What kind of rug will work best in your space? Read on for pro tips. (Collyer’s Mansion)

Rugs are a decor must in New York City—not only because they look great, but because many apartment landlords actually require you to cover up your floors. Since floorcoverings help to absorb and reduce noise, leases and co-op agreements will often contain a clause stipulating that tenants cover 80% of their floors with rugs or carpet. Luckily, when chosen wisely, rugs enhance rather than detract from a space, creating a sense of warmth and texture. Plus, they’re a quick and easy way to change up the look of a room without breaking the bank. But choosing a rug can be tricky — go too small, too large, or too colorful, for example, and your space might end up looking clunky, not chic. StreetEasy spoke to Mauri Weakley, owner of Brooklyn-based home-goods boutique Collyer’s Mansion (she’s also the lead designer and stylist of their Design Services business), for tips on how to choose a rug that’s just right for your space. Here’s what we learned:

When Decorating, Make the Rug Your First Purchase

If you’re decorating a room from scratch, Weakley recommends that you always select the rug first. “This allows for flexibility, since you will not be trying to match it to another piece,” she says. Imagine your ideal space: “Create a vision of what you want for your room, and select a rug that starts you on that path.”

If you find yourself picking a rug later in the decorating game, try to choose a color that is different from your sofa and other large furniture, to provide contrast. “So, if your sofa is light gray, don’t pick a light gray rug,” she says. “And if you have a lot of color in the rest of the room, opt for a rug with a more neutral or jewel-toned palette.”

The Size of a Rug Defines Your Living Space

When choosing the right size for your rug, keep in mind that all the furniture in that area, whether it be a sofa and coffee table or a dining table and chairs, should fit on top of the rug. Weakley recommends making sure there is at least 12 inches between the edge of your larger pieces of furniture, like a sofa, and the edge of the rug.

(Collyer’s Mansion)

But if you fall in love with a rug that’s too small for your space, don’t despair! You can always layer it on top of a more neutral sisal or flatweave to add a jolt of color and pattern.

Consider What Fibers a Rug Is Made Of

Material matters! A rug’s material is crucial because it will impact its daily performance and how often it will need maintenance. “If you select a rug made from wool, it will likely shed and require upkeep,” Weakley says. “Same with a dark color flat-weave, which will show dust. Cotton rugs, colorful patterned rugs, and certain kinds of vintage rugs tend to require a little less upkeep, but it all depends on the wear.”

Different Rugs Work in Different Rooms

Living rooms: “The living room is likely the central space in your home, so it’s worth investing in a rug that really speaks to your design aesthetic here,” Weakley advises. She recommends vintage rugs, like kilims and Persian carpets, for a warm, curated feel. Plus, when you go vintage, you’ll find a wide range of colors and patterns to match your tastes.

(Collyer’s Mansion)

Bedrooms: A relatively neutral rug works best in a bedroom, says Weakley. This allows for bolder, brighter bedding and also infuses your space with a calm vibe. “For a very rich and inviting bedroom, an authentic Ben Ourain rug will do wonders,” she says.

Kitchens: Here, Weakley suggests choosing a flatweave: “They maintain the usual clean lines and minimal profile of a kitchen.” She particularly loves Scandinavian rugs for kitchen spaces, as they’re easy to design around.

Hallways: Because these spaces tend to feature fewer competing decorations than other parts of your home, Weakley recommends going for something dramatic in a hallway —and washable, too, since it’s a high-traffic area. “We always love a bold and colorful Boucherouite rug,” she says. “They’re typically handmade in Morocco from cotton, so they can be washed.” 

(Collyer’s Mansion)

Don’t Shy Away From Unique Rug Shapes

You don’t always have to default to a rectangle. A unique shape — like the animal-hide rug often seen in NYC apartment listings – can add loads of dimension and style to a room. Weakley sees less traditional shapes working best in kids’ rooms and playrooms, or as solutions in non-typical layouts, like a room with bay windows.

(Collyer’s Mansion)

Most of all, Weakley recommends going for a rug that you love, whether it’s muted or flamboyant, cotton or wool, rectangular or a wacky shape. You can always work around it. “Some of our favorite designed spaces start with a cool and curated rug, and it can really make the space,” she says. For great styling ideas from Weakley and Collyer’s Mansion, check out their Instagram.

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