Picking the perfect rug for your living room is more than just deciding colour, pattern, or fabric. The size of the rug plays a pivotal role in influencing the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Fortunately, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right size rug for your living room.
1. Start with the Basics: Measure Your Space
Before diving into the aesthetics, you should know the dimensions of your living room. Measure the length and width of the room, and keep these numbers handy. They'll be crucial in helping you decide on the ideal rug size.
2. Define Your Living Room's Primary Purpose
How you use your living room can influence the size of the rug you need:
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Conversational: If your living room is primarily used for conversation among family or guests, a rug should encompass all furniture, ensuring everyone feels connected and engaged.
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Functional: For rooms used for activities like watching TV or reading, a smaller rug under the coffee table might suffice.
3. Three Common Layouts
When placing a rug in the living room, consider these three popular layouts:
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All Furniture Legs on the Rug: This layout is grand and luxurious. The rug should be large enough to fit all pieces of furniture comfortably.
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Front Legs on the Rug: Ideal for medium-sized rooms. The rug should extend beyond the sofa and chairs, with only the front legs of each furniture piece resting on it.
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No Furniture Legs on the Rug: Best suited for small rooms or when the rug highlights a particular area, like under a coffee table.
4. Remember the 18-inch Rule
A common guideline in interior design is to leave about 18 inches of bare floor exposed around the room's perimeter. This creates a balanced look, ensuring the rug doesn't dominate the space or seem too skimpy.
5. Avoid the Island Effect
A rug that's too small can float in the center of a room, creating an "island" effect. This disjointed look can make the space feel disconnected. It's better to err on the side of slightly larger than too small.
6. Shape Matters
While rectangle rugs are popular, don't forget other shapes:
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Square Rooms: Consider square rugs.
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Round Coffee Tables: Round rugs can complement them beautifully.
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Open Floor Plans: Layered rugs or irregular shapes can help define different zones.
7. Mind the Door and Walking Paths
Ensure that door swings and main walking paths miss the rug's edges. A rug that's too big can become a trip hazard or annoyance if it blocks doors.
8. Trial Runs are Helpful
Use painter's tape to outline the rug size you're considering on your floor. This will give you a visual cue and help in decision-making.
Wrap Up
Selecting the right size rug for your living room is a blend of art and science. While these guidelines provide a solid foundation, always trust your instincts and consider your unique space and style. When you're ready to make that purchase, our Shopify carpet and rug store offers a vast range of options to suit every taste and room size. Happy decorating!
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