How to Choose the Right Area Rug
Smart Tips to Make Your Floor Feel Like Home
Choosing the right area rug isn't just about looks—it’s about how it feels, functions, and supports your lifestyle. Here at Onlinetapijten, we guide customers daily through size, material, and style decisions that make rooms cozier and more beautiful.
Let’s walk you through every key decision—step-by-step.
1. Start with Size — Bigger Is Usually Better
A too-small rug feels awkward. Aim for a rug that grounds your space:
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Living room: rug should at least reach under the front legs of your sofa and chairs
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Dining room: allow 60–70 cm beyond the table so chairs stay on the rug
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Bedroom: place a large rug under bed, extending at least 50 cm around
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Entryway: runners should leave 10–15 cm of floor visible on each side
Tip: Shape matters too—round rugs can soften corners, runners suit hallways, while square or rectangular shapes define spaces.
2. Choose the Right Material for Daily Life
Area rugs do more than look good—they meet real needs:
| Material | Pros | Ideal Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Durable, soft, naturally stain-resistant | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Cotton | Lightweight, often machine-washable | Kids’ rooms, casual areas |
| Polypropylene/PET | Budget-friendly, stain-proof | Dining rooms, kitchens, pets/kids |
| Jute/Sisal | Eco-friendly, textured look | Entryways, layering under base rug |
If pets or kids are around, go for short pile synthetics or washable blends. They’re stylish and practical.
3. Think About Texture & Style
Your rug should complement—not clash—with your decor:
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Tone-on-tone flatweaves suit minimalist, Scandi interiors
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Wool or textured weaves bring warmth to modern spaces
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Patterned rugs (like vintage or geometric) add personality without overwhelming
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Layered rugs let you pair a durable base with a softer textured piece on top
Pro tip: If you’re building a calm space, pick a neutral base rug and layer a patterned accent rug.
4. Placement & Practical Details
How you place a rug matters as much as how it looks:
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Safety first: Always use a non-slip underlay—especially on hard floors or for busy homes
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Furniture legs: In living rooms, at least the front legs should sit on the rug
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Open-plan spaces: Use rugs to zone seating, dining, and working areas
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Lighting test: Rug colors can shift—view them in natural daylight, not just in-store lighting
5. Caring for Your Area Rug
A good rug is an investment—caring for it will keep it looking great:
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Vacuum regularly (without beater bar for delicate finishes)
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Rotate it every 3–6 months to ensure even wear
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Treat spills immediately—blot, don’t rub
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For deeper cleans: machine-wash (check label) or use professional cleaning
Need advice on cleaning your specific rug? Drop by our Willebroek showroom, send us a photo—our team is happy to guide you.
🛋️ See It in Real Life
Size, texture, and colour all change when you see them under your roof and daylight. That’s why we invite you to try before you buy:
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Visit our showroom near Antwerp to feel different rugs and compare styles
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Order samples to test at home
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Get personalised advice on measurements, materials, and style — suited to your home and life
💬 Final Thought
The right area rug ties your room together — giving comfort, function, and personality. With these simple tips on size, material, style, placement, and care, you’ll find one that really fits.
Want help choosing? We’re here—online, by phone, or in our showroom—to help you make the perfect choice for your home.
