Decorating with Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors

Let’s explore the art of decorating with area rugs on hardwood floors with some tips to help you choose the best rug for your space. 

Benefits of Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors

For any home with hardwood floors, rugs are more than just a floor covering. They offer a lot of added beauty as well as a long list of practical benefits. 

First off, area rugs act as a barrier against scratches, scuffs, and daily wear and tear that can take a toll on your beautiful hardwood flooring. 

They’re also great at helping to create a calmer environment. They do this in two ways. First, rugs absorb and reduce noise (especially important with echoey hardwood!), ensuring a more peaceful and serene atmosphere. Second, they add a layer of warmth and comfort to an especially hard floor, making your space feel cozy and inviting. 

How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug

To select the ideal area rug for your hardwood floors, it's important to consider several factors. 

Start by thinking about the purpose and traffic of the room. If it’s a high-traffic area, be sure to get a rug made from a durable material like sisal or seagrass rather than a softer material like wool. 

In terms of size and shape, measure your room and visualize how the rug will fit within the space. It’s important to make sure the rug will fit with all your existing furniture before bringing it into your room! 

With all the excitement of choosing a rug, it can be easy to forget that the rug should harmonize with your existing decor. Pick a rug that complements the color scheme, style, and mood that already exists in the room. That said, it can be fun to bring in contrasting color schemes by adding a rug that features a light color in a room with dark hardwood or a darker shade in rooms with light woods. 

Exploring different rug materials is also a good idea, as each material comes with its own unique characteristics, durability, and maintenance requirements. 

Finally, selecting patterns, colors, and textures is where you can truly express your creativity. Decide whether you want the rug to be a focal point or a subtle addition, and choose a design that aligns with your personal style and complements the overall aesthetic of the room.

Placing Area Rugs Strategically

Now that you have found the perfect area rug, it's time to strategically position it within your space. 

Consider the focal point of the room and use the rug to highlight it. By placing the rug in a way that draws attention to the central feature—whether it's a fireplace, a beautiful piece of artwork,  or a dining room table—you create a sense of visual balance and harmony. 

For open-concept spaces, rugs can help define different areas, such as a cozy seating area or a dedicated dining space. It’s about providing a clear boundary and sense of purpose for each zone. In the same way, rugs can be used to frame furniture arrangements, anchoring the seating or dining area and bringing cohesiveness to the overall layout. 

No matter the size of your space or how you’re using the rug visually, always keep proportion and scale in mind, ensuring that it complements the size of the room and the furniture within it. You should generally expect to rest at least the front feet of your furniture on the rug and be sure to leave at least a six-inch gap between the wall and the rug. 

Maintenance and Care Tips

Once you've added a rug to your hardwood floor, it's essential to maintain it properly. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your rugs free from dirt, dust, and debris. The most common type of maintenance will be vacuuming, but make sure you know how to vacuum your type of rug. When spills or other bigger messes happen, you can clean your rug, but again—make sure you’re cleaning it the way it’s supposed to be cleaned. 

Rug care tips 

• If you have a natural fiber rug, keep it away from direct sunlight. Too much time in the sun can cause fading and discoloration. 
• Unless you have an outdoor rug, make sure the room it’s in doesn’t get too humid. While it’s unlikely that a room with hardwood floors will also be where you keep your indoor hot tub, it’s still a good idea to avoid damp areas, as that moisture can lead to mold and mildew. 
• Rotate your rugs regularly to ensure even wear, extending their lifespan and keeping them looking their best for years to come. This is especially important in dining rooms and other high-traffic areas. 
• Use a non-slip rug pad to keep your rug from sliding around and to help prevent a few dangerous rug hazards. Rug pads also offer extra cushioning, protect your hardwood floors from scratches, and provide insulation.

Get a Rug You Love

It’s easy to love hardwood floors. It should be just as easy to love the rug you put on them! Our selection of custom rugs offers something for just about every style and taste, so you’re certain to find a rug that goes just right with your hardwood floors.