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How to Place Area Rug in Living Room​

How to Place Area Rug in Living Room​

Stepping into a new chapter with a new house, home, or apartment, but finding yourself swamped by the idea of pulling it all together?  It’s a lot to coordinate but somehow, the rug is that one thing that always feels like the missing piece that ties it all together

Area rugs in living room enhance the appearance of your space by balancing visual appeal, defining areas, and adding warmth and texture to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

We have gathered some great tips to help you save time and make the best choices for your home. Let’s dig deeper into the intricacies of living room rug placement and size and provide you with some great insights and tips. 

Get The Correct Rug Sizes 

Before diving into placement strategies, it’s important to understand the various rug sizes available and their usual applications:

  • Small rugs (3 x 5, 4 x 6 feet): Ideal for small area rug in living room, accent areas, or under coffee tables.
  • Medium rugs (5 x 8, 6 x 9 feet): Suitable for smaller living rooms or as an accent rug in larger spaces.
  • Large rugs (8 x 10, 9 x 12 feet): Perfect for spacious living rooms, covering significant floor areas and accommodating furniture arrangements.
  • Extra-large rugs (10 x 14 feet and larger): Best for combined living and dining areas or exceptionally large rooms.

Considering Room Size and Shape 

Choose a rug that complements the proportions and flow of your living room layout. 

Long and narrow rooms 

Long, narrow rooms sometimes feel tight or like a hallway, but the right design tricks can make them feel more balanced.

A rectangular rug is a great way to make the space look bigger and more welcoming. Lay the rug lengthwise and slide it under the furniture to create a connected look that draws the eye down the room.

This setup not only pulls the furniture together but also softens that hallway vibe, making the room feel more open and put-together.

Square Room

Square rooms present a different set of challenges, as their symmetrical shape can sometimes feel static or boring. 

To complement and enhance the room’s natural proportions, opting for a square or round rug can be very effective. A square rug echoes the room’s shape, reinforcing its symmetry, while a round rug can introduce a contrasting element that adds visual interest and breaks up uniformity.

Large Open Spaces 

In large open spaces, you can use multiple rugs in different styles and colors to strategically carve out different zones within the same room. 

This helps in adding layers of visual interest, making the vast area feel more intimate and well-designed. Don’t forget to ensure that large area rugs in living room complement each other, or it can create visual clutter. 

Placement Strategies for Different Layouts 

The placement of area rugs in living room is very important if you want to get the best out of it in terms of its functionality and aesthetics when placed in the living room.

Centering the Rug 

Another way of positioning the area rugs in living room  is to center it, and this is good because when you arrange the furniture, you also achieve balance with it. 

This placement serves as an anchor and focal point. The centrally located furniture is noticeable, providing a clear separation for a streamlined look in the sitting area.

Position the rug centrally so that the coffee table is in the middle. Maintain an equal distance from the walls to the rug’s edges for a balanced space.

Front Legs On the Rug 

When placing a rug under furniture, aim to position the front legs of larger pieces, like sofas and armchairs, fully on the rug. This anchors the furniture and defines the space, achieving a balanced look without needing a large rug.

Position the rug so that it extends under the front legs of your sofa and chairs. The back legs should rest on the floor, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

All Furniture On 

To create a stylish and unified look, place all furniture on the rug. This works well in open-plan spaces, making the room feel larger and more connected.

By fully placing furniture on the rug, you also create a more grounded and cohesive look, perfect for intimate gatherings.

Choose large area rugs in living room​ that extend beyond the outer edges of your seating arrangement. Ensure all furniture legs are on the rug, ideally with at least 12 to 18 inches of rug visible around the furniture.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rug Placement

Do’s:

  • Measure your space before purchasing a rug.
  • Align the rug with the shape of your seating area (rectangular, square, etc.).
  • Use rug pads to prevent slipping and to add cushioning.

Don’ts:

  • Avoid placing a rug that’s too small, it can disrupt the room’s balance.
  • Don’t let the rug float without touching any furniture.

Final Thoughts to Keep in Mind 

When choosing area rugs in living room, it’s important to take into account both the size of the room and the placement of the furniture. 

One mantra to live by when choosing a rug size is “bigger is better.” Large area rugs in living room​ will anchor the space and make it feel more inviting, while a small area rug in living room can make a room feel cramped.

Of course, ultimately, you want to choose a rug that you love and that fits your style, but following these general guidelines will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect rug for your space.

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