Five dos and don’ts for area rugs for family rooms

Never underestimate the power of a rug. A well-chosen area rug can make or break a space, add instant warmth and be completely space changing.

Considering that you spend a significant amount of time in your family room, it has to be comfortable and stylish. Rugs are a great way to bring everything together in a room, including the family room where they play a critical role of being functional whilst adding in a wow factor.
Here are some tips on how to choose area rugs for your family room.

1. Layer it up

Why settle for one when you can have two or three? Layering rugs is a great way to add pattern and texture to your room. Depending on how you layer, it adds an informal and inviting touch to the room.

Always pick a larger rug for the bottom layer. A pretty, neutral is always good to break the textures of multiple area rugs.

2. Use rugs to define zones

If you are dealing with a larger living room, or one that is part of an open-plan space, you can use rugs to create 'zones'. Basically, instead of walls, you throw down a different rug with a different vibe for each space.

Another great idea for open plan living rooms is creating a nook with a large sofa or corner lounge suite, an area rug and a table. Extending rugs under furniture such as the dining table is another easy way to define a space within open plan living rooms.

3. Don’t be afraid of colour and pattern

Do embrace colour and trends. After all, replacing a rug is a great opportunity to freshen up your living space and give it a completely new feel, so don’t be afraid to try some of the new hot colours.

Warm, earthy tones are always big for family rooms. Don’t be shy of adding pops of colour using area rugs too – the effect can be quite stunning. Avoiding black or white rugs is suggested for high-traffic areas like the family rooms, particularly if you have a young family or a pet.

4. Size matters

Don't choose a rug that is too small for the space. In all areas, a bigger rug can be the difference between pulling your space together - or not. Go bigger every time; it will be worth any extra expense. Get started on the right sized rugs for a room with our easy guide

5. Pick a rug based on your room's layout

When choosing an area rug, think about how it's going to work with the layout of your furniture. Or are you going to base the layout of your furniture around the rug? We'd suggest doing the latter as an area rug is a great starting point for coming up with a living room layout.

Wrapping it up …

Area rugs are great alternatives to wall-to-wall carpeting. They're easy to remove and clean and come with lesser commitment – the recipe for success when it comes to high-traffic, high-use areas of your home such as the family room.

Begin your search for area rugs with Rug Direct Our range includes
something for every room style, from traditional to modern. If you’re not sure where to start, call us or visit our store for one-on-one styling tips for the perfect area rug for your family room.