Welcome to your new apartment in Joplin! We want you to get the most out of your rental experience. Whether you love the modern kitchen appliances, an open floorplan, or the metropolitan atmosphere, our vibrant Midwestern city is a great place to live.
Our apartments in Joplin, MO, have composite flooring in some areas and carpeting in other rooms. If you want to spruce up the floor or make the lines a bit softer, an area rug can do the trick nicely. Our guide to selecting the right rug for your composite or hardwood floor explains.
Size of the Area Rug
How big is the space you want to cover in your apartment in Joplin? Measure the floor space and consider the furniture layout for the room. There are many rug sizes and shapes available, from squares and rectangles to circles and ovals.
Don’t Go Wall-to-Wall
In most cases, an area rug should not extend wall to wall. Instead, leave a border of exposed flooring around the rug’s edges to frame the space and create balance. Maintain a border of at least 12 to 18 inches of uncovered flooring between the rug and the walls. If the space is smaller, you might need a smaller gap, depending on the furniture of the space.
Furniture on Top of the Rug
The area rug should accommodate key pieces of furniture without overwhelming the space. In a living room, for example, the front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug to anchor the seating area. For a more expansive look, position all furniture legs on the rug. Leave at least six inches of extra space beyond the outer edges for a balanced look. This approach prevents the rug from feeling undersized.
Dining Areas and Chairs
Dining areas require area rugs that extend well beyond the table’s perimeter. Ideally, leave at least 24 inches from the table’s edge to accommodate chairs when pulled out. This prevents chairs from catching on the rug’s border, which can make it harder to move the chairs in and out.
Choose the Best Rug Material for Your Apartment in Joplin
With so many choices from reputable online retailers, you can choose a wide range of materials for an area rug. Each material has a different aesthetic, durability, and feel. The right one for your apartment in Joplin just depends on your personal taste.
Synthetic Rugs
Synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, and polypropylene, combine the best of both worlds. You’ll find durable, long-lasting options without the higher price tag of wool. Synthetic rugs come in a wide range of colors.
Synthetic rugs resist stains, moisture, and fading, making them ideal for almost any space. Advances in manufacturing allow synthetic rugs to mimic the look and feel of natural fibers, offering style without the high maintenance requirements.
Wool rugs still last longer, in general. However, synthetic rugs have the affordability and resilience for a practical solution in high-traffic areas.
Silk and Viscose Rugs
Silk rugs showcase intricate patterns, rich colors, and a luxurious sheen, making them a high-end option for elegant spaces. The delicate fibers create a smooth, soft texture but require careful maintenance to preserve their beauty.
Viscose, a synthetic alternative, replicates the look of silk at a lower cost but lacks the same durability. Silk and viscose both have gorgeous color choices that shimmer and shine.
Both materials work best in low-traffic areas to keep them safe from excessive wear. However, these types of rugs can add an instant sophistication to any room.
Wool Rugs
Wool rugs offer durability, softness, and natural stain resistance. They’re a popular choice for high-traffic areas. However, they might be more expensive than rugs made of synthetic materials.
Dense wool fibers hold their shape well, making them durable for busy spaces like living rooms or hallways. Wool also keeps rooms warm during colder months while remaining breathable in warmer weather. You’ll also notice better sound management and insulation, making your apartment in Joplin quieter.
You might find that wool rugs require professional cleaning because of their natural fibers and the bulky size. However, their resilience and luxurious texture make them a worthwhile investment for the long haul.
Blended Material Rugs
Shop for area rugs that incorporate blended materials to balance durability, comfort, and cost. Wool and cotton blends enhance softness while maintaining resilience, whereas synthetic and natural fiber combinations improve stain resistance and affordability.
Blended rugs typically retain the best qualities of each fiber. So, they are a versatile choice for various rooms. Make sure to read the care instructions before ordering one or buying one so you know what to expect.
Cotton Rugs
Do you want a lightweight and budget-friendly alternative to wool? Consider a cotton rug. Their soft texture makes them ideal for casual spaces such as kitchens, entryways, or children’s rooms.
