Choosing the right rug for the family home

When you’ve got a family, practicality often takes the front seat when it comes to your home. Luckily, the interior design world is far more accommodating nowadays giving you that crucial durability but with style too. A room design is often not complete without a rug. They tie together the final look and give a room a homely and welcoming atmosphere. But with a family it can be hard to know what rug to look for. Here is a list of the key features of a rug to look out for.

 Colour

Perhaps the most personal choice when it comes to a rug, which colour you go for is ultimately up to you. You might want your rug to blend in with neutral colours or maybe you’d like your rug to pop by using some bold shades. However, with a family there are some colours that you can generally avoid so to better the life of your rug. It comes as no surprise that the paler the rug, the more chance of dirt and stains showing. If you’ve got kids, then a white rug should probably be at the bottom of your list, for obvious reasons. Try instead a brown, cream or beige if you’re after a neutral palette. You’d be safer opting for a rug of a bolder colour as this is less likely to show up those odd imperfections such as dirty handprints, paint or mud to name a few!

 A huge trend this year is focusing on the Scandinavian theme. Think exposed, distressed, natural woods paired with textured cushions, throws and accessories such as candles and natural plants. This simplistic look is gorgeous and is completed best with a rug. The palette of the Scandinavian theme focuses on delicate tones such as pastel blues, greens and greys. If you plan your look meticulously then a pale rug with a patterns or design will be able to stand the test of time against your kids. So long as you clean up any messes as quickly as possible!

 Durability and Pile

 One of the most important qualities your family rug must have is durability. Your rug needs to be able to handle the busy environment of the family home without diminishing over time. Therefore, try to avoid longer pile rugs and this includes shaggy rugs. While shaggy rugs are beautifully soft, they aren’t ideal if your kids are constantly walking over them or playing on them. This will slowly wear away at that softer texture and leave you with a less than desirable rug. A longer pile rug will also retain dirt and dust easier which, again, isn’t great for the little ones. Ideally where you can, opt for a lower pile rug that is easier to maintain and won’t show as much wear and tear over time.

 Easy to Clean

 The one factor that comes up time and time again when you have a family. Cleaning. No one likes it all that much, so try to find a rug that is easily cleaned. This will save you money and time when it comes to cleaning up those spills and marks. Generally, try to avoid rugs made of expensive materials, ideal if you’re on a budget. Expensive rugs often need more extravagant cleaning products and methods compared to the cheaper materials. A simple nylon or acrylic rug will do the trick as these can handle harsher cleaning products when compared to their delicate, expensive counterparts.

What sort of rug do you have in your home?

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