Your Area Rug Guide
Area Rugs – Before You Buy
At DeGraaf Interiors, we’ve spent over three decades helping West Michigan families in Grand Rapids and Hudsonville turn their design aspirations into reality. We believe that a well-informed neighbor is a happy customer, and when it comes to area rugs, the "perfect" choice is about a visual you love matching your lifestyle, your climate, and your home’s unique architecture.
Whether you are looking to warm up a hardwood floor during a lake-effect winter or define a space in an open-concept living room, this guide will help you get smart before you lay down your investment.
Why Choose an Area Rug?
An area rug is often the soul of a room. Beyond the immediate style upgrade, rugs offer several functional benefits:
- Versatility - It is much easier to update your décor with a new rug than with permanent hard surfaces.
- Acoustic - Rugs significantly reduce household noise, which is essential for high-ceilinged Grand Rapids homes.
- Comfort - Your favorite area rugs provide a warm, soft spot for your feet, acting as a cozy barrier against cold sub-floors.
What Rug Size Do I Need?
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a rug that is too small. For a cohesive look, keep these DeGraaf Designer rug tips in mind:
- Living Rooms: The best living room rug size will allow at least the front legs of your furniture to sit on the rug to anchor the space.
- Dining Rooms: Ensure a dining room rug is large enough that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out for guests.
- Room Size: Just like wall-to-wall carpet, the size and color of your rug change the perceived size of your room. Lighter rugs can make a cozy Hudsonville cottage feel more expansive.
Which Rug Construction Fits Your Life?
Choosing the right rug construction is about balancing aesthetics with performance.
- High-Traffic Areas: For hallways or entryways prone to Michigan slush and mud, look for high pile rug density and tight rug construction.
- Texture & Shading: Like plush carpets, some cut-pile rugs may show shading or pile reversal. Although this is a natural characteristic, it is something to consider if you prefer a perfectly uniform look.
- Snags & Pets: If you have four-legged family members, be aware that looped rug constructions like Berbers can snag more easily than cut piles.
Do I Need Rug Pads for My Area Rugs?
Just as carpet cushion determines how your carpet feels, a high-quality rug pad is the most important unseen part of your purchase.
- Safety: Prevents your rug from slipping on hardwood or tile.
- Longevity: A good rug pad protects the rug's backing from friction and helps preserve its look against wear and tear.
- Feel: Provides an extra layer of luxury that makes a rug feel "great" rather than just "good".
Area Rug Color & Design Trends
- Neutral Territory: If you like to swap out your pillows and art frequently, a neutral rug is your best friend. Neutral tones also make a home much easier to resell by appealing to a wider range of tastes and preferences.
- Store vs. Home: Remember that lighting matters! A rug may look slightly different in your home's natural light than it does under our showroom LEDs.
How Much Do Rugs Cost?
When budgeting for an area rug, remember to account for the total costs involved:
- The purchase price of the rug itself.
- A quality rug pad.
- Delivery or shipping.
- Future professional cleaning: To maintain the warranty and the beauty of the fibers, factor in periodic professional cleanings depending on your rug construction.
Area Rug Selection & Design Help
Still feeling stumped? Bring us your fabric swatches, paint chips, or even a photo of a tired room you want to revive. Our design team, recognized as Mohawk Retailer of the Year, is ready to help you explore the latest rug textures and area rug trends.
Visit a DeGraaf Interiors showroom for a tour of our expansive selections or contact us today!
