How to choose a living room rug - the 10 ways design experts do it to harmonize a space
- 1. Get the size and scale right (Image credit: Balance Interiors / photography: Anna Stathaki) ...
- 2. Mark out the area (Image credit: Nune) ...
- 3. Select samples and create a moodboard ...
- 4. Consider the vibe you're going for ...
- 5. Think about the practicalities ...
- 6. Make a style statement ...
- 7. Balance texture and tone ...
- 8. Choose the best way for pattern to lay ...
Full Answer
What is the best size rug for living room?
What’s the Best Rug Size for the Living Room – 12 Ideas
- Choose a 10′ x 13′ Herringbone for All Legs on Board. ...
- Large Rooms Love 9′ x 12′ Tasseled and Textured. Another choice for large rugs for a living room is to use a 9′ x 12′ carpet, like this elegant ...
- All in the Front – 8′ x 10′ is the Way. ...
- Floating In The Middle – Small but Powerful. ...
- Running Behind – Keeping Your Couch Covered. ...
How to choose the right size rugs for your rooms?
The Best Rug Size for Each Room
- Living Room. The rule of thumb for any room in your house is this: You should select an area rug that's two feet smaller than the dimensions of the room ...
- Dining Room. For a dining room rug, keep in mind that the table is the star of the show. ...
- Kitchen. ...
- Hallway. ...
- Bedroom. ...
- Bathroom. ...
How to place a small rug in living room?
- Use one rug per room, or two separate rugs to define different areas in a large room, like an open plan living dining room.
- Get a rug large enough so that the furniture is all on the rug, or at least the front legs are on the rug.
- Make sure the rug extends 6-12″ past either end of the sofa.
How to choose the right size rug for every room?
How to Choose the Right Area Rug
- Rug Styles. There are as many area rug styles as there are furniture styles, lighting styles, or room styles, meaning there's an almost unending variety of options.
- Color. Color is a natural starting point when choosing an area rug. ...
- Rug Patterns. ...
- Area Rug Sizes. ...
- High Pile vs. ...
- Lifestyle. ...
- Maintenance. ...
How big of a rug for a small living room?
Typically, an 8' x 10' rug works for most living rooms. For living rooms smaller than 11' x 13', try a 6' x 9' rug. Unless your living room is very small, avoid a 5' x 8' rug for the space. It often ends up simply floating beneath the coffee table, which ends up making the space look smaller.
Is it better for a rug to be too big or too small?
A rug that is too small for your space can cause the room to feel uninviting. A rug that is too large for the room can, paradoxically, make the room feel smaller. The right-sized area rug will bring warmth and balance to the room, creating the perfect finishing touch.
Does an area rug make a small room look smaller?
The key to using an area rug to help your room look bigger is to use the correct rug size. A common decorating mistake people make is selecting an area rug or carpet that's too small, making the room look choppy and disjointed, and therefore makes it look smaller.
What is most popular size of rug for living room?
5×8. This is the most common rug size for living rooms. The average couch length is about seven feet. Because of this, the layout for an eight-foot rug is ideal.
How do you tell if a rug is too big for a room?
Rug Size (Too Big or Too Small) If a rug is too small, it will appear as if it is floating in the room. If it is too large it will overpower the room and make the room appear smaller than it is.
Should your rug be bigger than your sofa?
General Rules: Make sure your rug is at least 6″ wider (8″ is ideal) than your sofa on both sides. Typically run the rug the length of the sofa. Give 30″ to 36″ of a walkway between large furniture pieces (if your living room allows for it) if not then at least 18″-24″. That will help to inform your rug size.
Should carpet be lighter or darker than walls?
Considering Wall Color Your wall color should be two tones lighter than your carpet. If you have dark walls, you can also go a few tones lighter with your carpet. Since it's much easier to change your wall color than your carpet, choose your carpet color first and then match your wall color.
What Colour carpet makes a room look bigger?
Light colors don't soak in the light from the room; rather, they reflect it, resulting in the appearance of a larger space. Selecting carpeting that matches the paint or wall covering also helps to make the room feel bigger. Light shades of green or blue are relaxing colors, which are ideal for bedrooms.
Does a large rug make a room look bigger or smaller?
Rugs or carpets can also help you create the illusion of a larger room. Large area rugs (avoid placing several small rugs), can make your place look more prominent. They should be within 12 inches of the walls on all sides.
How far should a rug go under a couch?
12-18”Leave at least 6-8” between the rug and the floor on all sides. This will ensure the rug looks intentional in the space. At least two legs of all main furniture pieces should rest on the rug. The rug should extend 12-18” beyond the sides of the furniture underneath.
Is a 5x7 rug big enough for living room?
A 5'x7' rug works best in a room that measures 8'x10' or slightly smaller. This rug size will just fit underneath the coffee table, as well as in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug. Depending on your floor space, your sofa's legs may or may not sit on the 5'x7′ rug.
Can rug be smaller than couch?
Controversial Question #1: Can your living room rug be shorter than the length of your sofa? Generally speaking we prefer for the rug to be at least a few inches longer than your sofa on both sides so it feels anchored by the rug instead of top heavy and a bit too bulky.
