Due to some technical difficulties, I’m re-sharing my advice for selecting an area rug to make your home feel cozy and pulled together.

This edition was originally published on June 2, 2022. Enjoy!

Now that MIDDI is officially one year old, it’s time to answer the question I get most about the products I feature in each Monday edition: “How did you pick that?” Starting today, I’m going to share some tips for finding “the one” each Thursday. And first up is … the area rug.

The right area rug can complete a space. It can make a room feel cozy and warm and pull all of your decor together. The wrong area rug can stand out like a sore thumb and add more work to your routine.

Choosing an area rug is usually one of the trickier elements of furnishing a space for me. No matter how much money you spend, it’s a physically big purchase that can be a hassle to exchange or return. You want to get it right the first time. If you’re shopping for an area rug to complete or refresh your space, here are five tips to help you pick the best one:

1. Take a look at your space.

Look at the room you are planning to add a rug to thoroughly. How big is it? How big is the furniture in it? How much of the floor do you want/need to cover? Take some measurements so you can avoid multiple purchases. Next, look at the other items in your room. A rug can either be the standout piece in the room or it should work off the other elements. I have many bold pieces in our home, so my largest rug is more neutral to balance it out. For example, if you have lots of other small patterns nearby (art, throw pillows, etc.) go for a bigger pattern on the rug. If the rest of your furnishings are more neutral, something ornate can add an interesting element.

2. Evaluate your level of messy.

We’re all messy in different ways. Do you have pets or kids? Do you wear shoes in your home? Do you love to entertain? All of these factors can lead to messes on your floors that need to be kept in mind. You don’t want to pick a rug you can’t actually live on, because that’s just a waste of money. Also, think about the furniture you’ll be placing on top of it. Will the rug interfere with pulling out dining chairs or be at risk of damage from the tapered legs of a sofa or table?

3. Think about maintenance.

Building on the last tip, it’s important to remember all rugs require maintenance. Wool rugs will need to be regularly vacuumed, due to shedding. We had one that shed so badly, our guests thought we had a dog before Scoop arrived. Lighter colors will show dirt more quickly and may need professional cleaning, while darker ones can get dusty.

4. Consider comfort.

How will you use this rug? Is it for a more formal area of your home or will you end up lounging on it to watch movies or playing with the kids on the floor? Think about how you want it to feel underfoot while you’re walking around like you would carpeting. A rug pad can always be added underneath to create more cushion and prevent slipping.

5. Do the math.

The cost will inevitably be part of your decision-making process when choosing a rug. The amount of money you’re interested in spending will not only determine the brand, but also take into consideration all of the factors mentioned above. If you have a set budget, something sturdy and resistant to wear like jute makes more sense than a plush, cream rug. Having a puppy is one of the main reasons we went with Ruggables, which are a more affordable option for this point in our lives.

Last week on MIDDI …

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.