Choosing the right area rug/carpet for your space
When shopping for an area rug, trying to figure out the right shape and size to get can be difficult as it often varies with each room. It’s important to get the sizing and shape correct or your room could be left looking empty, disproportionate, or incomplete. Follow our expert tips below to help you choose the right area rug for your space.
As many of you already know, there are so many practical reasons to have an area rug in your space.
They add ambiance, and complete a room’s decor or overall look. They also can provide warmth, comfort and cushion over a cold wood, tile or concrete floor. Often times they even minimize noise, and any echoing. For these reasons — among many others — area rugs are a very common decor piece within a space.
For these reasons as well as the fact that area rugs can make such a statement, it is extremely important that you are buying the correct size area rug, as the right size rug will help you create that well-balanced look you are trying to achieve.
For this very reason, designers often recommend that when it comes to designing a space, you begin with shopping for an area rug, and then centering everything else around it. For example, you can choose paint colors, throw pillows and accent pieces (such as artwork) much easier than you can find a rug to match all the existing pieces cohesively. Additionally, with an area rug as the first piece you can buy appropriately sized furniture to work with the rug. We suggest this because often times consumers are very limited in area rug sizes, and are likely to follow in love with a rug whose sizing make not work. If you select the rug first, you can frame all the furniture around the rug, as it is much easier to find furniture sizing that will work. Should you already have your furniture in mind, or are still looking for the correct size rug, here is a rule of thumb when it comes to sizing:
Most designers will advise you to have the area rug at a minimum of six inches and no more than two feet away from the wall. It is also important to keep these few things in mind
Less is more in transitional spaces or entrances that open to other rooms or a stairway.
The width should either match the door space or be a few inches less — not too long, not too short.
When it comes to furniture placement, there are generally three options:
All furniture legs are placed on the rug (this means your rug would need to be big enough for this, without crowding your furniture).
Front legs on the rug. This means the front two legs of every piece of furniture will be evenly placed on the rug, while the back two legs will remain off of the rug.
Coffee table rug. This means no furniture legs are on the rug aside from the center coffee table, of which all legs are on the rug.
These three options depend on personal preference, and what design style you like most. We always recommend either option 1 or 2, as these best help your room seem balanced and well thought out.
Round Rugs
If you decide to use a round area rug in a large entryway, we suggest you center it under the light fixture. In a hallway, stretch the length to fill the space, leaving even space on both ends for balance. And if you plan to place any furniture in the hallway, keep it off the rug. It gives the room a well balanced look and feel.
If you are planning to use a round rug for your dining room, we highly suggest making sure your rug is large enough for all furniture legs to be placed on the rug. This means even when any dining chair is pulled out to be seated on, the chair’s legs should still remain on the area rug.
Office Space Rugs
For an office space, try to choose an area rug large enough to completely fit both the desk and chair on top of it. This will help to create a warm space where you’ll feel comfortable and thus productive. If your office chair rolls, try to find a rug with a low pile, and one that will not be ruined by the rolling. If need be, you can place a plastic mat underneath your chair, just make sure that this as well if fully on top of the rug.
Living Room Area Rugs
In large living rooms, you can either use one large rug or two smaller rugs if you wish to create two separate living areas. If you choose to use one large rug, please refer again to the following tips:
When it comes to furniture placement, there are generally three options:
All furniture legs are placed on the rug (this means your rug would need to be big enough for this, without crowding your furniture).
Front legs on the rug. This means the front two legs of every piece of furniture will be evenly placed on the rug, while the back two legs will remain off of the rug.
Coffee table rug. This means no furniture legs are on the rug aside from the center coffee table, of which all legs are on the rug.
These three options depend on personal preference, and what design style you like most. We always recommend either option 1 or 2, as these best help your room seem balanced and well thought out.
You can often choose an area rug that extends beyond the coffee table and at least under the first set of legs on sofas or chairs.
Dining Room Area Rugs
In the dining room, designers suggest centering the furniture over the rug and choosing a rug that fits the shape of the table. If you have a round table, place a round area rug underneath. If you have a long, rectangular table, you should have the same style rug. As previously mentioned, If you are planning to use a rug in your dining room, we highly suggest making sure your rug is large enough for all furniture legs to be placed on the rug. This means even when any dining chair is pulled out to be seated on, the chair’s legs should still remain on the area rug. This holds true for round, rectangular and square rugs. You certainly don’t want your guests to feel wobbly with two legs on the rug and two off!
Bedroom Area Rugs
In a bedroom, rugs are an amazing way to make the room feel warm and cozy — especially if the bedroom flooring is hardwood, tile or concrete. When it comes to bedrooms we suggest two options.
The rug is large enough to fit the bed, any nightstands, and any furniture at the foot of the bed, completely on the rug.
If you are have wall-to-wall carpet in your bedroom, and are just looking to add aesthetic, we suggest placing the rug at the bottom half of your bed, so that the bottom half of your bed and only the legs at the foot of the bed are on top of the rug. This often also helps your bedroom feel even longer.
Outdoor Area Rugs
The outdoor area rug, while often overlooked, can be an incredible addition to a home. An outdoor area rug can really bring the space together in a fun way. When it comes to outdoor area rugs, we most commonly see rugs that are large enough to fit the center coffee table on, with the rest of the furniture left off of the rug. Once again this is all based on your personal preference.
To find the perfect rug for any style or space, visit refinedarearugs.com
If you need assistance finding the right style or size rug, please feel free to contact us! We are happy to help!
