Choosing the Perfect Area Rugs for Staging a Home to Sell

Choosing the Right Area Rug for Home Staging

Selecting the perfect area rug to showcase a home for sale requires careful thought. The right rug can tie a room together, add comfort underfoot, and impress potential buyers. However, the wrong rug can make a space feel small, dated, or cluttered. When staging a home to sell, every detail matters. Follow these tips to pick an area rug that checks all the boxes.

Consider the Room's Purpose

As you evaluate rug options for a staged home, consider the room's purpose. Is it a high-traffic common area like a foyer, family room, or hallway? Look for durable rugs made of stain-resistant synthetic fibers or wool. For cozy spaces like bedrooms, cotton or viscose rugs add softness. Prioritize nonslip backings for carpeted stairs to prevent slips and falls.

Mind the Size

Bigger is not always better with staging rugs. Oversized area rugs make rooms appear smaller by cutting them off visually. Instead, choose a size where all the furniture legs rest on the rug. Leave at least 18 inches of floor visible around the edges. Rectangular rugs work well for conversational seating arrangements in front of sofas or under dining tables. Large square or round rugs define sitting areas without visually "closing off" the room.

Coordinate Colors

When preparing a home to sell, you want buyers to envision themselves living there. A coordinating color palette keeps each room looking pulled together, not haphazard. Neutral rugs offer versatility to appeal to buyers' personal tastes. Beige and gray work with almost any color scheme. Navy and olive rugs inject color while still keeping things simple. For patterned area rugs, limit yourself to two colors. Let the rug bring in an accent hue through stripes, geometrics, or abstract shapes rather than overwhelming with rainbow palettes.

Mind the Material

The best rugs for staging an area prioritize not only form but function. Plush wool rugs with dense pile add comfort underfoot in living rooms. Their natural fibers resist dirt and stains. For heavy dining room use, flatweave jute rugs withstand spills and offer an earthy vibe. Washable cotton dhurrie rugs suit casual spaces like dens or recreation areas where durability matters. Synthetics like polypropylene work well for outdoor spaces, foyers, basements, or playrooms. Prioritize safety with nonslip backings.

Keep It Consistent

When selecting multiple area rugs for staging, keep the vibe consistent from room to room. If the living room features a patterned wool rug, choose a complementary solid color or texture for the adjoining dining space. Though artificial silk rugs exude luxury and sheen, they may overwhelm a casual cottage. Stick to a cohesive theme that flows logically throughout the home based on architectural style and decor.

Care and Cleaning Considerations

After choosing the perfect rugs to stage a home, proper care and cleaning keep them looking their best. Dust and vacuum regularly to prevent embedded dirt and stains. Act quickly to clean spills by blotting excess liquid and spot cleaning. Consider professional steam cleaning every year or two, especially for wool. Flip occasionally to evenly distribute wear. Use rug pads for hard floors. Finally, consider storage needs. Roll up and wrap rugs tightly or fold flat. Avoid excessive bending or creasing.

Area Rug Alternatives

Though beautiful area rugs remain a top choice for staging homes for sale, alternatives work in certain scenarios. Runners suit narrow halls and define pathways. Faux animal hides and cowhides add natural flair in rustic or contemporary spaces. For high-moisture areas like laundry rooms or mudrooms, an indoor-outdoor rug withstands daily use. If existing carpeting remains in good shape, consider a thorough professional cleaning before listing instead of purchasing all new rugs.

The Takeaway

Strategically placed area rugs for staging tie rooms together visually and help buyers picture the home as their own. Prioritize versatile neutrals and classic patterns sized appropriately for each space. Coordinate colors and styles for a polished look. For improved safety and maintenance, carefully consider the fiber, construction and backing. Proper care keeps rugs looking their best while the home is on the market. With some thoughtful effort selecting durable, on-trend rugs, they will impress buyers and enhance rooms seamlessly.

FAQs

What size rug is best for staging a room?

When staging with area rugs, choose a size where all the furniture legs rest on the rug. Leave at least 18 inches of visible floor space around the edges so the room does not feel crowded or boxed in.

What material is best for rugs in a staged home?

Wool area rugs are excellent for staging because they add comfort, resist stains, and durability for high-traffic areas. Cotton dhurrie rugs also withstand daily use. Prioritize nonslip backings on all rugs.

Should I buy new rugs for a home I'm staging?

It depends. If existing carpets or rugs are outdated or in poor condition, new area rugs help freshen the home’s look. But if current flooring remains in good shape, thoroughly clean it instead of purchasing all new rugs.

How often should I vacuum and clean staging rugs?

Frequently vacuum and dust rugs in a staged home to prevent buildup of dirt, debris, and stains. Professionally steam clean wool rugs every year or two. Spot clean spills immediately as they occur. Flip area rugs periodically to evenly distribute wear.