Pairing area rugs with hardwood flooring is an art that enhances the elegance and comfort of any room. For homes in North Carolina, where style and tradition often meet, the right area rug can complement hardwood floors to create a warm, inviting, and cohesive space. This article delves into expert advice from interior designers on choosing the perfect area rugs to accent hardwood flooring, focusing on aspects such as color coordination, pattern mixing, and size selection.
Understanding the Role of Area Rugs
Area rugs serve multiple purposes: they define spaces, add comfort and warmth, protect the hardwood floors, and can be focal points or complementary elements in interior design. In North Carolina, where both contemporary and traditional styles prevail, area rugs on hardwood flooring are a popular choice, providing both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Color Coordination
The choice of color in area rugs is crucial as it sets the tone for the room. Interior designers recommend starting with the color of your hardwood flooring as a base. For darker woods, lighter rugs can create a beautiful contrast that highlights the richness of the wood. Conversely, darker rugs can draw out the warmth of lighter hardwoods.
-
Neutral Rugs: Neutral-colored rugs (beiges, grays, and whites) are versatile and allow the beauty of the hardwood flooring to stand out. They also offer flexibility in changing accent colors with seasons or trends without clashing with the floor.
-
Bold Colors: For a more dramatic effect, designers often recommend bold colors that can either complement or contrast with the existing décor. A vibrant rug can add a pop of color to a room with neutral walls and furniture, bringing life to the space.
Pattern Mixing
Mixing patterns can be daunting, but when done right, it adds depth and interest to the room. The key to successful pattern mixing is to balance the scale and color of the
patterns so they don’t compete but rather complement each other.
-
Coordinate by Scale: If your hardwood floors have a prominent grain pattern, consider a rug with a larger, bolder pattern. Small, busy patterns can clash with the natural lines of the wood.
-
Harmonize Patterns: Try to keep a common element, whether it’s a color or style of pattern, that echoes through your rug and the rest of the room’s décor. For instance, geometric patterns can go well with modern décor, while floral designs might complement traditional or country-style interiors.
Size Selection
Choosing the right size of the area rug is critical to achieving the desired look and functionality. A rug that is too small can make a room look disjointed, while a too-large rug may overpower the space.
-
Living Rooms: In living areas, designers suggest choosing a rug that is large enough to fit under all the main furniture pieces or at least under the front legs of sofas and chairs. This ties the room together and creates a defined area.
-
Dining Rooms: For dining rooms, ensure the rug is large enough for chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out from the table. This not only looks better but also protects the hardwood floors from scratches.
-
Bedrooms: In bedrooms, a popular approach is to have a large rug under the bed that extends out to the sides and foot of the bed, creating a warm, soft area to step onto when getting out of bed.
Practical Considerations
When selecting area rugs for homes in North Carolina, it’s also important to consider the practical aspects:
-
Material: Natural fibers like wool or silk are durable and luxurious but can be expensive. Synthetic rugs offer durability and stain resistance at a more affordable price point.
-
Maintenance: Depending on the rug material and the amount of foot traffic, consider how easy it is to clean and maintain the rug. Some materials may require professional cleaning, adding to the overall cost.
-
Safety: To prevent slipping, use a rug pad underneath your area rugs. This not only adds a layer of safety but also extends the life of both the rug and the hardwood flooring by reducing friction.
Conclusion
Pairing area rugs with hardwood flooring is a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetics of your home while protecting your investment in beautiful hardwood floors. By considering color, pattern, and size, and by taking into account practical considerations such as material and maintenance, homeowners in North Carolina can achieve a look that is both stylish and functional. Remember, the right area rug not only complements your hardwood flooring but also reflects your personal style and the character of your home. Visit our showrooms for more information.
