Chevron patterned rugs have become a ubiquitous staple in home decor over the past decade. Those striking zigzag stripes bring style and visual flair to any room. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine which chevron rug is right for your home?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a chevron rug. Whether you want a bold, bright statement piece or a subtle neutral layer, we’ve got you covered on how to find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle. From determining the ideal size and materials to coordinating with your existing decor, read on for pro tips that will help you bring home your dream zigzag rug.
Size Matters
The first major consideration is sizing your chevron rug properly for the room. You want it to define and anchor your space without feeling dwarfed or overwhelming.
For the living room, a good standard size is 8 x 10 or 9 x 12 for the seating area. Make sure the front legs of sofas, chairs, and other furniture sit atop the rug. Leave at least 8-12 inches border on all sides so the rug doesn’t appear crammed.
For the bedroom, popular sizes are 5 x 8 or 6 x 9 , providing ample coverage from under the bed but not taking up the entire floor. Position the rug centrally with equal floor space visible on all sides.
Once you’ve narrowed down target dimensions, roll out tape or use an online rug size guide to outline the floor area prior to purchasing. This allows you to visualize proportions and ensure your new rug will be a natural fit. Plan ahead and measure carefully, as returning oversized rugs can be a hassle.
Choose Your Chevron Color Scheme
The zigzag pattern makes a bold statement on its own, so carefully select a color palette that enhances your existing space. Do you want to make a vibrant splash or opt for a more subtle, neutral vibe?
Brighter rugs in reds, oranges, pinks, or blues inject energy and fun. Just take care that hyper-saturated hues don’t clash with current furniture and décor. Softer sage green, lavender, and butter yellow chevrons create a soothing yet playful look.
For a more understated foundation, try a rug in creams, browns, taupes, or greys. Monochromatic chevrons in a tonal palette of light and medium shades work beautifully to ground a space without overwhelming.
No matter your color preferences, order swatches to view hues and patterns accurately before purchasing. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box – a vibrant rug can still blend beautifully with neutrals. Mixing textures and layers creates depth and dimension.
Choose the Right Materials
The fiber and construction of your chevron rug carries practical implications for performance. Make sure to select materials suited for your home’s needs.
Naturally stain resistant, durable wools like New Zealand or Peruvian Highland wool are prized for their longevity and ease of care. Wool’s fibers also lend plush softness underfoot. For budget buyers, synthetic nylons and polypropylenes mimic the look of wool at a fraction of the cost, though less durable.
For high traffic areas, check the rug’s pile height. Low pile is more resistant to matting and everyday wear, while still providing cushion. Jute and cotton flatweaves are lovely, natural fiber options offering textural appeal with hardwearing construction.
Whatever your choice, pass on flimsy bargain rugs that won’t stand the test of time. Review fiber content and construction quality before purchasing.
Set and Keep to Your Budget
It’s easy to get sticker shock shopping for rugs. Chevron patterns span a wide range of price points to suit any budget. Setting expectations upfront helps streamline your search.
Sort by price online to quickly identify attractive options in your target range. Retailers like RugsUSA and Wayfair make it easy to filter by material, color, size, style, and price simultaneously. For more unique artisan rugs, check out specialty boutiques like AnthroLiving and One Kings Lane.
Just because a rug has a four-figure price tag doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Rug sizes like 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 give you a taste of the look at lower cost. Or watch for sales around major holidays and clearance events. Once purchased, protect your investment with regular cleaning and maintenance.
Read Reviews Before Deciding
The internet has opened up transparency around rug quality and customer experiences. Now you can tap into first-hand insight before ever clicking buy.
Browse both retailer reviews and third party sites to uncover details on true-to-size accuracy, color consistency, durability concerns, return policies, and more. Sort by lowest reviews first to scan for red flags and defects.
Positive feedback around softness, vibrancy, and overall quality make promising picks stand out. Photos of rugs in real home settings also provide helpful visuals. Don’t base your whole decision on reviews, but let honest customer feedback guide you towards quality.
Visualize the Rug In Situ
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the extra step to envision placements in your space. Retailer websites and rug size apps allow you to upload room photos and digitally overlay different sizes. Or do it the old fashioned way with masking tape to block off dimensions on the floor.
