Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Due to the same hue its color is magneficial and appealing to the eyes.

How to place a Turquoise Rug

In order to find the right area rug and then properly arrange it to perfectly accentuate your decor you’ll need to consider more than just style, color and material – size and shape matter too. An optimal size rug in a shape that best suits a particular living space will help to invigorate the entire aspect of a room while also displaying the finest qualities of the rug itself. Here are some helpful tips on how to arrange a new area rug.

In general, the rule of thumb is to allow approximately 18 inches of exposed floor space around the perimeter of an area rug, however the overall size and location of the room should also be taken into consideration. The 18” rule works well in rooms that are enclosed and separate from surrounding areas while the look of smaller rooms may benefit from having less exposed floor space.

Keep in mind that an undersized rug can make a room look small and make the other furnishings around it look uncoordinated. When it comes to area rugs, bigger can indeed be better.

Before buying a rug map out your room to scale and consider doorways, furniture size, and exposure to the sun among other things. Pay attention to the details of your space and how everything will gel.

Living Room

The dimensions of a living room will dictate the ideal size and shape rug for the space. Here are some helpful tips that take into account the layout of the furniture using rectangular rugs.  For more examples, click here to view area rugs arranged in Safavieh Dream Living Rooms.

5’ x 8’ – All legs off, furniture surrounding edges of the rug – When opting for a smaller rug, keeping all legs of the furniture off and positioned around the edges of the rug is a smart choice. This is a particularly effective decorating strategy if your rug has bold, flamboyant patterns and coloring that you’d like to fill the room.

8’x10’ – Front legs on the outer edges of the rug – The most popular layout for living room furnishings. This arrangement will help to connect the furniture and harmonize room decor while also lending a wonderful sense of proportion to the entire space.

9’x12’ – All legs on the rug – For a much more “pulled-together” look, put all of the legs of the couches and sofas on the surface of a 9’x12’ area rug. This arrangement will tend to define and establish the aspect of a room provided that it is able to accommodate a larger rug.

Dining Room

When choosing a rug for the dining room be sure that it is big enough to allow all four legs of the chairs to sit comfortably on the rug, even when the chairs are pulled away from the table. A loose rule of thumb to follow is that your rug should be extended at least 24 inches around the table.

5’x 8’ – Use a 5’x 8’ rectangular rug in smaller dining areas. Table and all four chair legs on the rug.

8’x 10’ or 9’ x 12’ – These rugs will generally accommodate 6 – 8 chairs. Remember to leave approximately 18’ between the perimeter of the rug and the walls.

7’ – 9’ Round – A round rug works nicely with a square table and 4 – 6 chairs around it. You can also use a rectangle shaped rug under a square table.

The Bedroom

The most important factors in selecting the right size area rug for the bedroom are the dimensions of your bed as well as the room. And, if you’re looking for a new bed or mattress check out the sleep science that goes into our Safavieh Bed In-A-Box,  a comfortable pocket-coil spring mattress delivered right to your front door.

5’ x 8’ – Full Size Bed – This rug works best when placed horizontally under the bottom two-thirds of a full sized bed, the rug exposed in front and on both sides.

8’ x 10’ or 9’ x 12’ – Queen Size Bed – Follow the same general suggestions with larger rugs and a queen size bed. Place the rug perpendicular under the bed with enough of the rug reaching out on the sides and in front to place your feet comfortably when getting out of bed or sitting at the foot.

8’ x 10’ or 9’ x 12’ – King Size Bed – Remember the “Bigger is Better” rule when it comes to arranging an area rug under a king size bed. A rug that is too small will detract from grand look and dimensions of the entire room.

9’ x 12’ – Twin Beds – In a bedroom with a one twin bed select an area rug that is large enough to be exposed 18 – 24 inches in front and on the side. For larger rooms with two twin size beds arranged side by side, a 9’ x 12’ rug is the perfect size to connect and balance the furnishings of the entire room.

