Rugs are versatile pieces of home decor that can add warmth, comfort, and style to any room. But perfectly positioning your rug is not as simple as it may seem. When it comes to rug placement in a room, there are certain dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your space.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of perfect rug positioning and also provide essential tips to ensure your rugs are in the right place in each room of your home.
A well-placed rug can anchor your furniture, define your space, and make any room more comfortable. It can tie your living room together, create a sense of balance, and make your whole home more inviting, whether it is sitting on your hardwood flooring or on your luxury carpet. On the other hand, a poorly placed rug can disrupt the flow of your room and even make it look chaotic. So let’s dive into the correct ways to place your rug.
There are several key “dos” to keep in mind when creating a rug plan for your living room:
You’ll need to carefully measure your living space before you even think about buying a rug.
Determine the ideal size of the rug by considering the layout of your furniture and measuring the dimensions of the room. As a rule of thumb, a rug should extend at least 6-12 inches beyond the edges of your furniture. For round rug placement, aim to centre the rug under your key furniture pieces.
Selecting the appropriate shape and size for your rug is essential. If it’s too small it will look lost. Too large, and your rug will overpower the room. One of the most common mistakes homemakers make is choosing a rug that’s too small for the area. Ideally, all the key furniture pieces, such as the sofa and chairs, should sit entirely on the rug or have their front legs on it. This creates cohesion and defines the seating area.
If your living room serves multiple purposes, you can use rugs to define different zones. For instance, you can use a larger rug to delineate the seating area and a smaller rug under a coffee table to create a cosy area. Just be sure that the rugs complement each other in terms of style and colour.
Now that we’ve covered the essential dos of rug placement, let’s explore the don’ts of rug placements, because avoiding certain mistakes during the rug positioning process is just as important.
A rug that’s too small can make your room look disjointed and visually imbalanced. The rug should connect with all of your furniture, either physically or visually. When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger rug to ensure it fits your space perfectly.
Avoid the temptation to push the rug against the wall or keep it entirely under your furniture. Placing it too close to the wall can make the room appear smaller, while tucking it entirely beneath furniture will mask your rug’s beauty. Find a balance that suits the room’s layout when thinking about how to position a rug.
It’s important not to overcrowd your room. Leaving enough space between the rug’s edge and the walls is a must. It’s all about balance, and a well-placed rug will enhance the atmosphere of the room. It shouldn’t make it feel cramped!
Proper rug positioning goes beyond the crucial dos and don’ts. Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the perfect rug placement:
Don’t be afraid to angle your rug. This can add a certain dynamism to your room and make it more visually appealing. Experiment with different angles to see what works best for your space.
When laying out your rug, be sure to leave some space between its edges and the walls. This spacing creates a captivating “frame” effect, giving the perception of spaciousness and provides your room with an inviting sense of openness.
Rug underlays serve two purposes. These essential accessories not only safeguard against rug slippage but also supply an additional layer of cushioning. By doing so, they contribute significantly to the extended durability of your rug, while giving a delightful sense of underfoot comfort.
When placing a rug in high-traffic areas, like your hall, stairs and landing, ensure it’s durable and easy to clean. Darker or patterned rugs can hide stains, making them a practical choice for such areas.
For bedroom rug placement, the rug should extend beyond the either side of the bed. Placing a rug here will not only allow you to enhance your bedroom aethetic, but it will also create a soft landing for your feet when you get out of bed.
Layering rugs can add texture and depth to your living room. Place a smaller rug on top of a larger one for a stylish and cosy effect.
The arrangement of your furniture in relation to the rug holds significant importance. It’s important to ensure that the front legs of all your seating pieces rest upon the rug, as this creates a defined look. If the rug doesn’t touch your furniture, all of your pieces should be equidistant from the rug.
In addition to positioning, its also crucial to select a rug that blends with your room’s colour palette and works well with any existing patterns in your decor. That will make sure there are no clashes or disruptions in the overall aesthetic.
Keep in mind that rug positioning can affect how easy it is to clean and maintain your rugs. Be mindful of high-traffic areas and the likelihood of spills, particularly when it comes to rug placement in a living room or a rug on carpet (which can work well!). Follow the manufacturer’s care guide and instructions to extend its lifespan.
Proper rug placement in your living room can significantly impact the room’s aesthetics and functionality. To create a harmonious space, remember to measure, choose the right size, mind your furniture placement, and avoid common pitfalls such as purchasing a rug that’s too small.
By following these dos and don’ts, our other expert tips and following the advice from experts at Matt Britton, you’ll be well on your way to achieving perfect rug placement in your living room, or any other room of your home.
Create a welcoming and harmonious environment for you and your guests. But remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for rug placement, and it often comes down to personal preference and the unique layout of your room. The key is to achieve a balance between form and function to create a space that you and your guests will love.
Build the perfect rug for your home with Matt Britton’s custom rug builder tool or book an appointment today.
