When it comes to the correct area rug placement, the options can be confusing. While you want it to look great, you also want your area rug to function properly.
If you’re overwhelmed with where to place your furniture and rugs, we have you covered.
From the bedroom to the dining room, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the proper area rug placement.
This is your go-to guide to making sure you have the best size and shape rug for every room in your home.
The Correct Living Room Rug Placement
Nothing makes your home feel more put together than the perfect area rug. Your area rug doesn’t have to go to the middle of your room.
Instead, you’ll actually want to choose an living room rug shape and size using your seating arrangement as the center point.
If the rug is oriented with the room’s shape it will make it appear larger. Your eye will have a nice visual flow around the room.
The most common living room rug placement will have all the legs of your furniture on the rug. This means couch legs, chair legs, and coffee tables will all be on the rug completely.
An alternative to this layout is one where you only place the front two legs of your couch on the rug.
Your look will still be cohesive if you do this with your chairs and tables as well. You can arrange your furniture in a U-shape or circle for a balanced look.
If you have a small room, you can also place all your furniture legs off the rug.
With this arrangement, the furniture will all surround your rug. If you’re using a round or oval rug, you’ll want to use your chairs to frame out the space.
Proper Rug Placement in the Dining Room
In the dining room, the size of your table will determine which rug is best.
You’ll either want to match the table shape you have or contrast it. If you have a rectangle dining room table, you’ll want a rug big enough to fit all the chairs on it when they are pulled out. To match your table, choose a rectangular rug.
If you’d like to contrast your dining room table, go with a square rug with a round table, for example. In this situation, you’ll also want to make sure all your chairs fit on the rug when they are pulled out.
With a round dining room table, you can also use a round rug. Make sure your chairs fit on it when they are pulled out. It’s always frustrating when you pull out a chair and fall off the edge of a rug.
How to Lay Out Your Office Rug Placement
When it comes to your office rug, you have a few options. If you have a desk and chair pulled away from the walls, you’ll want to find a rug that fits them both on top.
A bookcase, credenza, or other cabinets along the wall, don’t need to be on the same rug. This arrangement will center your desk and chair making it the focal point.
If you have a desk and chair along a wall, consider getting a rug that encompasses most of the room.
You can also go with an oval or round shape rug that fits your chair and the back two legs of your desk so that the rug is centered with the room.
Bedroom Rug Placement Options
In the bedroom, there are four rug placements used most often. The first will feature your bed along one wall of your room with two nightstands on either side.
Your rug will be against the wall and all the furniture will be on the rug.
The second arrangement has only the front of your bed on the rug. It can be a rectangle shape that has your bed on the center point.
Your nightstands won’t be included on the rug, but your feet will touch it when you get out of bed.
For the third arrangement, your rugs can flank your bed.
You can use runners or rectangle rugs on either side. The fourth arrangement has the rug at the very end of your bed. Your feet won’t hit it when you get out but it will cover most of the space in front of your bed.
To add some spunk into your room, consider layering rugs under your bed. Multiple layers will create visual interest and texture. Layered rugs will also add pops of color and a fun twist.
Runners, and More
In hallways, staircases, and odd corners of your home, runners work great. These can help cozy up long hallways and keep your feet warm as you travel through the house. Runners come in all shapes in sizes to fit every space.
In a hallway, your runner will most likely be in front of any furniture you have.
If you have wood or tile stairs, consider adding a runner. Stair runners can help add safety as well as design to your stairwell. Don’t forget the importance of entryway rugs as well.
These can help draw the eye into the home and help welcome guests.
Area Rug Placement 101
Your area rug placement can really set the tone for the room. A well-placed rug will tie the room together and add beautiful visual interest.
From how to layout your furniture to the size of your rug, you want to make sure your rug helps the flow and function of your space.
For more great design ideas, check out the home section for helpful guides and tips.