How much smaller should a rug be than the room?
If you want a room size rug, then people have commonly left a one foot border around their room. This will typically place the rug under the furniture. For a room that's 11' x 13', we subtract 2 feet from each dimension (to leave a one foot border on each side). The rug would then be 9' x 11'.
Is a 5x7 rug too small for a living room?
A 5'x7' rug works best in a room that measures 8'x10' or slightly smaller. This rug size will just fit underneath the coffee table, as well as in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug. Depending on your floor space, your sofa's legs may or may not sit on the 5'x7′ rug.
How much floor should show around an area rug?
In general, the rule of thumb is to allow approximately 18 inches of exposed floor space around the perimeter of an area rug, however the overall size and location of the room should also be taken into consideration.
How do I know what size rug to buy?
We suggest picking a rug size from 8×10 feet to 9×12 feet and ensuring that the rug you buy is at least six to eight inches wider than your sofa on all sides. Run the rug the length of the biggest sofa piece and give 30 to 36 inches of walkway between the larger furniture pieces if your space allows for it.
What size rug do I need?
When it comes to how to choose a living room rug (or any rug for that matter), think about proportion and scale. You want the rug to fill the space...
What is the best way to measure a room for a rug?
Start by taking the general measurements of the space and reduce those dimensions by 1-2 feet to get an idea of the best rug size for that area. Ad...
Do I need a rug pad?
Is the rug going to be in contact with a hardwood floor? If so, you should definitely use a rug pad, as it provides insulation, absorbs the impact...
How do I choose a rug pad?
It all depends on the size of your rug. A general rule of thumb is that the rug pad should be about one inch less than your rug size, on all four s...
How should I decide what rug color or pattern to choose?
Designers consider rugs to be like works of art for the floor. A bright color or interesting pattern is great for defining the overall look and fee...
How do I store my rug?
Before storing your rug, clean it according to its care instructions. Then, roll the rug up with the pile on the inside. Wrap it in kraft paper or...
How do I care for a wool rug?
To care for wool rugs, vacuum regularly. For the first two to three months, additional vacuuming without the beater bar turned on may be necessary...
How do I care for a natural fiber rug?
To care for a natural fiber rug, vacuum regularly. Immediately blot accidental spills with a clean, absorbent white cloth. For a more precise spot...
How do I care for a cotton rug?
Look for the machine-washable label on smaller rugs for an effortless clean. To wash larger cotton rugs, opt for industrial-sized washers or dry cl...
How do I care for my synthetic rug?
Vacuum regularly. To clean accidental spills, immediately blot the area with a clean, absorbent white cloth. For a more thorough clean, spot clean...
What is the best rug for a room?
What about rooms that already have ample color, such as a kids’ room? Go for a rug in neutral tones instead. No matter what you choose, the best rug is the one that feels right for your home.
What size rug do I need?
When it comes to how to choose a living room rug (or any rug for that matter), think about proportion and scale. You want the rug to fill the space nicely without looking too crowded. Most interior designers follow a simple rule of thumb: the larger the room, the larger the rug.
How do I choose a rug pad?
For example, if the size of your rug is 8x10, get a rug pad in the same size and use scissors or a box cutter to trim down if needed.
How do I store my rug?
Then, roll the rug up with the pile on the inside. Wrap it in kraft paper or a breathable, water-resistant paper—but do not wrap in plastic. Plastic can trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Make sure to keep your rug elevated to allow for air circulation. And lastly, store in a climate-controlled space.
How do I care for a natural fiber rug?
To care for a natural fiber rug, vacuum regularly. Immediately blot accidental spills with a clean, absorbent white cloth. For a more precise spot clean, use a dry extraction powder that removes hard-to-remove marks. Professional dry extraction cleaning services provide pristine cleans. Natural fibers are quite absorbent and can shrink and expand with changes in humidity—these are intended for indoor use only.
How do I care for a cotton rug?
To wash larger cotton rugs, opt for industrial-sized washers or dry cleaning for a crisp finish. Avoid unwanted fading by placing a cotton rug in shaded areas of the home, avoiding direct sunlight.
How do I care for my synthetic rug?
To clean accidental spills, immediately blot the area with a clean, absorbent white cloth. For a more thorough clean, spot clean the spill with shampoo or a mild detergent. We recommend periodic professional cleaning—these deep cleans make your synthetic rug look as good as new. If the desired use is indoors, use a rug pad to protect your floor. Indoor-outdoor rugs should be washed outside with a mild detergent and rinsed off with a garden hose.
How big should a rug be for a living room?
The standard sizes are 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, and 9 x 12 feet. This is what you'll find in stores, but if the sizes don't suit your space you can always have one custom made. Depending on what type of carpet it is, it isn't necessarily that much more expensive to go custom. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that there should be approximately 4 to 8 inches of bare floor around all the sides of the rug.
What is the difference between a patterned rug and a solid rug?
Likewise, a solid rug in a neutral color can be a nice way to soothe an eclectic room. Keep in mind also that a patterned rug will be better for hiding dirt and spills while a solid rug is more likely to show stains.
