This article will guide you, step by step, in the search for your new carpet. A circle for the living room? A square for the dining room? Cotton, wool, polyester or sheep hair? Patterns or plain? Gradient or monochrome? Jessica van Wembeke, the Alterego Design expert in interior decoration, makes carpets (yes!) and gives all her advice on texture, colour and dimensions.
“In an open area, she begins, a huge rug can delimit an area. Like a partition would, but without blocking the view. It creates a dedicated space. In this case, it must exceed on both sides of the sofa, armchairs, and coffee table. You can use the same trick under a dining room table, but we’ll get to that later.
“The rug will generally be rectangular, especially with a chaise longue, but you could also imagine it square with a corner sofa. In a smaller room, the rug is slipped under the sofa’s front legs, which are often leaned against the wall. The rug gives the living room seating stability without weighing down the whole. We can also imagine a round carpet under a round coffee table. This must then necessarily have a diameter greater than that of the tabletop. »
The living room is a place of wrapping, friendliness and relaxation. In terms of material, it is, therefore, towards feelings of softness and comfort that we must move: “We must favour carpets with longer hairs. We all have the sheepskin image in front of the fireplace, right? You will quickly see your children, or even your guests, sitting there with pleasure. “There are also textured or relief rugs, which are very designer and pleasant under bare feet. “That being said, the more robust, very natural jute rug is really popular now. It is the number one ally of boho, Scandinavian, country, Japanese, etc. decorations. »
When it comes to style, you have two choices. Either a rug that will blend into the interior decoration and help harmonize the whole or a rug that will stand out with its colours or patterns and bring pep to your living room. Nine times out of ten, the first school wins. The choice is less risky, easier to match, and easier on the eyes. “Our large model BERAN, for example, suits different styles of interiors. It is classic, sober and elegant. Few risks but many effects! White and black, it goes with everything and allows you to create a cosy space, illuminate the room, and warm up the atmosphere of the living room. On the contrary, a carpet of character, Tibetan or Indian style, rather large, catches the eye. It is the perfect ally for large spaces, which sometimes lack warmth and personality. Some designer rugs, unique pieces made to measure, can almost transform your living room into an art gallery. »
IN THE BEDROOM
To furnish a bedroom, you only need a few things. A comfortable bed, good curtains, one or two bedside tables and you’re made. But, adding a few well-thought-out decorative elements makes it very easy to compose a real haven of tranquillity for long peaceful nights. Jessica continues: “In the bedroom, the rug has its place. It attenuates the noise coming from below, is soft underfoot, and is warm in winter or bright in summer. It’s a real plus. »
“In a spacious bedroom, we opt for a large carpet, which will protrude from the bed on all sides, bedside tables included. As explained for the living room, it will create a room within the room, especially if the bed is in the centre. It enhances the bed and adds an undeniable touch of comfort. For a smaller space, we, therefore, choose a smaller rug, which will stick out on the right, left and at the feet, or even two rectangular rugs which will serve as bedside rugs,” she explains.
Although we spend many hours there every day, the bedroom is not a place of passage. You could choose a quality carpet with long hairs (to trap dust, the rate of which will decrease in the air) and deep colours. “The LOUIX is an excellent choice, especially for a spacious bedroom. It is relatively thick and soft to the touch, and its gradient shades of blue and black act as a pedestal for the bed. It is great in modern, industrial or even ethnic style decorations,” she adds.
And for children’s rooms, a colourful, low-pile, easy-care rug. This will stimulate their creativity and encourage them to play comfortably in their bedroom. In the evening, it will surely be all the more appreciated by parents-ninjas whose little ones are light sleepers.
IN THE DINING ROOM
Jessica continues: “For the dining room, things are a little different. You have to think “practical”. The legs of the chairs, the table and the guests will abuse the carpet. It will receive many crumbs and a few stray drops. “It’s best to choose a low-pile or flat-woven rug that’s easy to clean. A kilim, in particular, or a handloom. » To avoid imbalances, the rug should cover the area of the table and unfolded chairs.
And for form: “A square rug with a square table, a round rug with a round table, and a rectangular rug for long tables. It should fit the shape of the table. »
As for the colour, this time, we remain more traditional. The rug offers comfort, perhaps defining an area, but it rarely serves as decoration since it is found hidden under the furniture. “We favour neutral, natural, luminous colours that don’t get dirty and synthetic fibres for the same reasons. The MARYSE model is a very good example of this. Indeed, its ethnic patterns offer beautiful originality and allow some culinary blunders, which a monochrome carpet cannot claim. “The GRAFIK model also works very well, especially in lighter palettes. Its juxtaposed triangles give it a beautiful originality without risking stealing the show from the table that will be placed on it. »
MAINTENANCE
Before you buy your first rug, learn this: to keep it looking its original shine, you’ll need to vacuum it once a week. If there is a stain, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth. Alterego Design offers a range of high-quality products to protect and clean the fabric: the ROYALTEX kit. Also, discover in our complementary article how to best maintain your wooden and fabric furniture.
In conclusion, Jessica offers the following tips for caring for the carpet of your dreams:
To prevent the fibre from being damaged over time, I suggest you stick small markers under the legs of the furniture. You can move them easily and rearrange your living room without fear of seeing unsightly holes appear in the carpet.
My second piece of advice is to avoid painful falls. For rugs installed in hallways, bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens… in short, wherever there is traffic, consider buying an underlay. It is a non-slip coating, in fabric or plastic, placed between the floor and the carpet, preventing it from creasing and slipping. It also protects floors from scratches and wears and tear.
My last advice, which is for larger families or inveterate clumsy people, is to choose a polypropylene outdoor rug, especially for the dining room. . It’s also much easier to care for than its luxurious shag indoor cousins. »
