A good rug, if used correctly, can tie a bedroom together and make it look complete. While it may seem like a trivial decorative accessory, it actually has the power to completely transform your space, leaving the room looking cosy and warm (no matter the material used). It’s one of those interior design accents that always add personality to your space, so make sure to keep it in your home décor armoury.
Are Rugs and Carpets the Same Thing?
Before we dive into the best ways to incorporate a rug into your bedroom, it’s important to clear up any confusion you may have around the concept of a rug. No, carpets and rugs are not the same things.
Carpets usually refer to a floor covering that is attached or fixed to the floor, and spans the entire ground area – wall to wall. Rugs, on the other hand, are characterised by their size. Smaller and movable, rugs are never fixed to the floor and do not cover the ground area from wall to wall.
In that sense, the key differences between rugs and carpets are their size and the fact that one can be moved, while the other is built to be fixed to the floor.
This is especially useful in the context of a bedroom, where one rug can, depending on where it’s placed, can elevate the look and feel of your space. But more on that later on in the article.
Maintenance and Materials
These days, you can get rugs of nearly every shape, size, and colour.
Now, while they may be movable, different rugs require different maintenance techniques, based on the material they’re made out of. So, when purchasing a rug for your bedroom, it’s important to take into consideration the kind of traffic your room gets, where the rug is going to be placed, what it’s going to be used for (aesthetic appeal, functionality, or both) and other factors that could affect your choice.
Cotton Rugs
Rugs made of cotton are perhaps the easiest to maintain as they don’t require any professional cleaning. One could simply toss a cotton rug into the washing machine when they’re in need of cleaning, and voila, it’ll be as good as new. Further, because of the versatility of the material itself, cotton rugs are available in a large variety of colours, shapes and sizes.
That being said, they’re not the most durable. Cotton rugs tend to wear out with use and aren’t as sturdy as rugs made from wool or silk. Further, they may get discoloured over time; patches of yellow or brown may appear.
Synthetic Rugs
Rugs made of synthetic materials like nylon, polyester and viscose are ideal if you’re looking for variety at a reasonable price. As far as maintenance goes, rugs of this type are easy to clean as they can be washed and dried just like cotton rugs. Being entirely man-made, they’re also durable, and last longer than rugs made of naturally occurring materials.
Jute or Seagrass
Rugs made of jute and seagrass are a great option if you’re looking for sustainable rugs. They often come in thick, knotted patterns and are light and airy – the perfect option if you’re looking to give your bedroom a rustic feel. As far as durability goes, if maintained properly, they can last you a long time.
While rugs of this material are available in different shapes and sizes, there isn’t that much variety when it comes to colour.
In terms of maintenance, it’s important to gently clean rugs of this type as excess water can ruin the fabric.
Woollen Rugs
Woollen rugs are a favourite when it comes to making your bedroom look and feel cosy; they instantly add warmth to the space.
Maintenance-wise, they can be a bit tricky to handle as wool is a sensitive fabric. Rugs of this type may require professional cleaning. But the silver lining is that they’re extremely durable. So, while the cleaning process may be tricky, they don’t need to be cleaned all that often.
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to woollen rugs, though, is where they’re going to be placed. This material isn’t conducive to wet or damp climates. So, make sure the area of your bedroom your rug is placed in is absolutely dry at all times.
Placement Ideas for the Rug in your Bedroom
At the Foot of your Bed
A mid-sized rug that starts at the end of your bed and covers the rest of the floor is a great way to incorporate a rug into your bedroom. Theoretically, it may seem awkward, but when executed, makes for the perfect pairing.
Off-beat Placement
A circular rug that is asymmetrically placed can add a ton of personality to your bedroom, immediately. Use differently shaped rugs to add some extra quirk to your space.
Side-Step
Thick and cool-toned rugs placed at the side of your bed can add dimension to your room, especially if you’re working with a large space. Use a rectangular rug to occupy space and, voila, you’ve got a new focal point for the room.
Double Trouble
Light, cotton rugs are a great option if you’re looking to place multiple rugs in your bedroom. Use rugs of different sizes, but of the same type, and place them on either side of your bed, or one under your dresser and the other near your bed. The great thing about having multiple, smaller sized rugs, is that they can be paired in different combinations to achieve the perfect look.
There you have it – the ultimate guide to rug placements for your bedroom. Rugs are a great way to complete the look of your bedroom and add warmth and dimension to your space. So, get to experimenting!
