Area rugs serve as artwork for the floor, but they also do so much more. They can add warmth, comfort and excitement to you living space, in so many different locations. We here at The RoomPlace are big on rugs, which is why we created this guide to help you determine where to put area rugs in your home and which rugs to choose.
Where to Put Area Rugs
Rugs can enhance nearly any space, as long as you have enough room to adequately accommodate them. You don’t want to shove one into a tight entryway, for instance, but you can use one in a cramped bathroom to make the room look larger. Here come a variety of areas you can spruce up with a rug.
Entryways and Foyers: The right rug here can make a fine first impression the moment someone walks in your door. Opt for one that’s wider than the doorway. In a larger foyer, center the rug under the lighting source.
Hallway: Runners work well in hallways. They look best with at least 6 inches of space on all sides, and preferably in the center of the hall.
Living Room: A dashing rug can serve as the focal point of the room, and you can even use more than one if you have a particularly large living room. When placing a rug in the center of a furniture ensemble, make sure it extends beyond the coffee table and under the first set of legs on the sofa and chairs. Rugs placed in front of couches should be at least the same length as the couch.
Bathroom: Small bathrooms can appear larger with rugs featuring bold patterns and a mélange of colors. Put one in front of the sink.
Kitchen: Several rugs in the kitchen can spruce up the look while adding a layer of comfort for your legs, feet and lower back. Try one in front of the stove, another in front of the sink. Use smaller, individual rugs or runners, with runners placed at least 6 inches away from the cabinets.
Dining Room: Rugs can look amazing beneath the dining room table and chairs. Pick a rug that’s the same shape as the table, and make sure it extends at least 2 feet on all sides of the table.
Bedroom: Bedroom rugs add a dash of coziness to the space. Place one under the bed, with the rug extending at least 2 feet beyond the bed. You can also use runners along the sides of the bed for extra cushioning and comfort when you get up in the morning.
How to Choose Area Rugs
Now that you have a good idea of where you might want to put area rugs, it’s time to choose the right rugs for each space.
Determine the Atmosphere You Want to Create
Do you want the rug to add cozy comfort? An exotic splash of color? A modern vibe? Review the variety of rugs available to determine what type of atmosphere you want the rug to create. While rugs don’t need to perfectly match everything in the space, it does need to align with the tones and textures of the existing furniture and décor.
Pick the Color, Pattern
Color and pattern play huge roles for setting the tone of the room, so choose carefully. Do you want the rug to stand out or blend in? If the space is already packed with tons of colors, select a solid neutral rug. Rooms that could use a boost can do well with bolder, more colorful, or patterned rugs.
Select a Shape
Rectangle rugs are the most common, but they’re not the only choice. Round rugs can help create a cozy niche in a corner of the room or add interest to an entryway. Other choices include square, oblong and animal hides.
Choose the Size
Many folks make the mistake of choosing a rug that’s too small for the space. If you’re selecting a rug to cover the floor for the entire room, you want to center the rug and leave between 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the walls and the edge of the rug.
If you’re using rugs to define spaces within a room, different rules apply. You can find some of those rules above, when we outlined where area rugs can be placed.
Consider Lifestyle and Maintenance
Even the most plush and glorious rug can end up making you unhappy if all you’re doing is cleaning or maintaining it. Consider your family’s lifestyle and where the rugs will be placed to narrow down choices that are easy to maintain.
Low-pile rugs work well in high-traffic areas, like kitchens and hallways. High-pile and plusher rugs do better in areas that don’t get a lot of traffic. Darker colors and patterns will hide dirt and stains better than lighter, solid colors.
Whatever type of rug you choose, make sure you get the right type of rug pad to go with it. Choose one that’s compatible with the flooring below the rug, whether it’s carpet, tile or hardwood floors.
Now that you have all the basic info you need, it’s time to start looking for rugs that make the perfect statement in every area of your home. Shop the area rug collection at The RoomPlace now.