Buying a rug might seem simple – pick one you like and roll it out – but a rug is more than just décor. It’s a foundation piece that impacts comfort, function, and the overall look of your space. Yet, many shoppers make the same mistakes over and over when rug shopping. To save you time (and regret), here are the five most common mistakes people make when buying rugs – and how to avoid them.
1. Choosing the Wrong Size
The most common mistake? Buying a rug that’s too small. A rug should anchor your furniture, not float in the middle of the room. In living rooms, make sure at least the front legs of your seating rest on the rug. In dining areas, choose a rug large enough for chairs to slide out and stay on the rug. Bigger is often better – you’ll create a more cohesive look.
How to Avoid It: Measure your space before shopping, and use painter’s tape on the floor to map out rug sizes.
2. Forgetting About Lifestyle Needs
That gorgeous cream shag rug may look amazing online – but it might not be practical if you have kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic. Different lifestyles call for different materials and constructions.
How to Avoid It: Think about who uses the space most. For busy homes, look for stain-resistant rugs, flatweaves, or easy-to-clean synthetic fibers. Save delicate wool or silk rugs for low-traffic areas.
3. Ignoring Maintenance
Every rug requires care, but many buyers don’t think about cleaning until after an accident happens. Some rugs are low-maintenance, while others need special care.
How to Avoid It: Before purchasing, check cleaning recommendations. If you want stress-free upkeep, consider rugs labeled as easy-to-clean or spot-clean-friendly.
4. Playing It Too Safe with Style
Neutral rugs are versatile, but sometimes shoppers go too safe – resulting in a room that feels flat. A rug is a perfect opportunity to add personality, color, and pattern.
How to Avoid It: If your furniture is neutral, try a rug with bold colors or patterns. If your space is already colorful, a textured neutral can balance the look. Don’t be afraid to let your rug be the star of the room.
5. Overlooking Placement
Even the right rug can look wrong if it’s placed incorrectly. For example, in bedrooms, rugs should sit under at least two-thirds of the bed – not just at the foot.
How to Avoid It: Research rug placement guides for each room type. A well-placed rug enhances balance and flow, while a misplaced one can throw everything off.
The Bottom Line
The right rug transforms a room, but avoiding these five mistakes ensures your rug works in both style and function. Measure first, match your lifestyle, plan for maintenance, embrace style, and place it with intention. Follow these tips, and you’ll find a rug that doesn’t just fit your floor – it fits your life.
About Rugs.comRugs.com is a one-stop online rug shop for all your floor covering needs. With over 100,000 rug designs, the extensive selection of indoor and outdoor rugs offers a wide variety of shapes, styles, and textures – perfect for every season of the year and season of life. With more than 60 years of experience in hand-knotted and machine-woven rugs, the family-owned and operated business believes that “Beneath Every Moment” – whether it is a baby’s first step, a first dance, or a cherished memory – there should be a beautiful rug. Helping shoppers find the perfect foundation for life’s moments, Rugs.com is making online shopping simple with the lowest possible prices, fast and free shipping every day, award-winning customer support, and a 30-day free return policy. Rugs.com ships millions of rugs nationwide from the company’s South Carolina and California warehouses. Learn more at www.rugs.com.