Whether you’re looking to add a little personality to your living room or want to create a more functional space, adding a rug is a great way to do it. A rug can really pull a room together and add some color and style.
But figuring out how to place a rug in a living room can be tricky. Do you want to go with a traditional layout or something more unique? In this blog post, we’ll give you detailed instructions on how to place an area rug in your living room, so you can create the look you’ve always wanted!
Rug Size
When it comes to choosing a rug for your living room, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is the size of the rug.
The standard size for a living room rug is an eight by ten. However, if your space is larger, you might want to consider going up to a nine by twelve. If you have a smaller living room, you can get away with a five by seven or even a four by six.
The wrong size rug can make the room feel small and cramped, or large and empty. But picking the right sized rug is easy, as long as you know a few basic guidelines.
First, measure your living room. You’ll need to know the length and width of the room in order to choose the right rug size.
Next, decide how you want the rug to fit in the room. Do you want it to be under all of the furniture, or just partially under? This will help you determine what size rug you need.
Finally, think about the shape of your living room. If it’s a long and narrow room, you’ll want to choose a rectangular shaped rug. If it’s a square or circular room, then any shape rug will do.
Rug Shape
The second thing to keep in mind when decorating with rugs is the shape of the rug. If you have a lot of furniture, you might want to go with a rectangular or oval-shaped rug. If you have a smaller living room, a round or square rug might be a better option.
Equal Space Between a Rug and the Walls
A general rule of thumb is to leave about 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of a rug and the baseboard. This creates a border around the rug that defines the space and makes it feel more grounded. If you have less space, you can get away with 12 inches, but any less than that will make the room feel cramped.
Placement of the Rug
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect rug, it’s time to figure out where to put it in the room.
When it comes to placement, there are a few options. The most common is to center the rug in the room, making sure there’s an equal amount of bare floor around all sides.
You can also offset the rug so that it’s not in the center of the room, which can create a more dynamic and interesting space.
In Front of the Furniture
If you’d like to place a small rug in your living room to add some visual interest, just try centering it in front of your furniture. This will make your rug stand out as the focal point of the room. If you have a coffee table, you should place the rug underneath it to define the seating area.
Front Legs on the Rug
Placing a rug under the coffee table and the front legs of your sofa and chairs will help to anchor the furniture in place and give the room a more polished look. Just make sure that at least two legs of all the living room furniture are on the rug. This will help to create a sense of cohesion in the space.
All Legs on the Rug
If you want to place all of the legs of your sofa on a rug, it is important to choose a rug that is large enough. This works well for furniture that is not against a wall (like floating furniture) or for when you want to define an area in a living room that is open concept.
Also, this arrangement can create the illusion of more space, so it’s a great option for anyone who wants to place a rug in a small living room. It will help you define the seating area and make it feel more spacious.
Another reason to place a rug under the couch and other furniture is to protect your flooring. If you have hardwood floors, a rug can help to prevent scratches from heavy furniture. It can also help to absorb noise, which can be beneficial if you have children or pets.
Conclusion
So, now that you know how to position a rug in your living room and the different factors to consider, get out there and start shopping! A well-placed rug can really pull a room together and add some extra warmth and comfort. And who doesn’t love that?
FAQ
How much of the living room should a rug cover?
It depends on the size and layout of your living room, but a good rule of thumb is that the rug should be large enough to fit under all four legs of the sofa. If you have a coffee table in the middle of your living room, the rug should be large enough to accommodate it as well. This will help to define the space and make it feel cozier and more inviting.
Can a rug be too big for a room?
The answer is yes, a rug can most definitely be too big for a room—especially a small room. It’s important to choose the right size rug for your living room. Not only should the rug be in proportion to the rest of the furniture in the room, but it should also fit within the space itself.
How far should a rug be from the wall?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors such as the size of the room, the furniture arrangement, and personal preference. However, a good rule of thumb is to leave at least 12 inches (30 cm) of space between the rug and the wall.
This will allow the rug to anchor the furniture and create a sense of balance in the room. Additionally, it will help to prevent the rug from looking too small or cramped.
Does an area rug need to be centered in the room?
No, your area rug does not need to be centered in the room. It can be placed off-center, as long as it is parallel to one of the walls. If you have a large living room, you may want to consider placing your rug on an angle. This will create a more dynamic look and feel in the space. For more tips on how to place a rug in a living room, check out our full article above.
