Area Rug Buying Guide
Rugs Offer Benefits Beyond Style
Area rugs can be that finishing touch for a room’s design and style. The perfect rug can tie the room together, bringing together all of the furniture and decor, while also making subtle colors of your room pop. But area rugs serve more purposes than just style: they can define separate spaces in your home, protect your glamorous wood floors and provide some sound absorption. And who doesn’t love sinking their toes into a plush rug? What does all of this amount to? A more comfortable, stylish, and personalized home.
Area rugs can be that finishing touch for a room’s design and style. The perfect rug can tie the room together, bringing together all of the furniture and decor, while also making subtle colors of your room pop. But area rugs serve more purposes than just style: they can define separate spaces in your home, protect your glamorous wood floors and provide some sound absorption. And who doesn’t love sinking their toes into a plush rug? What does all of this amount to? A more comfortable, stylish, and personalized home.
Define Floors |
Protect Floors |
Absorb Noise |
Plush under Feet |
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Rugs
What room is the rug for?
Is it a high traffic area? Do you have pets or children in this area? Will you be eating in this area? Do you have furniture picked out for this area? We recommend measuring both your room and furniture before deciding what size rugs best suits your space. |
Tips for Caring for Your Rug
Rotate your rug once a year.
Vacuum your rug with care, make sure your vacuum is set to the right height. Use a rug pad to help with durability. |
Common Rug Layouts
The Living Room |
All Legs OnFor this look we recommend either a 9' x 12' or a 11' x 14' rug.
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Two On, Two OffFor this look we suggest a 6' x 9' or 8' x 10' rug.
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All Legs OffThis look typically works best with a 4' x 6' or 5' x 7' rug.
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The Bedroom
For a bedroom with a Queen Bed we suggest a 8' x 10' rug while a King Bed likely requires a 9' x 12' rug.
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The Dining Room
An 8' x 10' or 9' x 12' rug normally works best for this look though table leaves should also be considered.
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Entryways and Hallways
Rug runners are perfect for entryways and hallways. We also recommend considering rugs for any seating areas.
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Dining Seating Guide
The perfect dining room is all about creating a welcoming space for friends and family to gather. Whether you're the designated host of holiday meals, love throwing dinner parties, or need a simple space for everyday dining, it's important to find a table that will suit your seating needs. Review our guide to find the right table shape and size for your home and lifestyle, as well as helpful tips to create a warm dining space for any occasion.
SQUARE TABLE
A square dining table provides a more unique, contemporary look to your home. For flexibility, find a square table with leaves to transform into a rectangle. |
RECTANGULAR TABLE
The classic dining room table. With plenty of style and size options, it's hard to go wrong, as long as you have the room for it. |
ROUND TABLE
Round dining tables are great for smaller dining spaces or for those who love intimate, conversation-filled meals. Some round tables have leaves to expand into an oval. |
OVAL TABLE
If you love the overall appeal of rectangular tables, but appreciate smooth curves over sharp angles, then consider an oval table. |
Dining Table and Chair Height Guide
Dining tables and chairs are no longer just one height. You have the option to choose between standard, counter, or bar height from many different collections in a variety of styles. This allows you to create a dining space that will show off your personality and meet your entertaining needs. Small dining spaces can still look stylish with the use of round or square bar and counter height tables and coordinating chairs. Completely redesign your dining room with a traditional feel for family meals or use a taller table to set up a casual gathering space for friends.
STANDARD HEIGHT DININGStandard height dining tables, sometimes called regular height dining tables, sit between 28 and 30 inches and should be used with 18 to 23 inch chairs, stools or benches.
Why should I choose standard height dining? This traditional option is the most common and gives you the widest selection. You can mix and match chairs, stools and benches from a vast array of collections, styles, and finishes. Many people find standard height dining to be comfortable because their feet are able to rest naturally on the floor regardless of their height. Standard height dining is also very inclusive as it's the perfect height for those in a wheelchair and is also more kid-friendly, as taller tables and chairs may require you to lift your child into their seat. |
COUNTER HEIGHT DININGWhat is counter height dining?
Counter height tables sit at around 34 to 36 inches and should be used with stools or chairs that sit around 24 to 26 inches. Why should I choose counter height dining? A step above regular height, counter height tables and chairs gives you a unique look in your dining space or eat-in kitchen. Counter height tables are great for food prep as the height, as its name implies, sits near or at the same height as your counters. Counter height dining is also great for small or cramped spaces as the raised height creates a more open and less traditional look than standard height dining. Thanks to this less formal and traditional look, counter height dining is great for entertaining guests. The environment they create tends to be more casual and the table sits at the perfect height for your company to rest their drink regardless of if they’re sitting or standing. Revamp your dining room to match your style with contemporary or casual pieces of your choice. |
BAR HEIGHT DININGWhat is bar height dining?
Bar height tables sit at 40 to 42 inches and should be used with stools or chairs that sit around 28 to 30 inches. Why should I choose bar height dining? Bar height dining takes the entertaining features of counter height dining and raises them even higher. The extra height makes them even further removed from the traditions associated with standard height dining, and this is reflected in the environment they create. Rooms that utilize bar height dining are optimal for entertaining and can easily, and comfortably, be converted into a standing space. |
OTHER DINING OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Adjustable Height Seating:
Customize the seating experience with an adjustable height stool. People of different heights can still sit comfortably with adjustable height seating and you can change up your table without having to redo the entire room thanks to the adjustable seating.
