Accessories make the outfit. And the same holds true when it comes to interior decorating. Standout items such as stunning living room rugs can provide the perfect punctuation to an exceptional space.
But what if you’re looking for a quality rug to tie together a high traffic living room? Does that mean you should relinquish the hopes of purchasing a top-notch piece?
Not necessarily. That said, you definitely need to know what you’re looking for in terms of aesthetic, pattern, quality, and rug sizing.
Not sure where to start? Read on for our ultimate guide to sizing the best area rug for your unique space.
Go Big or Go Home
When it comes to selecting the optimal area rug for your living space, you don’t want to skimp or make a haphazard choice. After all, you’ll be living with this rug for years to come.
Fortunately, we’ve got some easy tips that’ll help you pinpoint perfection every time.
First, when given the choice, bigger always proves to be better. In fact, you’d be surprised what a few extra inches can do when it comes to pulling together a great sitting room.
Heck, the same even holds true when it comes to bedroom rugs. Your average bedroom sizes can be artfully magnified with the right accessory in the form of a rug.
So, always opt for the bigger size when you’re caught between two rugs. Yes, the bigger one usually costs more, but it will prove well worth the investment.
In fact, one of the biggest mistakes interior designers see on a regular basis remains area rugs that look too small for the size of the space.
Personalize the Rug to Your Space
Although going with a bigger rug generally makes the most sense, you also need to take into account the room itself. And we mean this not only in terms of the size of the rug but also the proportions.
The ideal rug should echo the dimensions of a room. In other words, it should be oriented so that the long side accentuates the length of the actual room.
You should also look for a rug that aligns with the decorating aesthetic of a given space. That means considering color and pattern carefully. Even the texture can have a major impact depending on the room.
Texture can also make or break a rug in a high traffic zone. While you may feel tempted to go for a cheap rug, think twice. High traffic zones require rugs built for durability and longevity.
Yes, you’ll pay for these features upfront. But consider the rug an investment in your home over the long haul.
What if you’re still not sure whether or not a rug will work in your space? Then, follow our surefire trick. Use painter’s tape to outline the size of the rug.
That way, you can get a better idea of how much space the piece will actually occupy and whether or not it suits your home.
Finally, think about the furniture in a given room. An area rug should enhance furniture groupings rather than take away from them.
Scaling a Rug for Your Living Room
If you’ve spent any time at the shop for high end rugs, then you may already understand how challenging it can be to find the perfect living room piece. After all, the furniture used in a living room tends to be quite unique.
And it’s usually grouped in an easily identifiable pattern with few deviations. So how do you ensure that your area rug complements your living room furniture set up?
If you’re going for an open-concept space for your living room, then your furniture grouping will require a strong accent rug to anchor it.
Keep in mind that any area rug that you choose should extend at least six inches in any given direction from your living room furnishings.
Or, you can also place the front legs of each furniture piece on the rug for a tidy look. This option tends to work better when all of your living room furnishings sit against the wall.
Whether you place the front legs on the rug or the whole of each piece, go for across-the-board consistency in order to establish a sense of unity.
As for narrow or small spaces, you also have the option of an area rug that fits symmetrically under your coffee table and extends out evenly on all sides without touching any furniture.
That said, you’ll have to pay special attention to the dimensions of the room to guarantee that negative space gets evenly filled.
Getting Those Dimensions Right
Now that you have a better concept of how the ideal rug should fill space, let’s discuss dimensions and rug sizes. After all, dimensions (just as much as the appearance) can impact the look of a rug.
Start by measuring your room space with a tape measure. Once you’ve got those dimensions down, you can use them to pick a proportional rug.
Here’s a handy reference to help you pick the ideal rug for any space:
- For rooms that measure five feet by seven feet, opt for a rug that’s three feet by five feet
- For rooms that measure seven feet by ten feet, go with a rug that measures five feet by eight feet
- For spaces that measure 10 feet by 12 feet, think rugs that are eight feet by 10 feet
- For rooms that measure 11 feet by 14 feet, look for rugs measuring nine feet by 12 feet
- For rooms that are 14 feet by 17 feet, think area rugs that hit the 12 feet by 15 feet mark
These dimensions will make each room size look bigger while ensuring that you’ve got at least 18 inches of bare floor around each edge. They look aesthetically pleasing and can render a space grand and welcoming.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to a home that represents a peaceful retreat.
Put Splendor into Your Space with Living Room Rugs
What sets the most splendid homes apart from the competition? No expense spared. This proves no less true when it comes to choosing the best living room rugs.
While you may have conducted previous rug searches based largely on color, pattern, and overall aesthetic, size proves equally as important. So, bear this in mind when you start scoping out a unique accessory for your home.
Ready for more quick ways to take your home from drab to fab? Read on for five simple tips that’ll cut your cleaning time.
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