Many cotton rugs feature reversible designs, allowing you to change up the room’s look and feel from season to season. You may find that most cotton rugs allow for machine washing or simple spot cleaning.
The downside is that cotton lacks the durability of wool. Consider placing these rugs in lower-traffic areas to prevent premature wear.
Jute and Sisal Rugs
Jute and sisal rugs offer a natural, textured element to home décor. These plant-based fibers create a rustic, organic vibe to go along with durability.
Sisal rugs, known for their coarse texture, work well in high-traffic areas. Jute rugs provide a softer, more comfortable underfoot experience. As plant-based fibers, sisal and jute provide eco-friendly options as well as a luxurious look and feel.
Both of these rug materials need regular vacuuming to remove dirt and debris. You’ll find that they may absorb moisture easily, meaning they are less suitable for humid environments or spill-prone areas.
Which Material Should You Choose?
Selecting the right rug material depends on lifestyle, room function, and budget. Wool provides timeless durability. Cotton offers affordability, and synthetic options ensure easy upkeep. Natural fibers like jute or sisal introduce texture, while silk delivers a luxurious aesthetic.
It depends on what you’re going for and how much cleaning and upkeep you want to do for your area rug.
What Furniture Will Be on the Rug?
Furniture is another consideration when choosing an area rug. Assess the layout of the room and determine how much of the furniture should rest on the rug. A well-proportioned rug anchors the space, creating a cohesive look among different pieces of the room.
You also want a comfortable walking surface while making sure no one trips on the rug when navigating the furniture. Proper sizing prevents the rug from looking either too small or overwhelming in relation to the furnishings.
Living Room
Positioning all furniture legs on a living room rug creates a spacious, luxurious feel. If you need more flexibility, place only the front legs on the rug. Ensure at least six inches of rug extend beyond the sides of a sofa to prevent a cramped appearance. When incorporating a coffee table, consider a larger rug with some overlap.
Dining Area
You want an area rug at least 24 inches beyond a dining table’s edges for easier movement for the chairs. Round tables pair well with circular rugs, while rectangular tables align best with similarly shaped rugs.
Choosing the Right Color Scheme for Your Apartment in Joplin
Due to modern manufacturing techniques, you have nearly limitless options for colors when it comes to area rugs. The colors you choose come down to your aesthetic preferences.
Consider the Room’s Existing Color Palette
Look at the room’s current color scheme. Identify dominant, secondary, and accent colors in furniture, walls, and décor if you want to create a harmonious look that blends all of the elements together.
A well-coordinated rug should either complement the room’s colors or introduce contrast to create visual interest. Neutral tones, like beige, gray, white, and navy blue, blend seamlessly with most styles. Bold hues make a statement and energize the space.
Enhance or Subdue the Mood
Colors influence a room’s atmosphere and feelings. Selecting the right shade depends on the desired mood or effect you want to achieve.
Soft pastels and muted earth tones are perfect for relaxation and calm. Rich jewel tones, such as emerald green or deep navy, add sophistication to formal living spaces. Brighter shades, including red and yellow, provide warmth and vibrancy for play areas and dining nooks.
Create Contrast or Cohesion
A well-chosen rug either blends seamlessly with the surroundings or introduces contrast to add depth. Do you want to draw someone’s eye or make it seem like the rug is hardly there?
Monochromatic designs create a subtle, cohesive look, allowing other decorative elements to stand out, like a wall hanging, piece of furniture, or a lamp. On the other hand, high-contrast color schemes add energy and excitement to a space. A dark rug against light flooring draws attention, while a light rug in a dark room brightens the overall look.
Consider Patterns and Their Impact
Patterns influence how colors interact within a space. Also, different colors can help create a certain mood for the room.
A solid-colored rug provides a clean, minimalistic backdrop, while intricate designs introduce movement and complexity. Large-scale patterns work best in open spaces, preventing them from feeling empty. Smaller patterns suit compact rooms by adding visual texture without overwhelming the area.
