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Using Area Rugs in Home Staging

Staging Rugs – Home buying and selling is a continuous and, at times, contentious profession, especially when you seem to have a property that pique buyers’ interest. The problem typically comes down to price, maintenance or design. While cost and maintenance are a delicate balance for real estate professionals and homeowners, the design doesn’t have to be so complicated. The main rule to follow is to simplify design and remove personal preferences and clutter. Home buyers want to be able to picture themselves living in a home, but that is nearly impossible if a home is cluttered or hyper-stylized. Therefore, things need to be stripped down and uncomplicated to garner interest. You also might not want to invest a ton of money into the design so, at least as far as carpets are concerned, you could rent some of the most beautiful rugs in the world for a fraction of what it would cost to buy the rugs.

When designing or staging a home for sale, it is necessary to stick with neutral tones or soft hues, such as pastels. Also, clean lines and minimal or simplistic styling is crucial. However, if done incorrectly, the space can begin to feel sterile, which is when the addition of rugs can help. Rugs and carpets help create comfortable areas, and they can warm up an otherwise cold space. However, they need to be used correctly to achieve the best results. Try sticking to the following seven design suggestions for the best effect.

1. Go Bigger When Staging Your Home To Sell

Many people do not understand the value of a large area rug. Rugs — when used correctly — can make an area appear larger. Don’t be afraid of laying a large area rug that extends under furniture. Using a rug that is too small for the area can actually make a room appear smaller than it is. A good rule of thumb when it comes to rug size is to leave at least 18 inches of flooring exposed around the edges of the room. However, that also depends on the focal point of the room.

Use a larger area rug when staging a home.

2. Situate Area Rugs Under Furniture

While it may come down to an aesthetic choice, rugs should be large enough to go under at least the front legs of the furniture in a living room. By allowing the rug to extend under couches and chairs, you give the impression of an unbroken sight line, which will create the sense of a larger area. Also, when spreading underneath seating, you allow the furnishings to become the centerpiece of the room, only anchored by the rug.

Use rugs under furniture for the best look when staging a home.

3. Keep Style in Mind When You Stage A Home

When styling a home, maintaining one style is critical to ensure a cohesive design. For example, if you have traditional furnishings, it may seem strange to incorporate a contemporary or modern rug. The style should be balanced so that everything seems to have its appropriate place and purpose. While there may be some instances where a more eclectic style is OK, that is likely more for personal preference and not to be used when trying to sell your home or appeal to a broader market and clientele.

Stick to a neutral style when staging a home to keep things universally appealing.

4. Consider Contrasting Colors

While the style of a room and its furnishings should be within the same design family, it doesn’t have to share the same color. In fact, a rug that contrasts some element in the room is often appealing. Most designers choose to distinguish the flooring. Therefore, if the home you are staging has dark-stained floors, then select a brighter color area rug to contrast.

Consider contrast between the floor and the rug when staging a home.

5. Think About Foot Traffic

Thicker or shag rugs should be found in low foot traffic areas. For example, the living room, while bounding with family life, typically has little foot traffic. However, an entry hallway or mudroom has high foot traffic, and it should have a low pile rug. Some prefer to use indoor / outdoor rugs in these areas because of their durability. Thicker, plush shaggy carpets are sometimes considered to be a tripping hazard.

6. Use Area Rugs To Dive Large Spaces

Some older homes and many newer open-concept homes have large rooms that are meant to serve multiple purposes. For example, it is not uncommon for homes to share a living and dining space. Area rugs can help to create further separation. By using two area rugs of the same style, you can set off a dining room table from the living room seating with the space between the rugs. It is also possible to use various designs and patterns to create even more drama and the distinction between the areas.

When staging a home, use an area rug to define spaces.

7. Understand the Focal Point

Last, consider where you want buyers to look as they walk through the property. If you want them to acknowledge the ceiling height, then use rugs that blend into the surrounding area. If you would rather draw attention to the floors, then use a rug with a contrasting and neutral color. Rugs should be used as a tool to help guide the eye through the home, drawing in and diverting attention when necessary.

The quick sale of a home is about price, maintenance and design. Some would argue that design is crucial, especially staging. However, successful home staging includes purposeful rug placement layout. If you are looking to stage a home, then contact Nazmiyal to discuss our rug rental options.