How to Choose an Area Rug: A Rug Buying Guide

vintage vinyl rug in living space

As a sort of functional artwork for your floor, rugs can completely transform the look and feel of your home. Find out how to choose your dream area rug for your space with the easy tips in our guide.

How to Choose an Area Rug

1. Size

Size matters. Too small of a rug can completely detract from the design and decor of your room, creating a distracting floating appearance. Conversely, too large and your space can feel cramped. Measure your room carefully before making any size decisions. We carry a wide range of sizes from 20”x30” to 120”x175” and offer customizations, so you have options!

2. Style & Color

Rugs are available in tons of different colors and styles, making it especially difficult to make that final decision. In addition to thinking about the styles that match your aesthetic, consider how different colors and styles will work with the textures, tones, and colors of your existing furnishings. Do you want your rug to stand out or blend in? This will guide your rug buying journey.

3. Pattern

Patterns can really bring a room together, or end up being too distracting. You want to create balance with your existing furnishings and color palette of the room. 

4. Material

When learning how to choose an area rug, you can’t forget about rug material – especially if your rug is going in an area with high foot traffic like your foyer. Homes with muddy paw prints and little feet need rugs made to withstand everyday life. Vintage vinyl rugs are kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and easy to clean. No more sticking pet hairs, plus spills can quickly be wiped clean!

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FAQs

How do I determine the right rug size after measuring my space?

How to choose an area rug size varies depending on the room and feeling you want to create in your space, such as making a statement with a large size in a living room. 

Pro tip: Choose a rug size that leaves around 10 to 24 inches of space between the rug’s edges and the room’s walls.

How do I decide the color or pattern I should choose?

Lighter colors and muted prints can often make a smaller space look larger, while darker colors can help define an intimate space. Just remember that the best color/pattern is the one that feels right for your home.

How do I clean my vintage vinyl rug?

Vintage vinyl is quick and easy to clean! Simply wipe it with a damp cloth or use diluted hand soap on a sponge for stubborn spills.

classic stars vinyl runner rug in kitchen

Classic

At a Glance: checkerboard patterns, plaids, and simple shapes like diamonds

Timeless designs that never go out of style, classic rugs work well in any home. These rugs utilize vintage styles and patterns and feature more muted colors. Think subtle or desaturated shades of blue, black, red, and ocher.

person in boots standing on mosaic tile rug

Mosaic

At a Glance: black and white square and hexagonal tile patterns

Inspired by one of the oldest art forms in history, mosaics, the mosaic rug collection features geometric designs that give the appearance of a vintage tiled floor. How to choose an area rug with a mosaic design: these statement-making designs work best in modern, minimalist, and art deco spaces.

sunburst vintage vinyl rug in front of bookshelf

American Folk Art Museum

At a Glance: Designs that mimic textiles like crochet, embroidery, and quilting

The influence of tapestries and embroideries have the ability to blend with home decor or make a statement. Folk art rugs add playful visual interest to contemporary and mid-century modern homes.

feet standing on red Persian bazaar rug

Persian Bazaar

At a Glance: Complex designs, rich colors, and unique patterns

Our Persian-style rugs were inspired by the centuries-old tradition of rug making. These one-of-a-kind styles and designs can liven up any space, from a living room to a covered patio. Wonderfully diverse, they work well with bohemian decor or even in modern homes to balance new with vintage.

wood print artisan rug with vintage chair

Artisanry

At a Glance: Shades of rich wood inspired by the halls of academia

Make all of your academia and dark academia decor dreams come true with an artisan rug. How to choose an artisan area rug: these pieces work seamlessly with wood furnishings, neutral colors, and rich blues and greens.

colonial design runner rug in hallway

Williamsburg

At a Glance: Florals, paisleys, ginghams, and muted colors

Take inspiration from historic Williamsburg with our colonial rugs. These vintage vinyl rugs easily blend with mid-century modern, contemporary, bohemian, and rustic styles.

Norwegian wood vintage vinyl rug

Norwegian Wood

At a Glance: intricate craftsmanship and a palette of wood like ash, cedar, maple, and ebony

This simple yet decorative Scandinavian style captures the rare and diverse beauty of Norwegian wood in vinyl rugs that look like wood.