You’ve done your research, measured your space, and selected the size and style you want. What’s next for your new area rug? Caring for it! Thankfully, it doesn’t take a lot of work to keep your rug in excellent condition. But here are some things to consider.

Unpacking – When first taken out of the packing and unrolled, the rug may have bulges that will prevent it from lying flat on the floor. This occurs due to tight rolling during packaging for shipment. It will disappear in a day or two. If the problem persists, simply put a heavy flat object on top of it for some time and it will help in solving the problem.

Rug Pads – Not just for slippage, a rug pad can help preserve the life of your rug. Rug pads protect the rug from everyday wear by giving it a soft, supportive foundation that keeps it in place. Most rug pads can also be cut with scissors to match the exact size and shape of your rug.

Vacuuming – Vacuuming as much as three times each week is recommended to remove dirt and dust. If you don’t vacuum regularly, dirt can be ground into your rug fibers, causing stains that are difficult to remove. Most manufacturers recommend disabling beater bars when vacuuming wool rugs.

Spills & Spots - Trying to rub out a stain just pushes the spill deeper into the pile and causes the fibers to mat. Instead, blot up spills by covering the area with a clean towel or a thick pad of paper towels. Press down with the heel of your hand. Repeat using dry towels until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Mix your own spot-cleaning solution by diluting a few drops of clear hand-dishwashing soap in water. Rinse the solution by misting the area with clean water, or blot it with a wet towel. Then blot area with a dry towel. Repeat these two steps until no more residue comes out. Do not rub, or the pile may become matted.

If dishwashing soap in water solution does not help, you can always use a solvent to remove a stain. Remember to pretest the solvent on a small area of the rug by applying a few drops, then blotting with a clean, white, absorbent cloth.

When dry, vacuum pile to restore texture. If the preceding steps do not get the stain out of the rug, send it to a reputable professional cleaner.

Sunlight – If possible, keep your rug out of direct sunlight, which can cause some rugs to fade. Close blinds or shades during the sunniest part of the day to prevent fading of your rug.

Regular Maintenance – Inspect your rug weekly for loose fibers or stains. Cut off loose fibers close to the rug surface to prevent pulls from developing in the rug. Rotating the rug every six months will prevent uneven wear from foot traffic and furniture weight.

Proper cleaning and maintenance of area rug can keep it looking like new and ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy your new purchase for years to come.

An area rug in the correct size can complement the whole room, accent furnishings, bring life to a dull room, or make a subtle statement. However, If the rug is too big, it just looks like wall-to-wall carpeting; if it’s too skimpy, it fails to draw the eye and make the room inviting.

Before you select a new area rug, be sure to measure your space carefully. Guessing can easily lead to mistakes. You want your rug to not only fit the space, but also make the most impact possible. Below are some helpful tips for you to choose the proper size rug for its intended space.

Dining Room Rugs

Dining Room
In the dining room, be sure the rug is large enough to fit beneath a chair that’s pushed back from the table, then add six more inches. Otherwise, your chairs may wobble on the uneven surface; not the most comfortable dining experience. An 8′ x 10′ rug is the most common size for dining rooms, but be sure to measure your space and the area around the table with chairs pulled out. It should be sized for when the table is set at it’s longest size.

Family Room Rugs

Living & Family Rooms
In the living room or family room, personal preference rules. Furniture that’s half-on, half-off the rug creates a casual look; furniture entirely on or off is more formal. The bigger the rug, the more it’ll pull the other elements of the room together. Use the coffee table, or center of the room, as the primary focal point and plan outward from there.

Multiple rugs can break up an overly large space and add an element of coziness. If you’re working with a very large room and you have more than one seating arrangement, it is ok to use an area rug to define each seating arrangement.

Bedroom Rugs

Bedroom
Rugs are a great way to add extra softness and soundproofing to the bedroom. Allow three feet of rug on either side of the bed if you want a soft landing in the morning. Your nightstands should be on the rug as well.

Other Area Rugs

Kitchen, Hallway & Foyer
Consider adding rugs to areas where you stand most often, including near the sink, stove top and refrigerator. Many homes have tile or hardwood floors in the foyer. A foyer rug adds a welcoming feel and softness to the space, while still keeping the practicality of the tile or hardwood floor. Look for runners and round area rugs to fill the narrower spaces and nooks throughout your home.

TIP: To help visualize how a rug will fit, lay out towels or use painters tape to create a border on the floor where the rug will lie. Standard sizes for area rugs run from 2-by-3 feet, 3-by-5 feet, 4-by-6 feet, 6-by-9 feet, 8-by-10 feet and 9-by-12 feet. You don’t want the rug to be too big or too small for the intended area. Be sure to measure carefully. To paraphrase the old carpenter’s adage, measure twice, buy once.

Related: Learn about area rug construction techniques