Sometimes it’s the simplest things that give you the most trouble when redecorating a room. Suddenly, deciding on a living room rug seems like the most important decision for your space. After all, rugs aren’t inexpensive purchases, and oftentimes they can make the biggest difference in how your room is going to look when it’s finished. This gives you all the more reason to choose carefully, and have an idea of what you are looking for before heading out on your search. We are looking at 4 ways you can start deciding on a living room rug.

Know where your rug is going

Before you begin your foray into textiles and size-charts, you’ll want to know exactly where your rug is going to be sitting in your living room. Measure out the area you wish to be covered and line your dimensions with masking tape. This will give you an idea of what your living room will look like after that space has been covered. This will also give you the opportunity to adjust the size you thought you wanted to better suit your tastes, or to make adjustments based on the size of the room.

If you’re not sure about which size and layout will work best with your space, a good rule of thumb is to make sure that your living room furniture is either on top of or bordering your rug. Write down the ideal size you want so that you may reference it when you are in-store.

Determine what your style is

Learning how to decide on a living room rug has much to do with what style, color, and texture you are going for. Scandinavian minimalist styles tend towards real or faux fur skin rugs, shag rugs, and neutral black, white and grey color palettes. A more vintage style may call for a damask or braided style rug, whereas modern trends love using classic beige Berber layered with fun pops of color on a smaller rug.

Avoid clashing patterns and colors

Are you centering your bright pink chevron rug on a chic and sleek living room with our Bronze Amani stone flooring? If so, you may want to reconsider your choice of rug! While using a pop of color is a great way to break up the monotony of an otherwise neutral room, you’ll want to pick that color and style carefully. What may seem brave and bold in theory may just leave you heartbroken when the adventurous rug is actually lying on your floor.

Take your lifestyle into account

Knowing how to decide on a living room rug means knowing your lifestyle and needs. If you have animals that shed a lot, a rug that contrasts their fur color may not be the greatest idea. Or if you are parent to small toddlers who love puddle-jumping and are heavy into their coloring phase, you may want to put off that ivory cream rug for a few more years. Always take your lifestyle into account when choosing your rugs and carpeting.

Learning how to decide on a living room rug can make or break the style of your family room. Follow our easy guidelines and you’ll be on your way to a comfortable and stylish living room in no time.