5 Steps for Choosing the Right Beach House Rug
7th Apr 2021
If there is one thing we love talking about here at Cottage & Bungalow, it’s beach house rugs! Why? Because adding or changing out rugs for a beach house is the quickest and easiest way to freshen up a room. You can update seasonally or during a refresh. We love that coastal area rugs have the ability to define a space, acting as the main star, or simply create a little pizzazz. It depends on size, shape, and placement.
So, if you are planning to redecorate your interior “coastal style,” you must pick rugs that will be appropriate for your beach home. While shopping for rugs can be fun and exciting, it can also get a little overwhelming, with the wide variety of rugs out there to choose from. Choosing the right area rug for a room involves some planning and consideration because high-quality rugs are an investment. You’ll want to be sure to choose a rug that is the right size and style.
Our goal is to make your rug buying process a bit easier with these simple tips.
What to Consider When Buying Beach House Rugs
Here are a few things to take note of when buying rugs for a beach house.
First, make a list of areas that will benefit the most from the addition of woven rugs. Typically, we recommend rugs for, anchoring dining room and/or living room furniture; protecting high-traffic areas, such as hallways, stairways, and entryways; padding the areas you use to stand for longer periods of time — in front of the sink, kitchen island, food prep areas, etc., and alongside beds so you have a soft, warm landing when you get out of bed each morning. Next, follow these steps.
1. Determine the size
Perhaps the most common mistake people make when buying rugs is, they tend to overlook the size. The size of the rug is very important because a rug that is too small or too big for a certain area will ruin your interior design scheme. Ever get the feeling when you look at your living room and you feel like something is a bit off? It’s probably because your design isn’t proportioned or balanced. Measure the area first before you buy rugs. When it comes to laying out the rug, make sure it is at the center of the room and all the main furniture pieces fit under it.
2. Pick the appropriate rug design
There’s an appropriate rug for each design style. For the beach house interior design vibe, select rugs that are made up of organic materials. The rug should either saturate or complement the color palette of your house. Rugs for beach houses are often characterized by light earth-toned colors. If you want to add a pop of color, opt for a patterned rug with airy pastel hues like blue, pink, green, or yellow.
3. Consider the maintenance
Don’t purchase the rug right away just because it’s pretty. Think about where you are going to place it and what kind of care and maintenance you need to do to make your rug last long. Opt for washable rugs in the kitchen area. Rugs made of natural fibers are not advisable for kitchen areas. Check the cleaning instructions of the rug before making a purchase.
4. Consider the materials
Rugs are made of different materials. Each material has its own pros and cons. Knowing what rug material would work best for the particular area of the house will save you time and effort in cleaning and maintaining it. Rugs for beach houses are usually made of cotton, and natural fibers such as jute, sea-grass, and sisal.
5. Place a rug pad
Don’t forget to place a rug pad before laying out your rug. Rug pads prolong the life of your rug. It serves as the buffer between the floor and keeps your rug in place. When buying a rug, consider buying a rug pad too. No matter what type of floor finishing you will be placing your rug, having a rug pad will definitely be an advantage.
Getting the perfect rugs for a beach house would add a ton of interest and visual aesthetics to your coastal home. Not only does it improve the visual appeal but also makes your house look extra cozy, airy, and full of life. Now that you know the things you need to consider when buying rugs for a beach house, it’s time to find out the different rug materials you can choose from.
Styles of Coastal Rugs
Diamond Sprout Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Organic Rugs
Rugs that are made of natural fibers such as jute, reed, sisal, sea-grass, and bamboo are one of the most popular rugs. These rugs can either be knotted or flat woven. The color and texture of these types of rugs are timeless and very versatile. It saturates that cozy, carefree, and laid-back vibe that is fitting for creating a coastal atmosphere. If you’re planning to buy rugs for a beach house, you’ll never go wrong with organic.