What is the difference between wool and silk rugs?
Think about how you want the rug to feel before you make a purchase. Wool rugs can add warmth and softness while natural materials such as sisal and jute are a bit rough. Silk is soft and beautiful but also expensive and tough to clean. Take these things into consideration when shopping.
Is wall to wall carpet popular?
Wall-to-wall carpet isn’t nearly as popular as it used to be. These days it's been traded out in exchange for area rugs, particularly in the living room.
Is wall to wall carpet more practical than broadloom?
Wall-to- wall carpet isn’t nearly as popular as it used to be. These days it's been traded out in exchange for area rugs, particularly in the living room. Area rugs look great and are often more practical than broadloom, but if you're going to use them, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
How much space between furniture and rug?
Plan accordingly. Along with allowing for at least eight inches of space between furniture items, Ceglia says a rug should also be large enough for all of the furnishings in the area to have their front legs on the carpet.
How to ensure a rug creates visual balance in a living room?
To ensure a rug creates visual balance in a living room, interior designer Bruce Fox of Bruce Fox Design says it' s crucial to employ one that's proportionate to the size of the room and the large furniture items, particularly the sofa. "Scale is always in the forefront of my mind when selecting a rug," Fox says.
Why is it important to have an area rug?
A good area rug should be more than just purely decorative—it should also help create a focal point in your living area. In fact, placing a rug in just the right spot can make all the difference in your space's overall look and feel. "A rug is often the statement piece that ties all the other elements of the room together," says interior designer Kimberlee Gorsline of Kimberlee Marie Interiors. "It helps furniture arrangements feel grounded while offering visual and tactile texture."
Do you have to center a couch on a rug?
However, depending on the size of the room and the style of sofa, Gorsline says a couch doesn't always have to be perfectly centered on the rug. "In the example of a large sectional, the sectional should be more in line with the corner of the rug (leaving a little margin if you can) instead of centered," she explains.
Is it ok to put a rug on the couch?
While there's no right or wrong way to place a rug in your living room, Gorsline says centering your couch on it is usually a safe bet. "As the anchor of the room, if the rug is off-center it tends to make everything else look a little off, too," she explains.
Can you use a rug in a large living room?
If you're lucky enough to have a large living room, Fox says you can use a variety of different size rugs to create distinct zones throughout the space. "Each seating arrangement can have its own rug or there can be a large central rug with smaller accent rugs employed around the room," he explains.
Is it better to have a bigger rug or a smaller rug?
If you're torn between two different rug sizes, Ceglia says that bigger is always better. "Too small of a rug is worse than no rug at all," he explains. "A larger rug makes the space feel more pulled together, and allows for easier and more functional furniture placement .".
How big should a rug be for a room?
First, you should buy a rug that fills as much of the available space as possible while leaving an 18- to 20-inch border around the perimeter.
What is the effect of a large rug?
The effect is especially dramatic in open floor plans, where a large rug creates a visually distinct space without the need for walls.
What is a 2x3 rug?
2’ x 3’ rugs are best used in small spaces or places where the functionality of a rug is more important than its visual impact. Entryways, bathrooms, kitchens, and even walk-in closets can benefit from a small rug.
Do runners protect the floor?
Of course, runners are still great in their traditional entryways and hallways where they help unify the style of the whole home and protect the floor in these high-traffic areas.
How to choose a rug for a living room?
When looking for a living room rug, consider the size of your space, the size of your furniture, and the various layout options here . We all like to rearrange our furniture every so often so take that into consideration, too. Whether your living area is in an open plan or in a defined space also makes a difference in the rug size.
How to style a rug in a small living room?
You can either sync your living room’s color palette to your rug for a monochromatic look, or use the rug to create a playful and bold contrast. To make a small living room look brighter and more spacious, opt for lighter-colored rugs or rug colors that are as close to the color of your floor as possible.
How big should an 8x10 rug be?
When to Use an 8’x10’ Rug in the Living Room. Like a 9’x12′, an 8’x10’ rug works best in an open floor plan, or any room that is at least 3 feet larger than the rug in both length and width. If you have a smaller living area, the best layout leaves at least a 12 to 18-inch border of flooring around your rug.
How much room do you need for a large rug?
Large rugs offer more floor coverage, tying all the elements of your room together. For best results, leave at least 12 to 18 inches of visible floor space between your large rug and wall.
How do living room rugs help?
Your living room rug can make or break the space The right rug size will help define the area and make your living room look and feel more refined and cohesive. It can also improve the acoustics of the space. On the flip side, a living room rug that is too small or ill-proportioned to the room can detract from everything else and make ...
Where to use a runner rug?
A runner rug can be used just about anywhere you have a long stretch of floor in the living room. Your runner rug can be bordered by either furniture or walls, such as in front of a fireplace, along a wall of shelves or bookcases, or in an open space passageway from the living area to an adjacent space.
Can a TV sit on a rug?
The TV console could sit off of the rug on the other side of the room. For open floor spaces, a greater contrast between the flooring and the rug will focus the eye on the rug, defining your space and creating a more intimate feel.