If you want a balanced look, make sure the colors of the pattern complement the rest of the room. You can also contrast the look of the room with a pattern filled with bright colors or hues on the opposite end of the color spectrum.
Account for Practicality and Maintenance
Lighter-colored rugs brighten a room and make it more cheerful. However, they might require more frequent cleaning because they show stains and dirt more easily. Darker shades conceal spills and footprints, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets. Multi-toned rugs or those with intricate patterns disguise wear over time because the pattern and colors are more prominent than signs of wear.
Adapt to Seasonal Changes
A rug’s color should transition well between seasons to keep the space feeling fresh year-round. Warm hues, such as rust and terracotta, create a cozy ambiance in colder months. Cooler tones, like aqua or soft gray, provide a refreshing feel during warmer seasons. Of course, there are also holiday rugs based on the time of year, like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day, to create a festive atmosphere.
Keep in mind that if you want to change out the rugs every season, you’ll need a closet or storage area to keep them safe. Simply clean the rug, roll it up, and store it upright in your Joplin apartment.
Select a Timeless or Trendy Option
Classic colors, such as beige, gray, or navy, offer long-term versatility as neutral hues. This allows you to have varied décor styles over time without creating too much contrast. Trend-driven colors, like emerald green or mustard yellow, add a contemporary touch but may lose appeal as trends shift.
Patterns for Area Rugs
Like with colors, manufacturers of area rugs can create many intricate patterns. Take these items into consideration when shopping for your perfect area rug.
Look Over the Room’s Existing Design
An area rug enhances the space by complementing furniture, wall colors, and decorative accents in the room. For example, if the room has solid-colored furnishings, a bold or intricate pattern draws the eye. Conversely, a space filled with patterned upholstery or wall hangings could use a more subtle rug design to prevent visual overload and turn the focus to the walls.
Balance Scale and Proportion
How much do you want the rug’s pattern to stand out? Large, open spaces benefit from oversized patterns to give a cohesive appearance. Small, intricate designs suit compact areas with another layer of texture. The rug should fit into the rest of the room rather than compete with it.
Create a Focal Point or Blend Seamlessly
A patterned rug either serves as a striking focal point or integrates smoothly into the overall design. Vibrant geometric or floral patterns draw attention and set the tone for the entire room. More understated designs, such as subtle stripes or tone-on-tone motifs, provide a sophisticated backdrop without dominating the space. Choosing between a statement piece and a complementary design depends on the room’s intended atmosphere.
Align with Style Preferences
Different rug patterns can meld with various design styles. Traditional décor might work well with classic Persian or Oriental designs. If you love modern styles, consider going with abstract, geometric, or minimalist patterns. Coastal or bohemian décor pairs well with organic shapes, distressed finishes, or tribal prints. So, make sure to look over your overall design preferences for the entire room when selecting an area rug.
Use Stripes and Shapes to Influence Perception
Patterns can impact a room’s perceived dimensions. Horizontal stripes create the illusion of a wider space. So, if you have a narrow room, select a pattern with horizontal stripes. Vertical designs add depth and create a sense of height. Circular or organic patterns soften rigid corners. Symmetrical patterns give off a structured appearance.
Choose a Timeless or Trendy Design
How much versatility do you want with your area rug? Classic patterns, such as floral, damask, or herringbone, are always in style. Trendy patterns, like bold geometric shapes or abstract designs, give your room personality. Do you want to make a statement or have timeless appeal?
Anti-Slip Area Rugs
If your rug doesn’t have furniture on it, go for one with an anti-slip liner underneath. Anti-slip liners prevent the rug from bunching up. Liners also make the rug heavier, which can lead to a sturdier construction.
Welcome Home to Our Apartments in Joplin or Webb City
We want you to have the best possible experience at your apartment in Joplin or Webb City. Many of our properties are perfect for adding homely touches like area rugs.
Contact us or call (417) 624-4144 to schedule a tour with our team. We look forward to meeting you!