Woven Cotton Rugs
Decorating a beach house is fun especially when summer is coming. Even if you don’t live near the beach, you can still pull off that coastal ambiance into your home by sprucing your space up with rugs for a beach house. Cotton rugs are probably the most common type of rugs people usually have in their homes. This is because cotton rugs are budget-friendly. However, they do tend to fade easily especially when washed often. If you’re someone who loves to redecorate your home every now and then depending on the season, then you definitely should have a few pieces of cotton rugs.
Wool Rugs
Wool is also made of natural fibers but unlike jute or sisal, wool rugs are easier to clean. They gave an elegant and sleek appeal to the interior space. Wool rugs are made through a detailed and meticulous process so they can be expensive. However, wool rugs are worth the investment because you can be sure that they are of high quality and will last for many years to come. It’s ideal to place wool rugs in areas with high foot traffic like entryways and living rooms.
Polypropylene Rugs
Polypropylene rugs are made from synthetic fibers. They usually look like organic rugs such as jute or sisal. A polypropylene rug is cost-effective and highly durable. It is also considered an ideal rug for beach houses simply because it is wear-resistant and is great for both indoor and outdoor spaces. If you want an organic-looking rug that is easy to maintain, you can opt for polypropylene.
While these are some of the most popular materials chosen for beach homes, these are only a few of choices. Explore more variations in our Ultimate Rug Guide.
Tips for Using Area Rugs
Herringbone Navy Indoor/Outdoor Rug
Now that you have a primer on how to start decorating – or redecorating! – your space with coastal rugs, let’s explore some additional tips.
- Use them in high traffic areas. Cotton rugs are durable and easy to wash. Therefore, they are a simple fix for protecting the flooring in high traffic areas where little feet – or little paws – rarely tread lightly.
- Be bold. Is there a bright color you’ve been nervous about adding to your space? Use a vibrant area rug that will add color when you want it or can be rolled up when you don’t.
- Add style to your porch or patio space. Our indoor/outdoor rugs are so stylish that guests won’t know the difference. Our colorful rug options add a splash of style to your porch or patio spaces. They hold up to sand, surf boards, bike tires, and food or beverage spills – whether they’re carpeting your popular outdoor living room or used underneath the dining room table or breakfast nook.
- Use patterns to spice it up. If you prefer neutral or monochromatic color palettes, try using a patterned area rug to add a bit of interest, like the Diamond Black and Ivory Rug that only requires vacuuming and the occasional gentle shake.
- Rug layering. Don’t be afraid to use two or more rugs in a space to define different living areas. Layering rugs adds extra visual appeal. A large, solidly colored rug can frame a smaller patterned or complementary rug placed on top.
- Buy rugs you love. Rugs are like art for the floor, so select rugs that you’ll love to look at today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
- Go up. That’s right, rugs aren’t just for the floor, consider a rug as a wall hanging, too.
- Trust your instincts. If something about a rug or its placement does not look right to you, trust your instincts. A rug guide is certainly helpful, but if you’d like a professional opinion, consider hiring a professional interior designer.
- Update a room. Introduce new color trends or change out seasonally.
- Store your rugs correctly. The best way to store your rug is by rolling it instead of folding it. You’ll want to roll it inward so the backing can protect it while it’s not in use.
- Deep clean annually. Experts recommend a deep cleaning every 12-18 months. This, of course, can vary depending on material and use.
- Budget wisely. You get what you pay for, so spend as much as your budget allows when buying cotton woven rugs for your home. You’ll be repaid in terms of aesthetics, durability, and longevity.
There are many reasons why we love to put rugs in our spaces. Rugs help layer our room’s décor and highlight main areas. They add warmth, color, texture, coziness, and vibrancy to a room. A coastal-themed interior space is all about creating a cool, airy, and relaxing atmosphere. Rotating through the perfect rugs for your beach house, you’ll love your space over and over again.
For more in-depth details on styles, materials and buying tips please visit our Ultimate Rug Guide.