Arms or Armless:
Chairs with arms add comfort, style and support while armless options can give you a more modern and clean look.
Back or Backless:
Tall backs, low backs or backless can give your room a certain look. Decide based on style as well as comfort.
Swivel Seat:
Rotating side to side is a great feature. It allows you to sit comfortably, leave your seat with ease, and always have the best view.
Outdoor:
Bar and counter height aren’t just for your indoor dining room. Create a stylish and fun entertaining space outside with taller outdoor furniture. Your patio can be a casual and welcoming space for entertaining with the use of counter or bar height pieces.
Sofa and Chair Cushion Materials, Comfort, and Durability
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DOWN SEAT CUSHIONS
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INNERSPRING SEAT CUSHIONS
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FOAM SEAT CUSHIONS
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MEMORY FOAM SEAT CUSHIONS
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Down blend or full down cushions are made entirely of down or feathers and create a plush or soft seat. Down blend utilizes a mixture of down and fiber to create a slightly firmer cushion similar to that of full down. Down blend cushions typically have a foam core as pictured above.
How durable is a feather seat cushion?
Full down cushions are unique in that you can easily fluff, and for many refill, the cushion to regain the desired support and comfort. Many full down cushions allow you to refill them making them last longer. Partial down cushions durability will be dependent upon the quality of the foam used. Look for high-resiliency foam for a longer lasting cushion.
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Innerspring seat cushions will typically feature a series of individually pocketed coils similar to those found in an innerspring mattress. These coils are commonly wrapped in a foam layer. Innerspring seat cushions can vary from a medium to a firm seat depending on the coils and foam layer.
How durable is an innerspring seat cushion?
Like an innerspring mattress, durability will depend largely on the resiliency of the coils. Heavy gauge steel springs will offer a more durable seat than springs with a lower gauge. The quality of the foam used to encase the innersprings is also a key contributor to durability in an innerspring cushion. High-resiliency foam will help ensure the cushion stands the tests of time.
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A high-density foam is at least 1.8 lb density and typically will provide a firmer seat while medium and low density foam cushions will be at 1.5 lb density or below and normally will provide a more plush seat. Fiber, full down, or down blend wraps on foam cushions can add comfort and help maintain the quality of a seat cushion.
How durable is a foam seat cushion?
The durability of a foam cushion will depend on the resiliency of the foam. A high-resiliency 1.8 lb high-density foam cushion with a fiber wrap will last longer than a 1.5 lb density cushion without a wrap. Look for higher density and high resiliency foam wrapped in fiber or down for the best quality foam cushions.
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Memory foam cushions typically offer a firmer, form fitting, sit and won't be just memory foam, instead they tend to utilize a memory foam core with a wrap to combine the best of memory foam and other materials. Wraps are commonly made of traditional foam, fiber, or a gel layer.
How durable is a memory foam seat cushion?
Much like standard foam, memory foam is often reliant upon resiliency for durability. Memory foam is consistently going to be a high density foam which will help the cushion last.
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Pet Friendly Furniture Buying Guide
You love your pets; that goes without saying. However, this fact does not eliminate those inevitable byproducts of living with your furry companion/s. Shedding, scratching, and "accidents" can cause harm to your home, especially your furniture, and test the bonds between you and your pet. This guide explains how to shop for furniture with your trusted sidekick in mind, ensuring you live a happy and stress-free life together.
Step 1: Know Your Pets
Only you know your pets and their habits, and this knowledge will go a long way in preventing your furniture from long-term, irreversible damage. As you begin, here are a few things to keep in mind.
SCRATCHINGCats, or dogs, who scratch can cause significant damage and leave lasting marks. Choose a tightly woven fabric to resist damage or a patterned one to hide marks.
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LICKING/CHEWINGAn obsessive licking habit can leave unattractive wet spots on your upholstery that can resemble water marks, while a chronic chewer can wreak havoc on exposed wood. Be wary of microfiber type fabrics, as they are more prone to water marks.
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SHEDDINGLike it or not, your pet's hair will find your furniture. If your companion sheds, consider either a patterned fabric or one that matches your pet's coat.
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TRAININGPuppies and kittens can be difficult to house train and messy accidents are bound to happen. Fabrics that are easily wiped will help in this case, as well as ones that don't retain odors.
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Step 2: Choose the Right Fabric
Your upholstered pieces are the most vulnerable to pet behavior and damage. Leather, distressed leathers, and synthetic fabrics are, in most cases, the best choices for pets. Regardless, you'll save money, time, and stress just by choosing a fabric that both you and your pet will love.
LEATHERBenefits
Easily Remove Hair Easily Wiped Clean Odor Resistant Disadvantages Vulnerable to Scratching Doesn't Hide Blemishes Distressed Leathers boast all the benefits of normal leather, PLUS the distressed pattern will be able to better hide blemishes. |
FABRICBenefits
Easily Remove Hair Easily Wiped Clean Can Withstand Scratching Tightly Woven to Resist Damage Disadvantages Vulnerable to Odors No Pattern to Hide Blemishes and Licking may Leave Water Marks |
FABRICS TO AVOID
TweedExtremely difficult to remove hair
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VelvetPermanent stains
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ChenilleClaws will easily destroy
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SilkMuch too delicate
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