Whether used in bedrooms or playrooms, the right kids rug adds personality, comfort, and function to kid-friendly spaces. Unlike area rugs for living rooms or studies, kids rugs need the ability to endure extra wear while providing space for hands-on fun and exploration. Keep reading this guide to find the right fit for your little one.
Consider the following factors before seeking a new rug for your child’s bedroom or play area.
Size
It’s important to measure the space the rug will live. Leave a margin of several inches between the rug and other bedroom furniture, like beds or storage. If you’re working with a nursery or younger child’s bedroom, you’ll likely only require a smaller area rug to fit the space. If a rug is too big, the corners bunch up, making the room look and feel chaotic. A rug that’s too small will look disproportionate — and you’ll be cutting out square footage for comfortable play.
Durability
Consider how the space your rug will live in is used. Most playrooms or bedrooms withstand substantial foot traffic and spills. Extend the lifespan of your rug by choosing a weave and material that can hold up to hours of play.
Material
There are an array of materials to choose from when selecting a rug. Certain materials are better suited for kids as they are more durable, hypoallergenic, and easier to clean. Materials like wool, acrylic, and cotton are both long-lasting and soft to the touch.
Design
Choose a rug that fits in with the aesthetics of the existing space. From fun patterns and shapes to stain-shielding colors, your options are endless. Kids with a budding sense of self-expression might like to be involved with the rug selection process; this can also help ensure they feel at ease in their personal space.
If you need more help determining which kids rug you should choose, check out our rug buying guide for more information.
Standard Rug Sizes For Kids Rooms
3’ x 5’ — A great accent size, these rugs are perfectly fitted for bathrooms or doorways. They generally are not large enough to accommodate furniture.
5’ x 8’ — These medium rugs are an in-between size, ideal for small rooms or nurseries. They provide additional square footage without being too cumbersome.
5’ diameter (round rug) — An aesthetically pleasing shape, round rugs are a great space-saving option for nurseries or bedrooms, giving the illusion of more surface area.
7’ x 10’ — Well-suited beneath twin or full beds or for covering more area in a playroom, these rugs provide a bit more coverage if room dimensions allow it.
8’ x 10’ — This is the standard rug size for large spaces, such as a play area, game room, or under furniture in the bedroom.
Choosing the Right Rug Material
Narrow down your search for a kid’s rug by focusing on materials that suit the environment. Whether made from natural or synthetic fibers, consider stain-resistant, easy-to-clean styles with a durable weave.
Recommended Materials for Kids
Wool
Wool is a natural, durable fiber that’s soft to the touch and easy to clean. Wool is stain resistant, as it repels liquid. It can be prone to shedding in the first three to six months, but flat weave styles help diminish this effect.
Cotton
Cotton is a lightweight natural fiber often sold in reversible options. It can be tossed into the washing machine, making cleaning hassle-free. Though an economical option, cotton rugs will likely wear through quicker than wool.
Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber that’s highly durable and available in a variety of colors. Juice spills, cookie crumbs, or outside dirt are no match for this material. While structurally sound for the long term, colors on nylon rugs tend to fade over time.
Polyester
One of the most budget-friendly options, polyester fends off stains better than most synthetic fabrics. It’s not as durable as nylon, but a good option for a temporary play space.
Jute
Jute is a plant-based woven natural fiber that stands the test of time (and play). It’s often found in neutral colors and is susceptible to stains, as it absorbs liquids more quickly than wool or nylon.
Safety Note: Use a rug pad beneath any style to keep the rug in place and avoid slips —especially if the rug is placed on a hardwood or tile floor.
Choosing the Right Weave
A rug’s weave is determined by how tight or loose the fibers are woven together. A flatweave or tight weave style tends to be better suited for kids spaces because they are easier to clean and are less likely to be torn apart by curious little hands or pets. Loose weave rugs have more space between the fibers, which aren’t as durable for play spaces. Shag rugs — while plush and cozy —trap small toys, dirt, and debris in their thicker threads and are better placed in low-traffic areas.
How To Choose the Right Kids Rug
1.
Consider Room Size & Placement:
Your rug should not overwhelm the size of the room; it should accent its most appealing features, like beds or cribs. If the room already has carpet, your rug will act as a smaller accent piece. If you have hardwood, tile, or linoleum, a larger rug helps add warmth and increase the functional area of the room.
Use tape to mark out the dimensions of the rug and mock up where you will place the furniture around it. Take those measurements when rug shopping so you don’t accidentally buy an oversized piece.
2.
Consider Style:
A child’s room should be fun and a way to express their budding personality and style. From the shape and color to the texture and material, there are many ways a rug can change the look and feel of a room.
Consider your child’s tastes when choosing the right rug for their room. Do they love animal prints and exploration? Do they prefer a snuggly and warm place to lounge or read books? Take these considerations into mind to build a space they love.
3.
Keep Safety Top of Mind:
Safety is of utmost importance when adding anything to your child’s space. When placed on a slippery surface, like hardwood, rugs easily slide. Add rubber grips on the corners or a rug pad beneath to ensure your little one’s safety.
Add Comfort and Style With a Quality Kid’s Rug
From a place to sit and play to a comfortable place to settle your feet, a rug is a fantastic addition to your little one’s room. Find the perfect blend of function, safety, and style with furniture.com. Browse our curated collection of kids rugs to find your perfect fit.