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Deciding on the perfect rug for your home is never a walk in the park, especially when trying to coordinate area rugs in an open floor plan or adjoining rooms. Choosing the right area rug can transform a dull space into a vibrant haven, adding warmth and personality. So, how do you find the ideal rug that ties everything together? 

To begin, take a moment to observe and understand your room's overall style and color scheme. Consider whether a checkered area rug or a geometric area rug would best complement the space. From there, delve into the various aspects of rug selection, such as design, pattern, size, shape, texture, and material. Other factors to keep in mind are the practicality and maintenance requirements of the rugs. Remember, selecting an area rug is like finding the missing puzzle piece that completes your room's look. So, get ready as we embark on a decorating adventure with you.

Assess Your Room's Style and Color Scheme

When trying to choose an area rug that complements your room's decor, the first thing to do is assess your room's style and color scheme. This will help you select decorative area rugs that harmonize with the overall look and feel of your room.

A. Determine your room's overall decor style

To determine your room's overall decor style, take a look at the furniture, accessories, wall paintings, and decor elements in the room. Is it modern, traditional, bohemian, Scandinavian, or a mix of different styles? Consider the lines and shapes of the furniture, as well as any decorative elements such as artwork or lighting fixtures.

B. Identify the color scheme

The color scheme of your room can greatly influence the area rug you choose. In choosing a rug color, look at the dominant colors in the room and consider complementing or contrasting them with the rug. If your room has a neutral color palette, you can use an area rug to add a pop of color or pattern to the space. If the room already has bold colors and patterns, a more subdued area rug may be a better choice to balance out the space.

Determine the Area Rug's Size and Shape

Once you have figured out your room's style and color scheme, the next thing is to determine the right size and shape. Doing this will help to ensure that the rug fits the space properly and enhances the overall aesthetics of the room.

A. Consider the rug's function

To determine the perfect rug shape and size, consider the function of the rug in the room. Do you want it to anchor the furniture, create a conversational area, or act as an accent piece? An anchor rug is typically larger and covers a significant portion of the floor, with the furniture placed on top to create a cohesive and unified look. On the other hand, accent rugs are smaller and placed strategically to highlight specific areas.

B. Measure the room and furniture

To determine the appropriate size for your rug, take accurate measurements of the room and the furniture you plan to place on or around it. Consider leaving enough space around the rug to create a visually appealing border. As a general rule, a larger rug that accommodates all the furniture within its boundaries creates a sense of unity and spaciousness.

C. Explore different rug shapes

Feel free to explore different rug shapes while trying to find one that complements the room's aesthetics. Rectangular rugs are the most common and versatile, fitting well in various room styles. Round rugs add a touch of softness and visual interest; square rugs can work well in rooms with symmetrical layouts; while runner rugs are great for narrow spaces like hallways.

Choose the Right Design and Pattern

Choosing the right design and pattern for your area rug is essential when trying to match it to your room's decor. You’ll need to blend the rug's design with the room's style to add a stylish and eye-catching element to the space. Here are some useful tips:

A. Harmonize the rug's design with the room's style

To create a cohesive look, consider the existing furniture, wall colors, and overall ambiance. For a modern room, opt for a geometric area rug or others with minimalist patterns. In a traditional setting, area rugs with intricate designs and classic motifs can add an elegant touch. If you have a bohemian-style room, embrace eclectic patterns and vibrant colors that reflect its free-spirited nature.

B. Understand the impact of patterns on visual perception

Patterns can greatly impact the visual perception of a room. Larger patterns tend to make a space feel more intimate and cozy, while smaller patterns can create a sense of visual interest and depth. Consider the size of your room and the effect you want to achieve. 

C. Try out different design options

Decorative area rugs have endless design options available. Geometric and checkered area rugs usually feature different shapes and patterns that can effortlessly add modern or contemporary looks to your rooms. Floral patterned area rugs can also introduce touches of nature, royalty, and femininity. Abstract designs bring a sense of artistic flair and uniqueness. 

Select Suitable Texture and Material

Another important factor to consider is the texture and material of the area rug. These not only affect the visual appeal of the rug but also its practicality and maintenance.

A. Consider the functionality and maintenance requirements

Here, you need to consider your lifestyle and the practicality of different area rug textures and materials. If you have children and/or pets, you may want to choose an area rug that is durable and easy to clean as it will be more exposed to stains. Polypropylene rugs or rugs with synthetic fibers or materials are more resistant to wear and stains, making them suitable for busy areas. Natural materials like wool or jute, on the other hand, provide warmth and texture but may require more maintenance.

