A small rug is 5’ by 8’ or smaller. In a large room, that may not seem very big. However, these rugs can make a tremendous impact on the look and feel of that room. How? Keep reading to learn four great tips for styling them.
Determine the Rug’s Function
It’s hard to style a small rug without determining what role that rug plays. Yes, your carpet will play a vital role in your home. Rugs are versatile and can function as decorative pieces while also making your space physically warmer and easier to clean. See what I mean?
- Protect your floors: If you have natural hardwood floors, tile, or other floorings that are easily damaged or difficult to repair, small rugs may help protect them in high-traffic areas.
- Bring warmth to the room: Those same floorings can make rooms feel cold in the winter months. A mix of small rugs in sitting areas can significantly impact perceived temperature.
- Tie rooms together: Similarly styled rugs, even small ones, can help blend the decor of neighboring rooms.
- Define a space: Small rugs can also do the opposite. If you have a small space, like a studio apartment, they can help create defined areas.
- Create a theme: Rugs of any kind can go a long way toward creating an overall theme within a room.
- Add eye-catching accents: Make a bold statement with a pop of color and bring attention to a specific area within the room or away from another one.
Choose the Right Material
Now you can make a more informed decision when choosing the most suitable material. While the list of available rug materials is nearly limitless, the list below includes many of the most common that you’ll see. The material won’t only impact the feel of the carpet but also its appearance.
Most Common Rug Materials:
- Wool: These are among the most popular rugs on the market because they are durable and can last for decades if properly cared for.
- Hemp: Hemp rugs are incredibly durable and resistant to mildew, making them ideal for humid climates, but they may feel coarse.
- Jute: Jute might be the way to go for a plush feel that adds warmth and comfort to a room. These rugs are soft as well as durable.
- Recycled polyester: Made from recycled materials, these rugs dry quickly and are an excellent choice for outdoor rugs that will be exposed to the elements.
- Cotton: Rugs dyed with intricate designs may be made with cotton. It holds dyes well, especially over time, and is a versatile, sustainable material.
- Viscose: Also known as rayon, these rugs offer a “crushed velvet” appearance that is becoming more popular for decorative rugs.
- Mohair: Mohair rugs are often more expensive but may be worth the investment depending on where and how you use the carpet.
Pile Height: Pile height refers to how tall the rug fibers are. High pile carpets will be softer and may help keep a room warmer but can be more challenging to vacuum, while short pile carpets may be more functional in high traffic areas requiring more durability.
Consider the Style
Choosing the style of your small rug is a little more challenging, but you have many choices. Will your new rug complement your existing decor or stand apart from it? What atmosphere is this rug fitting into, and how will your design choices match?
- Color: This is often the first choice. However, don’t feel you can’t go back and change it if you don’t find something you like.
- Pattern: Persian and Moroccan rug patterns are common, but so are geometric and southwestern. Feel free to choose a monochromatic rug with no pattern at all.
- Texture: Monochromatic rugs can stand out because of their unique texture or bold color.
- Shape: Most rugs are indeed square or rectangular, but why not do something different with a round or oval shape if it suits the room?
- Vintage vs. new: Vintage rugs are becoming more popular than ever, although they may be harder to find. Finding shops that specialize in them is harder still.
Don’t Stop There
There are many more different and creative ways to style a small rug in your home for an inventive look that visitors won’t expect. Those who are always one step ahead of interior design trends should try these rug styling alternatives.
- Layer rugs for a fascinating new look: Layering a small rug on top of a larger one creates an entirely new look and one you devise yourself as perfect for your space.
- Turn a floor rug into wall art: Who said rugs had to go on the floor? Tie the same or similar rug design into wall art for matching decor.
- Add a rug to the couch or foot of the bed: Depending on the room you’re designing, you can also tie the floor rug to the bed or sofa by draping a small rug over furniture.
Rugs set the mood in any room, and now that you know these top four tips to style the best small rugs for your home, you can command that mood any way you please. You’re ready to shop for the best small rugs, from an accent by the bed to the wall above the couch.
