While having wall-to-wall carpeting installed on hardwood floors might seem like a soft and warm option, it might not be so for a kid’s room. Considering the amount of ‘action’ the carpet in the kid’s room sees, it won’t be long before you have layers of dirt in dust trapped in its weave. An area rug, on the other hand, is a much better choice, as it’s easy to maintain, warm, and visually appealing. Children also love soft rugs as they provide a perfect spot for playing, reading, doing homework, or watching TV. Now, before you choose a rug for the kid’s room, make sure you’ve considered these.

Placement and purpose

While it’s obvious why having a rug on the hardwood or laminate floor is important, you also need to pay attention to other purposes of area rugs. Perhaps you want to use two smaller rugs to distinguish space between siblings in a shared bedroom, to create a focal point in a room with scattered furniture, or to create an activity area for your kid. Once you answer these, you’ll know where to place an area rug. In a room with a lot of furniture, the rug can anchor the place, and for an added visual harmony, make sure the capital pieces of furniture overlap the rug edges by a few inches.

Material and texture

The best kid’s room rugs are durable, safe, and easy to maintain. Rugs with good quality pads are best for polished hardwood floors, as they keep the rug in place and protect the floor from damage. Flat-woven cotton dhurries are thinner than most other rug options, but also very affordable and easy to maintain. Soft wool rugs are also a popular choice since they are naturally stain- and water-repellent. Wool rugs are, on the other hand, notorious for shedding, but the amount they shed decreases over time.

Pro tip: if you’re looking for a rug that works in every situation, try a synthetic one. They are durable, easy to clean and can take a lot of abuse. If you want to stay on the natural page, consider a jute rug. They are known for their durability and chemical-free manufacture, even though they are a little coarse on bare feet.

Shape and size

When you have settled on the material for your rug and where it should go, measure the area and think about the size and shape that will be the most effective. Large rugs are perfect if you want to cover the most of the space, however for an elegant accent piece, a smaller circular one is better. If your local vendors don’t have what you need, you may also look for rugs online as websites often manage their vast stocks by offering filtered searches, so you can find the size, shape, and even pattern you need more easily.

Rug and bed ratio

Since kids usually don’t have queen and king-sized beds, you won’t be needing a gigantic rug, but a rule of a thumb is to have at least 18 to 24 inches on both sides. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a 5×8 or larger, consider getting runners on both sides. This way you can achieve the look of an oversized floor covering and make cleaning easier – vacuum the runners and mop the hardwood or laminate in between. Smaller rugs and runners often come in more colour and parent options, so you can even switch them out between the seasons – or drycleaner’s.

Colours and weaves

If your kid’s room already has a lot of patterns, a solid colour rug can balance the basic element and provide visual relief for your child. On the other hand, if the room is dominated by neutral shades or solid colours, a patterned area rug can increase the dynamics of the space. When it comes to weaves, flat weave provides a nice warm spot for play but is still flat enough for puzzles and building blocks. Loop-woven and shag rugs are not recommended as tiny things can sink inside and you or your kid may accidentally step on it later.

Among the many ideas that can transform the room of your little ones, an amazing area rug is a great place to start. A well-thought area rug can change the entire character of your kid’s bedroom and become their favourite piece of furniture.