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Your Step-By-Step Guide On Picking The Perfect Rug For Any Room

Finding the right area rug might seem tricky, there are so many options for size, color, style, material, and more, but it doesn’t have to be. Rugs set the tone for your space, they really bring a room together, so picking the perfect size and placement ensures your rug feels like a natural fit rather than an afterthought. Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or dining area, this guide will help you make choices that work for your space while keeping things simple and stress-free.

1. Consider the Room’s Purpose

Each room’s function plays a role in choosing the right rug. In a living room, rugs define seating areas, keeping furniture visually connected. Dining rooms require rugs large enough to fit under the table and chairs, even when they’re pulled out. For bedrooms, the goal is to add softness underfoot when you step out of bed. By focusing on how the room is used, you can ensure the rug not only looks good, but has a function too.

A colorful pattered rug folded in one corner.
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Sina Saadatmand

2. Match the Rug Size to the Space

The size of your rug should feel balanced with the room. A rug that’s too small makes a space feel disjointed, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the design. In a living room, aim for a rug big enough to fit the front legs of your seating furniture (not all of them, that will make your space seem condensed). Dining rooms, meanwhile, do want a large rug that will fit every leg of the table and chairs. Accurate measurements are key here, knowing the dimensions of your space makes it easier to find a rug that fits perfectly.

A brightly lit bedroom with a large, rectangular rug beneath the bed.
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Getty Images

3. Placement Makes All the Difference

Where you place a rug matters as much as the size. In living rooms, center the rug under the coffee table so the eye is drawn to the social epicenter. Bedrooms work best with rugs placed partially under the bed, extending out for a cozy feel underfoot, but you can also look at placing rugs beneath vanities or desks. Thoughtful placement creates balance and ensures your rug feels like an intentional part of the room’s design rather than an afterthought.

A light and bright living room with a large rug beneath the center.
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Spacejoy

4. Experiment with Shape and Style

While rectangular rugs are common, you may find that other shapes suit your style better. Round rugs soften the look of square rooms, runners add character to hallways, and square rugs can help create a strong feel in a small space. Style is equally important, of course. Distinct patterns create a striking impression, bright colors add energy, and neutral tones are much calmer. Don’t be afraid to explore options that suit your personal taste and give the room its unique character.

A bedroom lit in golden sunlight, a round rug semi beneath the bed.
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Desiree Goulden

5. Try Layering

Layering rugs is a simple way to add an interesting, boho look to a room. Start with a larger, neutral rug as a base, and layer a smaller patterned or textured rug on top, maybe in a different shape. This technique works particularly well in living rooms and bedrooms, creating a cozy, unique, curated look. Layering also allows you to experiment with different colors and materials without committing to a single style. It’s a creative approach that can really pay off if done right.

A few small rugs layered together on the floor, seen from above.
Photo Credit: Unsplash / Julien Lanoy

Choosing the perfect rug doesn’t have to be anything complicated. By considering the room’s purpose, the rug’s size, placement, and even experimenting with shapes or layers, you can find a rug that truly adds something to the space. The right rug ties your design together and anchors a room in its aesthetic. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process of creating a space that reflects your style.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Mitchell

Dan is a writer with many years' experience under his belt, covering everything from entertainment news to astrology. He's now following his creativity and writing interior design content for everyone looking to brighten their space. Outside of writing, Dan enjoys embroidery, birdwatching, playing video games, all things horror, coffee, and his[...]

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