Why Ethan Would Always Spend Money on a Rug

When it comes to creating a beautiful, functional, and welcoming space, there are countless details that go into a well-designed room. Furniture, paint, window treatments, lighting — all of these pieces work together to tell a story and set the tone. But if there’s one item that Ethan would never hesitate to invest in, it’s a rug.

Why a rug? Because a rug is not just something you walk on, it’s the foundation of a space. It grounds the furniture, defines the room, and adds texture, softness, warmth, and pattern. It has the power to transform a space instantly.

Too often, rugs are treated as an afterthought or a place to save money in a project. But after designing countless homes as an Interior Designer in Sherman Oaks and beyond, we’ve seen time and again how a high-quality rug can elevate an entire design. Let’s talk about why it’s worth spending on and what to consider when choosing one — especially if you’re furnishing your Sherman Oaks home.

The Foundation of the Room

When we design a room, we always start from the ground up, literally. The rug establishes the visual boundaries of the space, especially in open floor plans where walls don’t define every room. In a living room, for example, a properly sized rug anchors the seating area, brings together the sofa, chairs, and coffee table into one cohesive grouping, and prevents the furniture from looking like it’s floating.

As an Interior Designer, in Sherman Oaks homes, where open layouts and bright, airy interiors are popular, a rug is essential for defining each functional zone. In bedrooms, rugs bring a softness underfoot and create a warm landing when you step out of bed. In dining rooms, they frame the table and chairs while adding a layer of sophistication.

We often tell clients: if you skip the rug, or go with a rug that’s too small or low-quality, the room can feel unfinished even if everything else in the space is perfect.

Why Quality Matters

Like any design element, not all rugs are created equal. You can certainly find inexpensive rugs that work temporarily or in less-used areas of the home. But investing in a high-quality rug, one that’s the right size, made from natural materials, and thoughtfully crafted  pays off for years to come.

Here are a few reasons why quality rugs matter, particularly in busy Sherman Oaks households:

• Durability: Wool, silk, or high-quality cotton rugs wear beautifully over time, often becoming softer and more character-rich with age. Machine-made synthetic rugs may be less expensive but tend to flatten, pill, and deteriorate quickly.
  
• Comfort: Natural fibers feel better underfoot, provide better insulation, and help with sound absorption in a room.
  
• Beauty & Craftsmanship: Hand-knotted or hand-woven rugs are works of art in themselves. They carry a richness, depth, and uniqueness that machine-made rugs can’t replicate.
  
• Longevity: A great rug is an investment piece you can move from room to room, home to home, and even pass down to the next generation.
  

Size Matters

One of the most common mistakes we see when clients try to choose a rug on their own is picking a rug that’s too small. When the rug is too small for the space, it makes everything feel disconnected and skimpy.

Here’s a quick guideline:

• In a living room, the rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of all the furniture sit on it, ideally all four legs of larger pieces.
  
• In a bedroom, the rug should extend at least 18–24 inches beyond the sides of the bed so there’s plenty of softness underfoot.
  
• In a dining room, the rug should extend far enough beyond the table so that chairs can be pulled out and still stay on the rug, about 24–30 inches on all sides.
  

As an interior designer in Sherman Oaks, we often recommend going for a larger, simpler, quality rug instead of a smaller, more decorative one. Scale is more impactful than a busy pattern when it comes to making a room feel finished.

Personality & Warmth

Beyond the practical benefits, rugs are also one of the best ways to inject personality into a room. They can be bold or subtle, colorful or neutral, patterned or solid.

We often design rooms around the rug, choosing a rug first and pulling colors, textures, and materials from it. But even when the rug comes later in the process, it’s an opportunity to tie everything together and add that final layer of warmth and interest.

A Piece You’ll Keep

One of the beautiful things about investing in a quality rug is that it’s versatile. Unlike a sectional that might only fit one corner of one room, a great rug can move with you to different homes, be repurposed in different rooms, and still look beautiful for decades.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one piece in your home worth spending a little extra on, it’s your rug. It grounds your space, defines the room, and brings beauty, comfort, and craftsmanship into your everyday life.

Ethan always tells Sherman Oaks clients not to think of it as just a rug. Think of it as the foundation of your design. Choosing the right one and investing in quality sets the tone for everything else.So whether you fall in love with a bold vintage find, a subtle modern design, or a custom hand-knotted piece, let your rug be the element that pulls your room and your story together — especially in a vibrant neighborhood like Sherman Oaks, where your home should reflect your unique lifestyle.