How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Entryway
Show your style and go big for the first rug you and your guests will see
Deciding on a rug for your entryway is by no means a trivial decision. After putting endless work into the rest of your home, don’t let this first rug in your house look like an afterthought. There are many choices to make. What shape works best? What size? And don’t forget about style and color.
As a decorator I spend a lot of time on rugs. I make sure all the furniture is in place first then I measure the foyer area to find my rug size. The rug should not only fit the space well (the larger it is the warmer the space becomes); it should clean easily because an entry way is a high traffic area. You do not want a high-pile rug. And the rug should carry your style, giving visitors a clue to your home’s personality as soon as they walk in the door.
As a decorator I spend a lot of time on rugs. I make sure all the furniture is in place first then I measure the foyer area to find my rug size. The rug should not only fit the space well (the larger it is the warmer the space becomes); it should clean easily because an entry way is a high traffic area. You do not want a high-pile rug. And the rug should carry your style, giving visitors a clue to your home’s personality as soon as they walk in the door.
Express your personality in a big way, show how interesting and fun you are, and make visitors feel welcome through a bold joyous rug. This one offers a terrific contrast against black-and-white flooring and becomes the focal point in unfurnished entry way. There is no piece of furniture that can add as much of a colorful punch of color and personality as this rug. Note the size of this rug is as wide as the door way. This is important because an entry way can have heavy traffic flow and you don’t want anyone tripping over the sides of a small rug as they pass through.
If you have a smaller entry hall, go big with your rug’s size and pattern. Measure the width of the entry and look for a rug that will take up a bulk of the space. You will find you have more choices with larger rugs. Find one that has a large geometric shape that will fool the eye into thinking the space is larger.
This is a good example of placing your furniture first, then measuring for the rug. You do not want the rug bumping up against furniture or touching another rug in the same area, yet you don't want the rug to be too small.
If you find a beautiful big rug for your entryway but do not want to get dirty shoe prints on it, pull it away from the front and use a neutral and/or naturally woven mat directly in front of the door. Visitors can walk on the mat, take their shoes off, and then enjoy your chic rug. And because the smaller one is neutral, it won’t take away from the bigger rug.
If you have a wide, shallow entryway, define the space using a rectangular rug wider than your doorway and center it in front of the door. Try a pattern and/or color that won't get lost when placed on your flooring.
If you have a long narrow entry, use a runner as wide as your door. It feels warmer and more welcoming with a wider, larger rug. If you are having trouble finding one, look for a remnant that can be cut and bound to the size you need.
Round rugs add an elegant touch when centered in an entry way. I like using round rugs with arched front doors. Add to the ambiance by using a large round chandelier above.
Round rugs also fit beautifully in a grand double-stair entryway. The soft corners mimic the curved stairwells. Make sure it is large, and try to connect the colors and patterns with the stair runners.
A large rug placed on a tiled floor warms up an entryway.
If you have a double-front entry door, get a rug that lies in front of both doors. The larger rug creates a more powerful front entry look. I use a lot of 4' x 6' rugs this way.
A rug can add another layer of charm in a home full of eclectic beauty. A fringed oriental piece works well. Make sure you use a rubber pad underneath to prevent it from slipping.
Remember, as soon as someone walks into your home, you can grab their attention through a large, interesting rug. Just remember to get one that grabs your own attention, and don't skimp on size.
Show us your great entry hall rugs!
More: 11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Find a rug in the Products section
Show us your great entry hall rugs!
More: 11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Find a rug in the Products section
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