Area Rugs for a Warmer Winter

For most people, winter is an “off” season for home design. Most of us would prefer comfort over style, warmth and insulation over aesthetics. But who said you had to make a choice? With the advent of modern design, you can have both—and you don’t even have to spend a fortune on it. One of the best ways to warm up in style this year is with area rugs. Comfy as a carpet but much more low-maintenance, rugs are the perfect choice for homeowners who want to cozy up their homes, but don’t want to give up style either.

Of course, not all area rugs are the same—and with the range of rug types available today, it can be hard to choose just one. From size, color, and pattern to material and construction, there are lots of elements to look into. But don’t think of it as a setback—look at it as a reason to get creative and come up with new design ideas. With a bit of planning and shopping around, you can find the perfect winter rug for any space. To help you get started, here are some simple buying tips worth keeping in mind.

Colors play a bigger role in warming up your home beyond the visual aspect. Colors like red, brown and orange create a warmer and cozier atmosphere compared to blue or green. Area rugs are great for working these colors in because they’re not too drastic in effect. Southwestern area rugs are probably one of the best choices, as they come in strong, vibrant colors. Just a single piece in your living room can instantly add lots of warmth.

Most southwestern rugs come in a gradient pattern, often with a combination of red, orange, yellow, green and purple. This mix of colors makes it a really standout piece, so it can easily become your room’s focal point. If you’re getting a big rug, you may have to tone down the rest of your décor to accommodate it. Try placing it against a bare wood floor, or under a wooden coffee table or furniture set.

Go for comfort first

Warmth and comfort should be the first thing you look for when shopping for winter rugs. While most rugs are easy on the feet, not all of them provide the same level of insulation. Look for materials with natural insulating properties, such as wool and cotton. Flokati rugs are also a great choice—genuine pieces are made of soft, top quality wool and come with a thick pile that adds both warmth and style to your space.

The best way to tell how comfortable a rug is (since you can’t try it out barefoot at the store) is to look at the density of the pile. This is usually measured by threads per square inch; generally, the higher the count, the warmer and more comfortable it is. Just make sure to keep the rug clean and dry at all times, especially in the winter season. Thick rugs tend to accumulate more dirt, so even a few days of trudging can case some buildup.

Some area rugs are great enough on their own without needing fancy designs or patterns. But often, it’s these same patterns that make the difference. A patterned rug offers movement and character, and adds more personality to your space. For winter, a lot of designers prefer contemporary area rugs. These rugs often have bold designs, which are great for softening up cold, sleek surfaces. Geometric patterns are especially popular this year.

Patterns don’t work all the time, of course. Some homes have enough visual interest on their own, and adding a patterned piece only makes it look messy. Use a patterned rug if your home is mostly plain, solid surfaces, or if you’re going for a bare, modern theme. That way, the pattern will stand out better and be more effective at bringing out your home’s natural appeal. Or if you want, go for simple designs, such as stripes or a decorative trim around the border.

Keep up with trends

The best thing about rugs is that you can mix and match them as much as you like. Since they don’t need professional installation like carpet floors, it’s just a matter of rolling out one rug and taking out another. Take advantage of this by changing your design once in a while to keep with the trend. Blogs and forums on area rug decorating can give you some good ideas on the best winter rugs, as well as where you can get them for the best prices. You can also get and share tips with other rug owners on practical matters such as maintenance, choosing warranties, and what the trends will be for the next season.

Winter isn’t exactly the season for redesigning the home, at least for most homeowners. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a cold and drab space all season—in fact, it’s the other way around. Since it’s already cold and drab outside, think of it as a reason to get creative and find warm, cozy designs for your space. You’d be surprised at the range of options there are, from flooring and wall décor to all the little accessories. It’s all just a matter of creativity and finding the right pieces to suit your home.

Colors are easily the best way to give your home a warmer glow. If you liked the high-contrast blacks and whites of contemporary design, maybe it’s time to change things up and go back to cozy country colors. This year, designers favor warm hues like brown and red, coupled with “cool” colored accents such as green and purple. You don’t have to do a new paint job—you can work them in using room fabrics such as curtains, throws, pillow covers and carpeting.

Area rugs are also great option for homeowners on a budget. Simpler and less expensive than carpeting, they give you the same warmth and comfort minus the high maintenance. Today’s rugs also come in a wider range of colors and designs, so there’s always one that perfectly suits your design. Choose a warm, soft material such as wool, and make sure to check out the pile to see if it’s thick enough. Lots of factors go into the comfort of an area rug, but generally speaking, the thicker and denser the pile, the warmer and comfier it is.

Adding soft surfaces can also help cozy up your home. Besides rugs, you can also throw in some cushions, a thick slipcover for your couch, or a decorative wall fabric. Change your summer curtains for a thicker drape in a warm, welcoming color. If you’re getting a rug, consider getting a round or oval one—the soft curves around the edge provide a lot of movement and add a soft contrast to the rest of the room.