5 Tips for Living Room Rug Placement Rules

Living room rugs can be a significant investment, so you should be well informed before making a purchase. Here, Southern designers share all their living room rug placement rules and buying tips. Read on for their advice on living room rug size, material type, pattern, style, and more.

Don’t buy a rug that’s too small

When buying a living room rug, you want to make sure it’s large enough that all of your furniture — or at least the front legs of each piece — can touch it, notes Rebecca Driggs, owner of Rebecca Driggs Interiors in Wake Forest , North Carolina. She suggests leaving 18 to 24 inches of space between the edge of the rug and each wall in the room. “Opting for an area rug that is too small in the living room can make the space feel smaller and unbalanced,” says Driggs. “It fails to properly anchor furniture, decreasing both comfort and functionality.”

Brooke Ray, founder of Locust Lane Rugs, based in Huntsville, Alabama, says “painter’s tape and measuring tape are truly your best friend” when determining the size of a rug. She adds: “As a general rule, if you’re having trouble choosing between two different sizes, always go for the larger size. »

Keep your lifestyle (and style) preferences in mind

To ensure you choose the best rug for your space, you should consider both your family’s lifestyle as well as your own style preferences before making a purchase.

Your living room carpet will likely get a lot of traffic, so it’s best to opt for a cleanable material. Wool is particularly ideal for active households. “It has the natural ability to resist stains and dirt, and it’s also very easy to clean with just a white towel, foaming hand soap, and water,” says Ray.

On the other hand, Tracey Wooster, founder of Tracey Wooster Design in Charlotte, North Carolina, suggests avoiding viscose rugs. “They’re pretty and shiny, but they don’t clean as well,” she says, adding that sisals can be just as difficult. She recommends ordering carpet samples and testing them at home. “Take a bottle of something dirty, spill some on the sample and see how good it turns out,” she encourages. “There’s no better way to know how it will react if spilled than to do this!” »

Designers share other tips for those looking to hide even more wear and tear. “If you’re a perfectionist, choosing something with a pattern will help hide life’s imperfections,” says Kate Haynes, owner of Noble Studio Interiors in Raleigh.

Additionally, consider whether you’re someone who changes rugs often or whether you’re committed to sticking with one piece for the long term, encourages Driggs. “If you prefer flexibility in design, synthetic rugs are a practical choice,” she says. “While they don’t last as long as wool, they offer the freedom to update your decor without hesitation as your tastes evolve.” Those looking to invest more should explore hand-knotted wool rugs, the designer adds, noting that they look stylish and are premium quality.

Explore vintage rug options

Keep in mind that you don’t have to order a whole new living room rug for your space; vintage options can also look beautiful. Driggs recommends turning to Etsy for all kinds of rug deals. “It should be noted, however, that when shopping for vintage rugs, the sizes are not always accurate and may require a brief visit to your local rug cleaner to remove any musty smells,” she says. Haynes favors vintage rugs when designing spaces for busy families. “If it survived several decades before reaching your family, it will probably also survive anything you throw at it,” she says.

Buy a rug pad

When purchasing a living room rug, it’s a good idea to also order a rug pad, for a number of practical reasons. “I always recommend rug pads to prevent slipping, provide cushioning for added comfort, and extend the life of the rug and flooring underneath by reducing friction and wear,” says Driggs. “They also help stabilize the rug, holding it in place and preventing it from wrinkling or wrinkling.” Haynes agrees and adds, “I know how tempting it is to skip the notepad when the decorating police aren’t looking, but it’s always the way to go.” »

Consider layering rugs

If you have a small rug that you love, all hope is not lost. “In these cases, we recommend a layered effect,” says Erika Bonnell, founder of Erika Bonnell Interiors in Sterling, Virginia. “Buy a simple rug, like a sisal or small geometric wool rug, and size it to fit the room properly. Then the smaller rug can be layered on top of this in the living room area.