This virtual trial gives peace of mind that your chevron rug will fit the room as expected before you buy. Feel confident the colors and proportions harmonize with existing furnishings. For patterned rugs, visualize both horizontal and vertical stripe alignment.
Pushing furniture out of place also helps assess usable floor space and traffic flow. Take time upfront to optimize your layout. Planning creates a smooth transition once the rug arrives.
Peruse Patiently to Find the One
Finding your perfect chevron rug takes time and diligence. Set realistic expectations that you’ll have to browse numerous options before discovering “the one.” Develop an eye for quality construction and materials when sorting through the vast selection of rugs available.
Curate idea boards on Pinterest or in a notes app of attractive rugs to hone in on your personal aesthetics. Don’t feel pressured to settle. Let your style guide lead you to quality over quantity.
When possible, order swatches for closer color inspection and to feel yarn textures. Don’t underestimate the power of touching and feeling when making a large purchase sight unseen.
Keep an open mind when browsing. Your dream rug might come from an unexpected brand or have a unique blend of colors you never imagined. Remaining open leads to exciting discoveries.
Custom Chevrons Offer Ultimate Flexibility
If you struggle finding just the right color, size, or pattern scale from standard inventory, consider a made-to-order custom rug. While more expensive, you gain creative license over all the details.
Work directly with designers to tweak dimensions and specs until your chevron rug is just right. Provide your own inspirational photos and color swatches. Preview digital proofs before production begins.
Order tester swatch kits to feel quality first. Small production batches and handcrafted techniques yield superior construction with custom rugs, but take 12-16 weeks for delivery. Weigh benefits against costs for your space and needs.
Answer Frequently Asked Questions
What size chevron rug should I get for my living room?
For the living room, focus on sizes 8 x 10 or 9 x 12 to adequately anchor your seating arrangement. Make sure furniture legs sit atop the rug’s borders without overhanging. Leave 8-12 inches bare floor visible on all sides.
What size chevron rug is best for a bedroom?
For bedrooms, 5 x 8 and 6 x 9 sizes strike the right balance of reaching under the bed while still allowing walking space around. Place the rug centrally so equal floor shows on all sides.
How should I arrange furniture on my new chevron rug?
Place sofas, chairs, and other seating at a subtle angle to complement the dynamic zigzag pattern. Avoid lining up perpendicular or parallel to the rug’s stripes. Float pieces off the edges to help frame the rug as a focal point.
Should my chevron rug’s stripes run horizontally or vertically?
Vertically oriented stripes visually elongate the look of a room, while horizontal stripes widen proportions. Choose based on which illusion best suits your space’s size and layout.
What’s the best way to clean my chevron wool rug?
Vacuum regularly on low suction using a brush head to lift and remove embedded dirt. Immediately blot any spills with a clean, dry towel to prevent staining. Professionally deep clean wool rugs every 1-2 years to revitalize fibers.
Can I layer a chevron rug on top of wall-to-wall carpeting?
Yes, layering a chevron or other patterned rug on carpet adds visual interest. Use a thin rug pad underneath to prevent slipping. For proportional balance, choose a rug substantially smaller than the total floor – no more than half the size.
How do I choose an appropriate rug pad?
Pick a pad that’s relatively the same thickness as your rug for stability. Check that dimensions extend a few inches past your rug’s edges. Material like felt or rubber work well atop carpeting, while recycled fiber pads suit hard floors.
Should I choose nylon or wool for durability?
Wool’s natural fibers make it exceptionally durable and resistant to shedding or abrasion over decades. Nylon provides slightly better stain protection as a synthetic, but won’t outlast a high quality wool.
Why are chevron pattern rugs so popular in home decor?
The timeless zigzag provides style and flair without overpowering a space. Chevron rugs complement both traditional and modern aesthetics. Their striking geometric shapes enliven flooring with visual interest for an affordable design boost.
Bring Your Dream Zigzag Home
We hope this comprehensive guide gives you confidence to find your perfect chevron rug. By carefully considering size, color, materials, quality, budget, and layout, you’re sure to bring home an ideal fit for your space.
Take measurements, gather inspiration, and don’t compromise. Order samples when possible so you can make the best decision for your needs. With some diligence, soon you’ll be welcoming your new favorite rug!
Let us know in the comments if you have any other chevron rug tips or questions. We’d love to continue the conversation about bringing stylish, quality rugs into your home. Happy decorating!