If you can relate to the rug-picking struggle, you’re definitely not alone—Havenly designer Elyza Brillantes says many of her clients have a difficult time making a decision when it comes to this decorative and functional floor covering. “They know they need a new rug, but they don’t really know how to find one or have a hard time committing,” she says. The process is so tough for a number of reasons, Brillantes says. First, it’s a large item, which means there are more logistics involved in ordering it, figuring out where it will go, and actually getting it home. Second, online pictures of rugs don’t always tell the whole story. “It can be hard to conceptualize a small picture of a rug that’s laid flat on their website and how it will look laid out on your floor in your home,” Brillantes says. Plus, many people need large area rugs that are 8 feet by 10 feet or larger; visualizing a picture on a home goods website at that scale is challenging. Third, a rug isn’t something you can try before you buy or plan to return. Committing to something large and expensive, like an area rug, can feel overwhelming, Brillantes says. “I totally get that fear of commitment and worrying about that you’re getting the wrong one.” Sit for a second with your rug-picking fears and anxieties. And then keep moving, because you still need a rug, and Brillantes has tips to make picking one a little easier. “If you educate yourself and you know what materials you can choose, I think that takes a lot of the burden of the decision off of your shoulders,” she says. Polypropylene is a great synthetic for stain-resistance and easy maintenance, and Brillantes says she often recommends synthetics. Wool is also excellent for stain resistance. “If you’re really concerned, I think it’s great to just err on the side of caution and just go with a great neutral rug,” Brillantes says. “Neutrals are classic for a reason. They go with so many different colors, you don’t have to worry about it not working with a new accent color you’re bringing in, it’s a very timeless palette to go with, and it can be very easy to fit into other colors.” Plus, rugs offer protection for floors—hardwood or otherwise—that can help prolong their lifespans.