B. Consider the room's traffic 

Take into account the room's traffic and specific needs. High-traffic areas, such as entryways or living rooms, may require an area rug with a more resilient material that can withstand heavy use. In bedrooms or areas where comfort is a priority, you might choose area rugs with softer and plush textures.

C. Explore different texture and material options

Explore and consider how different texture and material aligns with your room's decor and the practical needs of the space. For instance, shag rugs create a cozy and luxurious feel underfoot; wool rugs are known for their durability and softness; while Jute rugs are known for adding natural and a rustic touch to your space. 

Tips for Rug Shopping and Placement

Shopping for the perfect rug can be overwhelming, but with the right tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect rug for your space.

1. Research reputable rug retailers and brands

Researching reputable rug retailers and brands can help you make an informed purchase. Look for well-established brands or retailers. Luxe Weavers, for instance, has positive reviews and a good reputation for quality and customer service. When you shop from Luxe Weavers, you're investing in a rug that will last you for years to come.

2. Take advantage of rug samples or swatches

It can be challenging to visualize how a rug will look in your space just by looking at a picture online or in-store. Whether you’re settling for a checkered area rug, a geometric area rug, or any of the other decorative rugs, take advantage of rug samples or swatches to get a better idea of how they will look n your room. Many retailers offer samples or swatches that you can take home and test out before making your final decision.

3. Experiment with rug placement and layering options

Rugs can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your space. Experiment with different rug placement and layering options to find the look that works best for your room. For instance, layering a smaller rug on top of a larger one can add texture and depth to your space. You can also try placing a rug at an angle or using multiple rugs in a room to create different zones.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a well-chosen rug has the transformative power to tie a room together, elevate its style, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Remember, choosing an area rug that complements your room's decor is a multifaceted process involving thoughtful consideration of the room's style and color scheme, as well as the rug's function, size, and shape. By exploring various area rug types, materials, and features while assessing your room's characteristics, you can confidently select a beautiful rug that enhances your space and reflects your personal style, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

When it comes to decorating your living room, an area rug can add a lot of style and comfort to your space. However, choosing the right size of area rugs tends to be tricky. An area rug that is too small appears awkward and out of place, while a rug that is too large can overpower the room. 

In this blog, we put together a comprehensive area rug size guide to help you choose the ideal rug for your living room.

Before we dive into the specifics of area rug sizes for living rooms, it's important to consider the layout of your space. The size of your living room, the furniture you have, and the overall style of the room will all play a role in determining the size of the rug you need. The general rule of thumb is that your area rug should be large enough to anchor your furniture, but not so large that it overwhelms the room.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Area Rug Size

When choosing area rug sizes for living room, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the rug fits the room perfectly. Let’s have a look at them.

1. The size of the living room

The first factor to consider if you want to choose the right size of area rugs is the size of the living room itself. A larger living room will require a larger rug, while a smaller living room will need a smaller rug. It is important to measure the room before choosing a rug size to ensure that the rug will fit properly and create the desired look.

2. The furniture arrangement

The furniture arrangement in your living room is another important factor to consider when choosing the ideal size of area rugs. If the furniture is arranged in a tight group, a smaller rug may be appropriate. On the other hand, if the furniture is arranged in a larger grouping or an open-concept layout, a larger rug may be necessary to anchor the space and create visual continuity. Get better insights when you read our comprehensive guide on matching area rugs with furniture.

3. The style of the living room

The style of a living room is equally important when choosing area rug sizes for the living room. If your room has a minimalist or contemporary style, a smaller rug may work well to complement the clean lines and simplicity of the space. However, if your room has a more traditional or eclectic style, a larger rug with a bold pattern or bright colors may be more appropriate.

4. The desired look and feel of the room

The desired look and feel of the living room is another factor to consider when choosing area rug sizes for living rooms. If the goal is to create a cozy and intimate space, go for a smaller rug. If the goal is to create a more open and airy space, you may need a larger rug to create a sense of flow and continuity.

Common Area Rug Sizes For Your Living Room

The rug size you choose for your living room is up to you. But these guidelines below can help you decide on an area rug that’s right for your living room. Let’s take a look.

