How To Properly Choose A Rug For A Children's Play Room

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Decorating a children's play room goes beyond picking a few stuffed toys, miniature tea sets, and fun wallpaper your kids will love. You need to give them a safe oasis when the floor is lava, a comfortable surface to roll or jump on, a soft area to settle down on with a good book, and a constant companion that'll remain steadfast. A rug can meet all these requirements, but you should choose one after careful consideration. For starters, don't buy the first piece that catches your eye or brings back fond childhood memories. Measure the play room's area first. In case you want to demarcate the areas for specific activities, like crafts and reading, measure each segment carefully.

Moreover, finalize its placement, whether it'll be in front of the bookcase, under furniture, or cover the entire length of the room, to select the right-sized rug. You also want the material to be easy to maintain. Spilled milk, rogue glitter glue stains, and deliberate crayon marks will dirty the rug in no time. So, get one that can be spot cleaned, blotted, or vacuumed without issue. Investing in good-quality pieces is also important, or you'll be replacing them every few months due to the constant wear and tear. Most importantly, choose a piece that matches your child's temperament. A bold and vivid rug will fit a kid who constantly embarks on new adventures. On the other hand, a subtle and elegant piece will suit someone who loves reading or hosting tea parties. Finally, ensure it comes with a non-slip backing. Otherwise, add a dedicated pad, like the Veken Gripper Pad, underneath to keep the rug in place.

The best way to design your child's play room is to measure the space so you can make informed decisions. For instance, if you pick a rug that's too large for the small room, it'll dwarf it and stand out like an eyesore. On the flip side, a small rug in a large area will look odd and might cause your kids to stumble or fall. 

Measure the length and width of a rectangular play room and account for the furniture in the room. Decide whether you want to place a rug underneath tables and storage units or have it out in the open. When choosing the latter, ensure you cover the spots your kid prefers. But if you want to cover the entire floor, maintain a gap of at least 12 to 18 inches between the rug and the wall for a pleasing finish.

Generally, a 5-by-7 or 6-by-6-foot round rug will fit a play room that's under 100 square feet. To create a reading or activity corner, get a 4-by-6-foot rug. Similarly, a 100 to 150 square foot space will benefit from a 6-by-9- or 8-by-8-foot round rug or two 5-by-7-foot activity ones. For play rooms above 150 square feet, a 9-by-12-foot piece will anchor the space, while an 8-by-10-foot piece will create dedicated nooks. You could even use multiple smaller pieces.

When choosing a rug for your child's play room, consider its material. Wool is the frontrunner due to its softness and stain resistance. Plus, it doesn't get dirty easily and is not high-maintenance. It'll also last long, so you stand to make a good return on your invested capital. Alas, it costs more than others. Cotton is the next best option, and the breathable material is perfect for humid or tropical weather. Moreover, you won't have to spend a lot of time or effort cleaning stains off it.

If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, check out bamboo and jute rugs. They're both soft underfoot and painless to maintain. However, if you're on a tight budget, consider polyester pieces. They're readily available in a variety of designs and are very low maintenance. Just don't choose too low-quality ones since you don't want to compromise your child's health. To be on the safe side, pick ones that come with non-toxic certifications.

Additionally, don't buy high-pile shaggy rugs since they'll hide dirt and debris within and be difficult to clean. Always select low-pile options to lower the workload for your future self. Finally, ensure the rug's style matches the room's interior design. Solid-colored pieces work best if you just want the rug for functional purposes. Patterned ones will spark your kid's creativity and serve as the focal point. Another enviable play room idea is to select themed rugs, like those that are Harry Potter or Avengers-inspired. Picture how it'll look a few years down the line, and let your inner child out to have fun while choosing.