Originally posted by our partner brand, Finarte.
A rug is an important element when decorating a home. A rug can grab your attention and give a room a certain kind of feel and mood. When the rug is the right size, it gives the room balance and a final finished look. It can make a small space seem bigger than it actually is.
But how do you choose the right sized rug? How much floor surface should be visible around the rug? Should the furniture be on top of the rug? We have created 5 + 1 tips to help you with your decision.
1. Gather Functions Together
Gather different functions together on top of or around one rug. A rug under each main function – whether it’s dining or hanging out in a living room – helps to perceive the space. This is helpful especially in lofts and apartments with a joined living and dining room. Make sure the rug is large enough to connect all the related furniture.
2. In the Center of the Room
If you have a small room with most of the furniture against the walls, it might be a good idea to center the rug in the middle of the room. Leave some of your floor visible evenly around the rug. An undersized rug in a small room can make the room look even smaller and messy, while a large rug can create the illusion of spaciousness.
3. A Bit Under the Couch
In the living room, the width of your rug should be more than the width of your couch. The front legs of the couch should be on top of the rug. If you have an armchair, a coffee table or a stool, place them either entirely or partially on the rug.
4. Keep the Chairs on the Rug
If you wish to have a rug under your dining table, make sure to choose a rug that is large enough. When your dining chairs are pulled out from under the table, the legs of the chairs should still be on the rug. Make sure that your rug is at least 2 feet wider on each side than your table. This prevents your chair from rocking while sitting but also keeps the rug from rolling up when moving the chairs. With a dining room rug, pay attention to the material and texture of the rug to make sure it is easy to clean, if necessary.
5. Pay Attention to Proportions When Choosing a Hallway Rug
Choosing a rug for your hallway can be difficult, since the space is often small, narrow, and long. Furnishing leaves even less floor space. In this case, pay extra attention to the dimensions of your rug. Even the thickness can be relevant, since doors sometimes open into the space. Ideally, your rug should have similar dimensions than the free floor space, so that the rug can be centered. Leave 4-8 inches of your floor visible around each side of your rug.
+ 1: For Statement Only
If you have a beautiful floor, there’s no need to hide it. You can ditch all the given tips above and choose to have a smaller statement rug – or many of them! – and let the material of the floor show. Place the rugs only on areas where you want a soft and warm feel under your feet.
The most important tip is this one: decorate your home so that you enjoy living in it. You can forget all the rules above, if you feel they don’t fit your style. You can layer rugs wildly, use them only in places you want, or choose a rug that covers the whole room. You are the best decorator of your own home!
See our rugs and mats here.
