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Area rugs are one of the most versatile ways to add warmth, style, and functionality to any room. Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, they can be easily moved, cleaned, or swapped out to change the look of a space. But choosing the right area rug isn’t just about picking a pattern or color—you also need to think about placement, size, and how it interacts with your furniture. Whether it’s a living room, bedroom, dining area, or hallway, understanding some simple dos and don’ts can help you make the most of your rug.
What Is an Area Rug?
An area rug is a freestanding piece of carpeting that does not extend to the walls of a room. Its main purpose is to anchor furniture, define spaces, and add texture or color. Think of it as a frame for your furniture, helping everything in a room feel connected and intentional.
Do Extend Rugs Under Furniture
One of the simplest rules for rug placement is to extend the rug beneath key furniture pieces. This creates a cohesive look and makes the room feel grounded.
Living Room:
For larger spaces, aim for a rug big enough that the front legs of sofas and chairs sit on it. This anchors your seating area visually and ensures that furniture doesn’t feel like it’s floating. Smaller chairs or side tables can have all legs on the rug to keep the area feeling intentional. Ideally, leave about three inches of rug in front of furniture legs for balance.
Bedroom:
In bedrooms, rugs should extend past the sides of the bed. Place the rug so it begins at the head of the bed and extends at least 18 inches on either side for nightstands and walking space. This provides a soft landing when getting out of bed and adds warmth to the room.
Dining Room:
Dining room rugs should be large enough to hold the table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. Typically, this means extending the rug about three feet beyond the table on all sides. This ensures that chairs remain on the rug while maintaining balance in the space.
Do Go Big
A larger area rug can make a room feel more spacious and cohesive. For living rooms with a sectional, try to fit the entire couch on the rug. This creates an expansive anchor, visually tying the space together. Leave a few feet of floor around the perimeter to avoid crowding the room. Common area rug sizes include 5x7, 7x9, 8x12, 9x12, and 12x18 feet.
In hallways or pass-through areas, larger rugs are also practical. Covering high-traffic zones helps protect flooring from wear, scratches, and the need for early refinishing.
Don’t Go Too Small in Bedrooms
Bedroom rugs should be significantly larger than the bed, extending under nightstands to anchor the entire setup. As a rule of thumb:
- Twin or double beds: Rug should extend at least 12 inches beyond the sides of the bed.
- Queen or king beds: Rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond the sides.
A rug that’s too small can make the room feel disconnected and reduce the cozy effect that a soft rug provides.
Do Leave Equal Space
Balance is key. Make sure rugs are centered under furniture and leave consistent floor space around the edges. Depending on your room size, leave anywhere from 8 to 24 inches around the rug. This keeps the area visually harmonious and prevents the rug from looking cramped or awkwardly placed.
Don’t Place Your Best Rugs in Danger
High-quality rugs are beautiful, but certain areas are more prone to spills, stains, and wear. Avoid placing your most expensive rugs under dining tables or in hallways with heavy foot traffic. Instead, showcase them in living rooms or bedrooms where they can be admired and remain protected.
Don’t Let Price Hold You Back
It’s tempting to buy a smaller, cheaper rug because of the price. But investing in the right size is crucial. A properly sized rug enhances the room’s design and prevents the need for replacements later. While larger rugs can be more expensive, they also create a more polished and lasting look.
Do Consider Rug Pads
Rug pads aren’t just for comfort—they help rugs stay in place, add cushioning, and protect floors from scratches. Choose a pad slightly larger than your rug and trim it to fit perfectly. This is especially important when layering rugs over hardwood or other delicate flooring surfaces.
Area rugs are more than decorative accents—they define spaces, anchor furniture, and add warmth and texture. By following a few simple rules—choosing the right size, extending under furniture, leaving even spacing, and protecting your investment—you can make any room feel stylish, comfortable, and cohesive. Whether you’re outfitting a living room, bedroom, dining area, or hallway, these dos and don’ts ensure your rugs look intentional and elevate the overall design of your home.
