These days, no room feels truly complete without a rug, especially in the living room, where a well-chosen rug can bring everything together. With so many sizes, materials, patterns, colors, and prices to consider, though, picking a living room rug can feel overwhelming. If you're searching for the perfect rug, don’t worry! Our helpful 6-step guide is packed with tips to help you find the ideal match for your home and lifestyle.
Oushak Rug, Colorful Vintage Turkish Floral Pastel Large Oversized Area Rug
6 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Rug for Your Living Room
1. Rug Placement
Area rugs offer both function and style in any home. They can separate different zones and bring together furniture pieces to clearly define spaces. Alongside these practical uses, area rugs can elevate the look of your living room. With countless options in colors, patterns, materials, and sizes, finding one that reflects your unique taste is easy.
The way you place your area rug makes a big difference. When positioned well, a rug unites all the pieces in your living room for a warm, inviting feel. We suggest placing the rug centrally, ideally beneath your coffee table or ottoman. In compact rooms, having the furniture legs partially on the rug edges can enhance the room’s balance.
- The Room’s Size
An essential factor to consider when selecting a living room rug is size. A common pitfall for first-time buyers is choosing a rug that’s too small for the space. There’s nothing worse than finding a beautiful rug only to realize it’s not the right fit. With so many sizes available, how do you choose the perfect one for your living room? Check out these foolproof tips to ensure your rug unrolls to a perfect fit.
- Larger is often the way to go
When selecting a rug for your living room, don’t go small. Your rug should provide a grounding effect, tying together all your main furniture. Smaller rugs can make a room look cramped or give the impression that the furniture is “floating.” Instead, a larger area rug helps create a seamless, spacious look. For the perfect living room aesthetic, aim for a rug size that comfortably fits your main furniture pieces. Use these guidelines to find the best rug size for your space:
- Your rug should extend across the full length of the sofa.
- Ensure your rug extends at least 6 inches beyond the seating area on each side.
- Leave about 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the room’s walls.
Modern Oushak Rug, Shades of Muted Lavender Vintage Turkish Pastel Colorful Area Rug
- Evaluate the space
Before selecting your rug size and placement, take a moment to assess the entire layout of your living room. Are there alcoves or doorways that could impact the size of the rug?
- Check before buying
Before purchasing your rug, try marking out different dimensions on the floor with masking tape. This will help you visualize how the rug will look and fit with your current furniture.
- Rug’s Material
When choosing a rug, it's important to consider the material, as they range from synthetic fibers like nylon and acrylic to natural plant-based options like cotton, sisal, and allo; and luxurious, soft fibers like wool and mohair. The material you choose will impact both the rug’s appearance and its longevity.
- Plant-based Fibers
If you're seeking a budget-friendly option, we suggest rugs made from plant-based materials, which provide a laid-back, natural look without the hefty price tag. Different natural fibers also have varying qualities—while cotton or linen rugs may have a shorter lifespan, materials like sisal and allo are highly durable and maintain their charm even after years of wear and tear. When choosing, it's essential to consider the level of durability needed to match your lifestyle.
- Natural Fibers
One of the top choices for natural fibers is wool. Known for its durability and warmth, wool is an excellent option for adding comfort to your living room during the chillier months. It’s also easy to clean and tough enough to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, wool rugs are typically more expensive than plant-based or synthetic rugs, though their longevity and comfort underfoot make them a worthwhile investment.
- Synthetic Fibers
Polyester and polypropylene are top contenders in the world of synthetic rugs, and their popularity is well-deserved. These fibers share many similarities, though there are small differences that make them better for different situations. Synthetic rugs are easy to maintain, needing only frequent vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning. They are also resistant to stains, which is a bonus for homes with children or pets. However, synthetic rugs usually have a shorter lifespan, given their affordable price point. For areas with high foot traffic, a natural fiber rug might be a more durable option.
Among the two synthetic fibers, polypropylene stands out as the best option for high-traffic areas like the main living room. Its faster drying time makes it more resistant to mildew compared to polyester. Each room in your home has different durability needs, so if you're looking for advice on the best rug types for kitchens, be sure to check out our helpful blog post.
- Consider the purpose of your rug
When selecting a rug for your living room, it’s important to think about its purpose. Since we spend a lot of time in our living room, whether for watching TV or hosting guests, it’s crucial to keep the space looking inviting. That’s why the ideal living room rug should blend practicality with style.
The living room serves multiple purposes and is often the most frequented room in the house. When choosing a rug, it’s essential to consider its practicality to ensure it fits both your home and lifestyle. For instance, if you're drawn to a plush, deep-pile shag rug for comfort, ask yourself if you have the time for regular vacuuming. Additionally, think about the amount of foot traffic the rug will experience. High-pile rugs, while cozy, can flatten over time, so areas with heavy traffic need careful consideration and maintenance to ensure longevity.
- Pets and Children Friendly Rugs
Area rugs take a lot of wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room. With so many options in terms of materials, weaves, and colors, it can be challenging to choose a rug that will withstand the daily demands of a home with children and pets. When shopping for a rug for a family-friendly environment, durability and ease of cleaning are key qualities to look for.
- Wool/ Cotton
Wool and cotton are naturally resistant to stains, making them ideal for homes with children and pets. These fibers are also highly durable, so if spills happen, you can quickly dab them up and clean the rug without hassle.
- Synthetic
Most synthetic rugs are designed to be stain-resistant, as their fibers are coated in latex, enhancing the carpet's durability and making it tough enough to handle the messes caused by children and pets.
Dala Vintage Pink Navy Blue Rug
- Colors and Patterns
Now that you've got the basics covered, you're nearly ready to start shopping for your perfect rug. The next step is choosing a color. Start by evaluating your existing color scheme. To create a cohesive look, choose a rug that complements two or three key colors in your living room. Consider using your living room accessories, such as throws, pillows, or furniture, as a source of inspiration. The right area rug can anchor your entire space, setting the tone for the room. Dark, rich hues will create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while lighter colors can make the room feel more spacious and airy.
Picking the right living room rug can be challenging, especially when dealing with a space that’s already rich in color and patterns. You could go for a simple, solid-colored rug to create harmony, or go bold and mix different prints, colors, and textures to make a statement. If you're starting fresh and want to experiment with new colors, feel free to let the rug be your guide. Let it define the color scheme for your entire living room!
Rasha Rug Red Afghan Oriental Rug
Finding the right patterned rug can be intimidating, especially if you're not a fan of bold and bright colors. But if your living room feels a bit plain, a stunning patterned rug can create an eye-catching focal point. If you’re unsure about going for a full-on bold design, try opting for a neutral-toned rug that features subtle textures or patterns for a similar effect without the commitment.
We understand that picking the right living room rug can be tricky, but we hope these tips have helped guide you toward the perfect choice. If you've decided that an area rug is the way to go, explore our extensive collection of living room rugs.