Area rugs 101: We asked Steven Sabados everything we've ever wanted to know

A great area rug can bring a space together instantly. But people tend to tackle the furniture, wall colour and finishing touches first, leaving the floor and rug design as an afterthought. That's a big mistake. The area rug is an essential, foundational element that takes up the most of the surface area of a space and can be quite costly, so it is important to make the right choice.

We talked to Steven Sabados, who not only designs his own line of area rugs, but also knows the very best placement, styling and layering tricks for every space so we can get it right, right away.   

How do we pick the right size?

Choosing the right size of area rug for your space is about understanding scale. The tricky part is choosing a rug that isn't too small - all of the furniture should sit comfortably on the rug.

Steven's tips:

In a bedroom, for example, there should be ample room underfoot around the bed. "A good rule of thumb is to make sure the rug extends beyond the bedside tables," Steven says. This will ensure you have enough area rug underfoot when walking around the room. If your space allows for it, Steven says there should be an equal amount of surface area at the base of the bed too. The floorplans show the minimum size area rug he'd recommend under a queen or a king bed.

In the living or family room rug placement becomes a bit trickier. Because there are so many variables, Steven suggests we follow these rules:

• The area rug is meant to ground the conversation area, so the size is really dictated by the seating.  
• You really cannot go too big, but you want to be sure it is at least 12" (1 foot) away from the wall.
• You want an area rug to look like an area rug and not wall to wall broadloom.

"All seating in the room should sit comfortably on the rug," Steven says. "I like to have ¾ of the sofa(s) or chairs on the rug, rather than just the front legs. Most sofas are between 6 and 7 feet, which means that I usually suggest a minimum of 9 feet wide under the sofa."

Each room is different so be sure to measure carefully. If a standard rug size doesn't work in your space, have a piece of broadloom cut and bound to your specifications.

If your rug is too small for the space but you love it, Steven suggested layering rugs. "It's an easy way to cover additional square footage with rugs you may already have."

What colours and patterns work?

Your area rug should complement your room the same way a piece of art would. "You don't want the area rug to be so well matched that it just blends in, but you do want it to coordinate with the other design elements in the room," Steven says.

You shouldn't be afraid of pattern, texture or colour on the floor, which can all work to ground a space.  Take furniture placement into account when you are purchasing a patterned rug so not all is lost when the furniture gets in to the room or if the room is rearranged.

Steven's tips:

• In a smaller room, consider smaller patterns on a rug, while a bigger room will allow for grander pattern.
• The rest of your décor should inform your choice of when it comes to the texture and pile of a rug.  Use the rug to balance out other materials in the room; a low pile sisal rug can balance a beautiful leather sofa or a shag rug can create softness amongst the hard lines of bedroom furniture.  
• If a room is already designed and has a ton of colour, you may want to stick to a neutral palette on the floor. But don't be afraid of a colourful rug, it can work to bring a space to life.

Steven says, "A good rule of thumb is to coordinate your rug with the largest and more costly pieces in the room. Because you're not likely to replace larger items as often as smaller accessories, your rug should work with those." In a bedroom the headboard or drapery may be the right place to look, while in the living room a sofa and accent chairs might be a good starting point.

Should we swap a rug with the season?

In theory, this is a great idea, but in practice it is just not that easy. Steven's suggestion is to "Invest what you would've put into two rugs in one durable, high quality piece. A good quality rug will stand up to all seasons."

Do I need a rug pad?

"Yes," Steven says, "but you do have a few options when it comes to rug pads. A non-slip underlay is typically a woven rubber pad that can be cut to size with scissors and goes under your rug. It'll help protect your floor and keep your area rug from slipping."

A felt rug pad may have an anti-slip rubber backing on it. "That's your best option," Steven says, "but it'll be more costly and needs to be cut to size for you. It'll protect your floor, keep your rug from slipping, provide extra cushion under foot and extend the life of your rug by absorbing wear and tear."

How do I keep it clean?

Like a piece of clothing, a rug should come with a care tag. Make sure your rug has one or you are provided with instructions with purchase. This will prove helpful if spot treatment or overall cleaning is ever required.  

All of these rug basics should help create a warm and cozy space that you are happy to spend time in.

Lindsay Agnew cut her teeth working in the background of design shows both big and small, she has now set her sights on bringing her know-how and impeccable taste to everyone. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.