Jazz Up Your Basement With Area Rugs

The basement is hardly the first thing homeowners think of when decorating their homes. And when they do get around to it, chances are they won’t give much thought to the flooring. After all, it’s just an extra room—and in this economy, basement décor isn’t exactly a priority. But who said it had to cost you an arm and a leg? Designing a basement doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, all you may need are a few simple accessories. A good way to start is by shopping for rugs that suit your style.

Like any other rug, area rugs for basements are both decorative and functional. Their main purpose is to provide comfort underfoot and pad the floor against regular traffic. But besides that, they also serve to liven up the room by adding color, texture, or both. Your challenge is to find a rug that fits both roles without compromising either, and doesn’t put a dent on your budget. Fortunately, with rugs across every design and price range, you won’t run out of options. Here are some buying tips to help you get started.

Keep with your theme.

From a design perspective, area rugs are great for finishing off an existing theme within a room. For example, if you have a country-style home with lots of wood, a warm, rustic-colored area rug makes the perfect finishing touch. If your home is more traditional or classical, you may want to go for floral area rugs to give it some character. The right piece can help tie all your design elements together and create a crisp, professional look.

What if you don’t have a theme? Well, now’s as good a time as any to pick one. Most basements are left plain and unadorned, so think of it as a clean slate—you can pick any color, pattern, mood and theme you feel like. If you’re out of ideas, take your cue from area rugs themselves. Choose a rug that really appeals to you, one that you’re sure you can live with for a while. Make it the focal point of the room, and make all your other choices based on that theme.

Choose a comfortable fabric.

Comfort should be one of your top considerations when buying area rugs, if not the first. Basements are often cold and damp, so a comfortable floor is a must. Most experts advise against basement carpeting unless you have a really solid subfloor that can keep out moisture. Otherwise, you’re better off with a large area rug that does pretty much the same job, but without the complex installation and high maintenance needs.

Shag rugs are a great choice for basements because of their soft, thick pile. Unlike most rugs, shags are made with a longer pile that’s not cut to uniform size. The result is a “shaggy” texture that you can really sink your toes into. Shags are traditionally made of genuine wool, but these days you can also find them in cotton, polyester, and other soft fibers. Wool is still the best choice, however, because it has self-cleaning properties that make it much easier to maintain.

Put a premium on quality.

Every basement is made differently, so there’s no single rule on rug quality that applies to every homeowner. One thing’s for sure, though: basement rugs need to withstand harsh, cold environments and moderate amounts of traffic. Whether you’re using it as a home theater, gaming room, or storage area, your rug will get the same daily wear and tear as the rest of your home. That’s why you should keep a good eye on rug quality.

Again, wool rugs are your best bet when it comes to rug quality. There’s a reason why wool carpeting is historically considered a luxury: its quality and comfort remain unrivaled even with today’s modern rug materials. It also has natural antibacterial properties, so it’s great for kids with allergies. Keep an eye on the length of the pile—the longer the pile, the softer and more comfortable the rug will be.

Pick a warm color.

The main reason people avoid basements is that they tend to be cold and clammy. But you’d be surprised at how some well-chosen décor can make a difference. If you’re not up for a new paint job or new flooring, a brightly colored area rug can go a long way in making it look more inviting. Warm, rustic colors such as yellow and peach make the room seem brighter and airier. With proper lighting, you can transform your basement in an instant. If you want something more neutral, go for cream area rugs—they go well with everything and still have that warm, welcoming feel that your basement needs. Pair it with stronger colors like red or blue to create a stronger visual impact.