5x7 Rugs

If you have a small living room, 5x7 rugs may be the ideal size to use. This area rug size is suitable for defining a seating area in a compact space. If you have a sofa and a couple of chairs, you can place a 5x7 rug under the front legs of the furniture, with the back legs resting on the bare floor. That will create a cozy and inviting space, without making the room feel too cramped.

8x10 Rugs

For a medium-sized living room, 8x10 rugs would be a great choice. This area rug size tends to accommodate a larger seating arrangement, such as a sectional sofa, along with additional chairs or a coffee table. When placing 8x10 rugs in your living room, make sure that they extend beyond the edges of your furniture by at least a few inches. This will create a cohesive and balanced look, while also making your space feel larger.

9x12 Rugs

If you have a large living room, 9x12 rugs may be the perfect rug size for you. This area rug size accommodates a large sectional sofa, along with additional chairs and a coffee table. When placing 9x12 rugs in your living room, ensure that they extend beyond the edges of your furniture by at least a foot or two. That will create a sense of space and balance, while also making your room feel cozy and inviting.

3×5 Rugs

The 3x5 area rug is the smallest size suitable for living rooms. Any area rug that is smaller than 3x5 rugs is only suitable for entryways, bathrooms, or kitchens. If your living room is quite small, this rug size can work perfectly. It easily fits under a rocking chair and can add warmth to the area it occupies.

12×18 Rugs

The 12x18 rug size is ideal for extra-large living rooms. It's important to note that the larger the area rug, the more expensive it will be. So, this rug size may come with a hefty price tag. You can consider a 9x12 rug instead since it can work just as well and come at a fraction of the cost of 12x18 rugs.

How To Place an Area Rug in Your Living Room

To ensure your living room looks and feels comfortable, its shape, size, and furniture placement should determine your choice of rug size and dimensions. Ideally, area rugs for living room should cover the seating area to ground your conversation space.

To prevent your living room from looking awkward, choose area rugs that are at least six to eight inches wider than your sofa piece on either side. Try these five area rug placement tips in your living room to get the most out of your area rug.

1. All Legs On

If you have enough living room space and would like to fit all your conversational furniture pieces(sofas, accent chairs, and coffee tables) on your area rug , allow for approximately eight inches between the edge of the furniture and the rug.

Additionally, leave around ten to 18 inches of space from the rug to the wall (or more if you have the space). Placing the rug too close to the wall creates an awkward "almost" wall-to-wall carpet effect. However, if your sofa is against the wall or a few inches off it, or if your space is small, you get to make an exception.

2. Front Legs Only

The front-legs-only layout is a popular choice for several reasons. It is ideal for small-sized rooms, a more budget-friendly option, and makes a small space appear larger. With this layout, only the front legs of your furniture (sofas and chairs) rest on the rug, while the back legs rest on the bare floor.

The rule of thumb is to have the area rug only go under each furniture piece for about one-third of its width. That keeps the seating area unified and creates a cohesive look without the extra expense of a larger, room-sized rug.

3. The Floating Layout (All Legs Off)

In this layout, only your coffee table or a central furniture piece rests on the area rug, while the seating area remains off the rug. This layout tends to look stylish if done appropriately. It is important to measure your seating area before buying your area rug. 

When done properly, the area rug will look intentional, and well-styled, and fill the negative space created by your furniture grouping. For the floating layout, a smaller rug size like a 5x7 rug will fit in perfectly, depending on the size of the living room. 

4. Rugs Layering

Have you found the perfect vintage 5x7 rug for your living room, but it feels a bit too small? You can place your small area rug on top of a larger one to create a unique look. The key is to choose a flatweave area rug as your base, preferably with a different color and material to add depth and texture to your space.

5. Rounded Arrangement

For a unique touch to your living room, consider a round rug to anchor your seating area. Choose a large enough rug to accommodate all your furniture pieces and leave a few extra inches around the edges. Use an area rug that is big enough to fit at least the front legs of each of your furniture pieces. A round area rug adds softness and fluidity to your room while creating an intimate seating area for entertaining guests.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right size of area rugs for your living room may not be a walk in the park but it's an important part of creating a comfortable and stylish space. Regardless of the size you choose, make sure that it fits your furniture and complements the overall style of your room. With the appropriate area rug sizes for living room, you can transform your space into a cozy and inviting area that you'll love spending time in. Shop Luxe Weavers top quality area rugs for different living room sizes today and get free shipping on orders above $100.