Area rugs are more than just a mat on the floor; they can anchor a space, create definition and boundaries, and add texture or color to your home. The placement and positioning of area rugs can be tricky, with the potential to make or break the look of a room. If you are adding a new area rug and want to position it effectively for the best aesthetics and functionality, keep reading to learn how!
The size of an area rug is one of the most critical factors in determining how it will function in a space. Rugs that are too small can make a room feel disjointed, while oversized rugs can overwhelm the area and diminish the sense of proportion. Understanding how rug sizes correspond to various uses is key to creating a balance in a room. Before selecting a rug, always measure your space, and it is a good idea to even use painter's tape on the floor to map out the rug’s dimensions before committing to a size.
Every room has unique dimensions and architectural features, which influence the shape and size of the rug that will look best. The key is to choose a rug that complements the room’s proportions and leaves an appropriate amount of exposed flooring to frame the space. This ensures the room looks balanced and cohesive.
Leaving a border of exposed flooring, typically 12 to 18 inches, around the rug helps frame the room and avoid visual clutter. In smaller rooms, this border can be reduced to 6 to 8 inches. This subtle design choice draws the eye to the rug and makes the space feel more intentional and less chaotic.
One of the most traditional and polished ways to place a rug is to position it so that all furniture legs rest on it. This style creates a uniform and grounded look, especially in large or open-plan spaces. When all the furniture legs are on the rug, the area feels defined and well thought-out.
In living rooms, the all-legs-on placement helps create a distinct seating area, with the rug serving as the foundation for the arrangement. It ensures that all furniture, such as sofas, chairs, and coffee tables, feels connected. In dining rooms, rugs that extend well beyond the edges of the table allow for chairs to remain on the rug even when pulled out, preventing a jarring transition between surfaces.
Placing only the front legs of furniture on the rug is a versatile option that finds a good balance between anchored design and openness. This arrangement works particularly well in medium-sized rooms where you want to define spaces without overwhelming them. The approach allows the back legs of furniture to rest on the floor for added stability, while the front legs can all be tied together by being placed on the rug.
This placement style works well with furniture arrangements that are less formal, and it is especially effective with medium-sized rugs in living rooms where sofas, chairs, and loveseats can partially overlap the rug.
For spaces where rugs serve as accents or focal points, placing them without any furniture on top can create a striking visual effect. This placement is common in entryways, kitchens, or as a layering piece over larger rugs. Rugs in this style need to stand out, as they function primarily as decorative elements.
In entryways, an area rug can define the space and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for guests. In kitchens, a small rug near the sink or stove not only adds style but also provides comfort underfoot during cooking or cleaning tasks. The design and color of the rug are crucial in these scenarios since they will be highly visible and play a central role in the room’s aesthetic.
Centering a coffee table on an area rug ensures that the entire room looks planned and symmetrical. If the rug features a prominent pattern, aligning the table with the design’s center can enhance the visual appeal. For smaller coffee tables, consider pairing them with a round or square rug for added interest.
Choose a rug 1.5 to 2 times the size of the coffee table, and leave enough space between the coffee table and seating (around 18 inches) for comfortable movement. This setup works best when the coffee table and rug complement each other in both color and texture, ensuring that they do not compete for attention.
In dining rooms, the rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the edges of the table to allow chairs to move freely while remaining on the rug. This setup looks traditionally elegant and prevents awkward transitions when guests are seated or adjusting their chairs. As always, rug material and color should compliment the furniture in a room.
In bedrooms, placing a large rug under two-thirds of the bed creates a cozy and luxurious feel. Low-pile or flatweave rugs are ideal for dining rooms because they allow chairs to slide easily without snagging, but high-pile rugs can be comfortable under a bed. Smaller rugs or runners can also be used alongside the bed for added warmth and comfort.
You always have the option to just throw down a rug without thinking about placement, size, material, or any other factors discussed in this article, but the best results take a little more planning. If you are searching for the perfect accent rugs for your Utah home but don’t know where to look, Infinity Flooring is right here to help!
Among our many other flooring services, we offer a wide selection of high-quality and designer area rugs to make any room in your house the center of attention. We will happily walk you through which rugs will work best for which areas of your home or office. Contact Infinity Flooring today to learn more about our area rug selection for Northern Utah!
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