The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect Area Rug
Choosing the right area rug can transform a room, adding warmth, texture, and style to any space. It is such an important grounding feature and can truly make or break an overall look. Unfortunately, it is something I often see clients struggle with in their homes.
Today on the blog I’m sharing some of my key tips to keep in mind when selecting your next rug.
1. Measure Your Space Before you start shopping, don’t assume you know the dimensions of your space. Always start by measuring the area where you want to place your rug and consider the room dimensions. Measure the length and width of the room and consider the furniture you intend to keep in the space.
2. Define Your Layout The layout of your furniture and space you’re placing your rug will significantly influence the size and shape of your rug. Some layout tips for rugs to keep in mind:
(i) All Furniture on the Rug For larger living rooms, consider a rug that can accommodate all furniture pieces. This creates a cohesive look and unifies the space.
(ii) Front Legs on the Rug If you can’t get all your furniture on your rug, which is very common when consider #4 below, ensure at least the front legs of all your furniture sit on the rug, leaving the back legs off. This elongates the appearance of the room and helps define the seating area. The biggest mistake I see is rugs that are too small, where furniture is not grounded on the rug. At a minimum in a living room, I always recommend the rug is big enough to place at least the front of your main furniture pieces.
(iii) Floating Design In open-concept spaces, you may want to use multiple rugs to define distinct areas, even if some furniture pieces within the entire space don't touch the rug.
(iv) Dining Room When placing a rug under a Dining Table, ensure all chairs comfortably fit on the rug (including a test with chairs pulled out) to ensure no one trips and you don’t get annoyed with chair legs catching!
(v) Bedroom Ideally, your area rug should be approximately 3' wider than your bed and 3' from the end of your bed. It doesn’t have to extend under your bedside tables (an end a foot or so ahead), but if it does, extend it all the way to the back and slightly wider.
(vi) Runners Ensure your runner extends the majority of the space you are placing it, with approx 2-3' before a wall or door.
3. Consider Area Rug Shape The shape of your rug should suit both your space and furniture arrangement. Rectangular rugs are commonly used in living rooms, dining areas, and hallways. They fit well with most furniture layouts and are versatile, so a good choice if you’re considering investing in a more expense piece. Square rugs are ideal for smaller seating arrangements or as a focal point in a cozy nook. Round rugs are perfect for circular seating arrangements or dining tables, and I love using them in entrance ways to add interest and softness.
4. Leave Some Floor Space For a balanced look, make sure to leave some bare floor around the edges of your rug. Aim for about 12 to 24 inches of uncovered floor space around your rug. This will frame the room nicely and prevent it from feeling cramped.
5. Visualize with Tape Before making a purchase, use painter's tape to outline the desired rug size on the floor. This visual aid can help you assess the effect the rug will have in your room, making it easier to visualize how your space will look.
6. Think About Pile Height Rug pile varies from low to high, and the height can affect aesthetic and practicality. Low pile rugs are best for high-traffic areas as they are easy to clean and will wear better with time. High pile offers added comfort and luxury but may not be suitable in areas with heavy foot traffic or if you have kiddos who regularly munch goldfish in the space.
7. Style and Proportion Finally, the style, color, and pattern of your rug should match your overall decor. Bold patterns can anchor a room and provide visual interest. Don’t shy away from adding interest through a rug, just ensure they complement your existing color scheme. Simple, neutral rugs are a great choice if your space is already busy with patterns as it can serve as a calming element.
Selecting the right area rug is essential to creating a harmonious and inviting space. By measuring accurately, considering furniture arrangements, and visualizing with tape, you can confidently choose a rug that perfectly fits your aesthetic and functional needs. Whether your goal is to define a seating area or add warmth to a room, the right area rug will transform your home into a stylish sanctuary.
Need help selecting that perfect piece? At Ash+Oak, we can help by creating a to-scale floorplan for your furniture and décor, selecting that the perfect piece for you or giving you guidance through our Hourly Design Consultation services.
Happy decorating!