errors. You may pick old styles that fit
your home or funky rugs that stand out. But dodging common slip-ups can save
you from buyer's regret. I found out the hard way! The right rugs can change a
room, but what if they are the wrong ones? Let's just say that they have the
ability to ruin your ideal space's décor. So let's discuss the most common rug- 
buying blunders and how to avoid them like a master before you click the "buy 
now" button. Are you ready? Let's get started!
Mistake 1: Choosing the Incorrect Size:
I would most likely have a rug store by now if I had a pound for each time 
someone purchased a rug that was either too small or too large. Selecting the 
incorrect rug size is one of the most frequent mistakes people make.
-A rug too tiny creates a disjointed feeling in your room.
-A large rug might overpower the space.
How to do it correctly:
In living rooms, pick a rug that is big enough for the front legs of your couch and 
chairs to sit on it. In dining areas, the rug should go 60cm past the table edges 
to fit chairs when they are pulled out. And in bedrooms, a big rug under the bed 
that goes past its sides makes it feel like a fancy hotel.
Pro-Tip: Before you buy, use masking tape to mark the rug size on your floor. 
This
lets you see how it will fit in your room.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Maintenance and Materials:
Not all materials are made equally, yet we all adore quirky rugs with striking 
designs and opulent textures. It's a major mistake to purchase a rug just for its 
appearance without taking its usefulness into account.
Things to think about:
-Highly populated areas? Choose strong stuff like wool, jute, or polypropylene 
for the rug.
-A house that welcomes pets? Steer clear of delicate or shaggy rugs that collect
dust and fur.
-A space prone to spills? Your best option is a stain-resistant fibre or a rug that 
can be washed.
For my living room, I once purchased a beautiful white fluffy carpeting, only to
discover that my dog had transformed it into a fur magnet. I've learned my 
lesson!
Pro-Tip: Avoid long-pile or shaggy carpets in favour of short-pile ones if you don't
like having to hoover them frequently.
Mistake 3: Neglecting the Rug Pad:
You know what's enjoyable? A fresh, fashionable rug. What's not enjoyable, do 
you know? A new, fashionable carpeting that keeps slipping everywhere. 
Although it may not be the most thrilling buy, a rug pad is absolutely necessary.
Why a rug pad is necessary:
-Avoids trip hazards and slippage.
-Prevents scratches on your floors.
-Increases comfort and padding.
Pro-Tip: A decent non-slip rug cushion will help keep things in place if your
flooring are tiled or hardwood.
Mistake 4: Selecting the Incorrect Colour or Design:
A big error is thinking, "It looked nice in the store." Whether in a shop or on the 
web, a rug might seem beautiful. But when you get it home, it may not go well 
with your walls, couch, or other room parts.
How to prevent colour catastrophes:
-Keep to a simple color theme—your rug needs to match, not clash with, your 
other room decor.
-If your room is full of busy, patterned furniture, pick a plain or light pattern rug 
to even it out.
-Want to pop? Get cool rugs with bold designs to catch the eye, but make sure
they fit your room's style.
Pro-Tip: Bring cloth samples or room pics with you when you buy a rug. This
helps make sure the colors go well with what you already have.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Rug's Shape:
Although there are many different sizes and forms of rugs, most of us usually 
choose rectangular ones. Although that looks good in a lot of places, occasionally 
a rug with a round, oval, or even irregular shape will look much better.
When to take into account various shapes:
-Round rugs fit well under round eating spots or small, snug spots.
-Runner rugs are great for halls, places to cook, and thin spots.
-Oval rugs ease sharp edges and give a more natural feel.
Pro-Tip: If your room has many straight lines (like square chairs or harsh corners),
think about a round or oval rug. It can mix things up and add some curve.
Mistake 6: Not Considering Texture:
Buying a rug is not only about its looks—it's also about feel. How soft or rough 
it is matters a lot for both ease and looks.
-Want a soft, thick rug? Pick a high-pile one like shag or wool.
-Need a rug that holds up well? Go for flatweave or low-pile rugs. They are easy 
to clean and great for busy spots.
-Want an organic, natural feel? Rugs made of jute or sisal give an earthy, simple 
touch.
Pro-Tip: If you're putting more than one rug on top of each other (it's very cool
these days!), mix up the feels for a look that pops.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Budget and Longevity:
A gorgeous, expensive designer rug might make you fall in love, but is it worth 
it? However, choosing the least expensive alternative may result in you having 
to replace it sooner than you would prefer.
How to shop wisely:
-Spend money on high-traffic areas, such as the living room. Although it may cost 
more up front, a high-quality wool rug will last for many years.
-Avoid places with little traffic. For home offices or guest rooms, a less expensive 
choice is suitable.
-Buy from well-known shops. Trust shops with fair return ways, if you shop rugs 
on the web or in-store.
Pro-Tip: Watch for sales and cuts in price. You can get great, cool rugs for less
money if you time it right.
FAQs:
1. How can I make my rug less likely to slip on hardwood floors?
Cover with a rug pad or non-slip mat. It provides padding, stops the rug from 
slipping, and holds it in place.
2. Can I cover my carpet with an area rug?
Yes! Texture and style are added when a quirky rug is layered over carpet. To 
keep the rug from bunching, just make sure it is secured with furniture or a rug 
pad.
3. How frequently should my rug be cleaned?
Run a vacuum over it at least one time each week to pick up dust and dirt. For a 
deeper clean, look at what the maker says for care—some rugs may be fine with 
steam-cleaning or even a wash.