If you’ve ever dispatched your bedroom (or living room) rug to be cleaned, you know how weird the room suddenly appears without it — so dull, dusty and incomplete. The bed and night tables appear to float, lost and confused in a sea of flooring. Shudder. For the rug, it can be argued, is the central character in most rooms, giving them a certain je ne sais quoi. As such, it’s smart to correctly choose the one that’s right for you. Toronto-based decorator Jacklynn Little of Jacklynn Little Interiors shares our passion for rugs. Read on for her advice on how to select the perfect carpet.
Pull Out the Tape Measure and Measure… Your Sofa, What?
Rugs are exciting. Those splashy colours and striking patterns! But before hauling one home, Jacklynn recommends selecting all of your furniture first. It sounds counterintuitive but Jacklynn insists it’s the best way. (To find out why, see the point “Don’t let it float,” below.) Arrange your furniture in the desired layout and then measure the width of the sofa and even the side tables.
And don’t hit “add to cart” too fast. Shop in person if you can, says Jacklynn. “You want to know exactly what the rug feels like underfoot, and that’s something you can’t experience through a screen.”
Don’t Let It Float
“Most people buy rugs that are too small,” says Jacklynn. “The rule of thumb for placement is to ensure all the front legs of your furniture are on the rug, creating a cohesive and balanced look. For example, in my client’s living room (above, showing a sumptuous wool-silk carpet from Weavers Art) the rug fits the space, giving it a defined feel.”
Above is West Elm Canada’s Flame Rug sitting pretty and plush in all its pastel glory. The wool and viscose rug is correctly sized for this living room. Below is a cool, graphic wool rug — Perseverance for Renwil designed by Arren Williams — also doing its thang tucked underneath the sofa, thereby anchoring the vignette. It’s not flopping around away from the sofa like a maniac.
What Order Do You Select Your Living Room Pieces?
“The rug is the jewellery to the outfit,” says Jacklynn. “I always start with the fabrics, then furniture, then paint colours.” Instead of a matchy-matchy vibe, Jacklynn sometimes chooses a patterned rug that has a different print than the pillows. Why not? Live a little.
Controversial Carpet Placement
Polarizing topic incoming! A rug is grody to the max around meals. “I’m not a fan of it in the dining room,” says Jacklynn. “It looks great in a formal space, but you are dropping food.” (May we suggest the ideal furry vacuum for such mishaps?) But the biggest problem, says Jacklynn, is when you pull out a chair and it goes past the rug. The surface is then uneven. But, if you do want a rug in a dining room there are rules. “You need 36 inches between the edge of your table and pulling out your chair. This way, the chair always lands on the carpet,” she says.
Each Rug Is Not Created Equal
Rugs, like people, have distinct personalities: some are loud or mellow, some are soft or scratchy (you should probably have that looked at if you’re a human). Insofar as rugs go rough jute, sisal, seagrass and burlap are ideal in high-traffic, shoes-on spots, such as a foyer or mudroom. Such materials are stain-resistant and hardwearing. In a bedroom or nursery, meanwhile, opt for a soft, natural cotton. Maybe a flat weave. There are so many fantastic retailers offering machine washable rugs, such as Ruggable (top). That’s the brand’s Morris & Co. Newill Ivory & Blue Rug showcasing flora and fauna. Cozey, the modern, modular sofa brand, has also released a lovely line of washables, like the checkerboard babe the Jamie Washable Rug (above). The 8×10 rug is only $295!
Goop Gets Into the Loop
Speaking of well-priced, washable rugs. Gwyneth Paltrow’s goop has collaborated with Ruggable on a fresh line of lovely creations that start at $119. There are eight different rugs in Flatwoven, Tufted and Re-Jute textures. “The pieces are inspired by the modern Spanish revival aesthetic and Indian Dhurrie designs,” say goop reps. Check out the soothing diamond-print number in the kitchen, above. The natural colour and texture is niiiice.
In a Blue Mood
Above are some coastal colours from the goop collaboration with Ruggable. That’s the Luna Soft Teal basking in diamonds, top. Below is the Elin Stripe Indigo Rug with its smartly casual ragged lines. The vibe is so fresh and optimistic. Imagine laying down one of those prettys in a space with wood tones? Rugs really are like underfoot art.
To Pay for a Rug Pad, or Not?
“Yes! A rug pad protects wood floors from scratches, stains and wear,” says Jacklynn. Rug pads are also the goat when it comes to safety, plus they put a spring in your step. “They prevent carpets from slipping, and they add cushioning for a comfy feel underfoot,” says Jacklynn. “Rug pads are also great for durability, which can extend the life of your rug. For a lower cost than the rug, it’s a good investment.”
Slap It on the Wall as an Artsy Alternative
You know those flashy tea towels you buy and never use? The ones that are spared the spaghetti-sauce stains? (Yes, that’s right Other Half. Paws off. This towel is strictly eye candy.) The same thinking applies to a rug. If you’re in in love with one that’s maybe too zany, or special, you can hang it like art. The one above is a limited-edition IKEA Chiaozza rug from 2019 living its best life in the entryway of this home tour. “I’ve had a client do that once in a condo,” says Jacklynn. “The carpet was too small for her space. It gives texture and interest to the space. It’s art. She loved it.”