Screened In Porch

A well-chosen indoor-outdoor area rug can add warming, soft textures, and a splash of color to any leisure-time living area of your home. The best advice for arranging a rug on a patio or screened-in porch is to consider the furnishings (table & chairs, couches, bed or futon) and then position the rug accordingly. Keep in mind the general guidelines of making sure the rug is big enough to accentuate the dimensions of the space as well as accommodate chairs around an outdoor dining set.

What if you bought a rug of wrong size?

Smaller rugs are less expensive, and it's so tempting to go for the smaller size to get a better bang for your buck. But really, if a rug doesn't fit under the front legs of your main seating pieces in a living room, then it really doesn't fit.Likewise, in a dining room, if you scoot your chair back a bit to sit down and the chair grabs the edge of the rug... you got it. Its too small.

Maybe you inherited a rug, you have a rug from a previous residence, or maybe you just bought the wrong size? How do you adapt that rug to work now or what might be some other options for it? I've got some suggestions below so you don't have to live with a rug that's just too small.

4 WAYS TO DEAL WITH A RUG THAT WON'T FIT OR IS TOO SMALL

1. Layer the rug on top of a textural seagrass, sisal, or jute option.

This works well with cowhide and smaller, thinner rugs that are obviously one-off found rugs. It almost frames them and makes them feel more special. I've got some great examples of that here.

2. Re-purpose that rug.

Upholster that rug on an ottoman, chair, settee, even pillows. I've been meaning to do this with a rug I have in my studio with a settee and haven't done it yet. I saw this one at a vendor I regularly visit in Round Top Antiques Fair.

3. Have the rug cut down and bind it to fit a smaller area where it could be used.

Okay, I've got a secret. When we did our Holiday Show house room last year, we had ball parked the rug size based on plans we received, thinking we would go back and measure later. We did, but then, we neglected to go back and check that before we actually ordered the rug. Two days before the opening, we moved in, the rug was delivered, and it was TOO BIG for the room! Panic! Luckily, my installers were able to take it back to the warehouse, cut it down and rebind it in time for the grand opening day. (Phew!) This rug is made from rolled goods, and it looked fine cutting it down to a smaller size. (That doesn't happen often around here, folks, but we are human!)

Then, when I did this show house room for a teenaged girl several years ago, I could not find the size of flokati I needed anywhere. I wanted a round rug and an 8' diameter. I could only find a 10' diameter that I could get in time for this show house, so I had it cut down as well.

4. Use rolled goods and cut the goods to fit the space.

Let's say you're still shopping for a rug, and you have some crazy corners or odd architectural features that will get in the way of your appropriately sized rug. Maybe you feel like you have to go down a size to get it into the room because of an angled wall cutting into the room or a fireplace jutting out into the space.

KNOW YOUR RUG

Area rugs can be made from a variety of yarns or a blend of yarns and materials. Read the label on your rug and follow any special cleaning instructions and precautions provided by the manufacturer of your rug.

PROTECT FROM FURNITURE MARKS

Use rug protectors under the legs of heavy furniture to avoid flattening of your rug pile. Rotating your rug every few months will help relieve areas from excessive wear.

FLATTENING AND REMOVING CREASES

Packing and shipping may cause temporary creases in area rugs. To remove them back-roll/reverse roll your rug and allow time for the creases to relax.

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Direct sunlight will cause the colors in your area rug to fade over time.

HUMIDITY

Long term exposure to humid weather can be harmful to area rugs. The cotton warp and weft foundation of an area rug can breakdown when exposed to excessive humidity. Avoid placing plants directly on top of area rugs and immediately blot dry any water spillage.

SHEDDING

Wool rugs, especially new wool rugs, may shed. To reduce excessive shedding, vacuum your rug 1-2 times per week in the direction of the pile. Shedding should diminish within several weeks. See the ‘Wool’ section of Specialty Care for more information.

Routine Maintenance

VACUUMING

Routine vacuuming is the most important step in maintain- ing the life and beauty of your rug. It is recommended that you have area rugs professionally cleaned every 1-2 years to remove deep set dirt in high traffic areas. Otherwise, attentive vacuuming will significantly extend the life of area rugs.

Vacuum thoroughly at least once a week with a canister vacuum.

Do not engage beater bars.

Rugs placed in high traffic areas of the home, office or rugs exposed to household pets should be vacuumed more frequently.

Avoid vacuuming the fringes of your rug, especially those on hand-knotted rugs. Use a broom to clean fringes.

BRUSHING/SWEEPING

Brushing is the best way to remove stubborn pet hairs that the vacuum misses. For short pile area rugs, use a carpet brush or carpet sweeper. For longer pile a carpet rake works well. Sweeping works best for outdoor rugs. The sturdy pile of an indoor-outdoor rug doesn’t trap dirt as readily as other area rugs.

BEATING

For rugs that are relatively easy to handle, bring them outdoors and shake vigorously to remove excess debris. Hang over an outdoor railing and beat with the back of a broom or rug beater, varying in vigor based on the construction and condition of the rug.

ROTATE THE RUG

Area rugs placed in high traffic areas will wear faster than those in lesser tread-upon locations. Rotating a rug every few months will distribute any wear and fading evenly.

Stain Removal

Act quickly following a spill to keep a permanent stain from setting into your rug.

LIQUID SPILLS

Use a clean cloth and press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub! This can set the stain deeper into the rug, making it harder to remove and increasing the chances that the stain will re-appear.

STAINS

Make a solution of water, white vinegar and mild detergent. Apply the foam that rises to the top of the solution on the stained area with a clean cloth. Finish using a damp, clean cloth to absorb any residue.

For lighter stains or spills on synthetic yarns, sponge clean the area with cold water and mild detergent.

For harder to remove stains, professional rug cleaning is recommended.

For pet stains, make sure you have absorbed all remain- ing liquid with a dry paper towel.

Then, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. After about five minutes, spray a solution mix on the affected area. Gently scrub and let sit. Vacuum up the remaining powder.

Specialty Care

VISCOSE RUGS

Viscose, or art silk, has the same soft, luxurious look and feel as silk, but at a much more affordable price.

A carpet sweeper is best for 100 percent viscose rugs, but if you do use a vacuum, set the power to low and disengage the beater bars.

Viscose is extremely absorbent so remove stains using a damp cloth and a mild cleanser. For tough stains, use the stain solution suggested above and gently apply the foam that rises to the top to the stained area. Blot with a clean damp cloth to finish.

Try to keep a viscose rug in a cool and dry location. Excessive moisture can cause the yarns to yellow or the dyes to bleed, while high heat can cause the rug yarns to shrink.

WOOL RUGS

Wool rugs may shed as a natural consequence of how they are made. However, this shedding will gradually diminish with proper vacuuming.

Use a high-quality rug pad under your carpet to reduce surface friction.

Vacuum 1-2 times a week for the first few weeks using a low pressure vacuum cleaner without beater bars.

Do not pull “stray” loops. Always cut them back with scissors.

NATURAL SHEEPSKIN RUGS

Sheepskin is naturally water resistant and durable, but proper maintenance is still recommended to keep your rug looking its best and feeling soft as fleece.

Brush the fur with a sheepskin brush routinely to avoid matting.

Do not use alkaline laundry detergents. Normal wool wash will cause the leather backing to stiffen or even deteriorate.

Keep out of the sunlight. UV rays will cause the wool to yellow.

If you get a stain, dampen the area and cover it with cornstarch or potato starch. Once the area dries, shake the starch out of the fur.

NATURAL FIBER RUGS

Rugs made from natural fiber jute, sisal and seagrass have a wonderful woven texture that allows dirt to fall through. Vacuuming the rug, and underneath the rug, is the easiest way to remove debris. In the case of a stain, natural fiber rugs can be scrubbed with a soft brush, but avoid getting these rugs too wet, as water can weaken the fibers over time.

INDOOR / OUTDOOR RUGS

Indoor-outdoor rugs are made with durable synthetic materials to help them to withstand high traffic and natural weather elements.

Outdoor rugs can be cleaned with a bit more vigor, such as rinsing a rug with a garden hose to remove excessive grime.

Dry indoor-outdoor rugs over a railing in the sunlight on both sides instead of placing it on a wooden deck or stone patio, which can encourage the growth of moss or mold on a damp rug.