How the Choose the Perfect Area Rug for your Living Room

Last updated on February 22nd, 2023

Other than for functionality, an area rug is an important design tool that can add style, elegance, and warmth to any living room. Whether you have a contemporary, mid-century, or traditional living room style, they are so many area rugs that will complement the style of your home.

An area rug can transform a room from bland to bold, this is essential for a living room to feel pulled together. Although they come in so many shapes, colors, patterns, and weaves. So, it can be a daunting process when trying to find the perfect one for your home. But, don’t fret, because, with the right tips, you will be able to make an informed decision. To make the job easier for you, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the perfect area rug for your living room.

 

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Choose the right size of area rug for your living room

Area rugs come in various sizes and it is quite difficult to get a perfect size for your home. One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a rug is choosing a rug that is too small for their space. According to interior experts, always get the largest sizes and the best quality your money can buy. You need to take the dimension of the room into consideration, so you don’t buy an area rug that is too small or that won’t fit your living room.

Although, make sure you don’t skimp on the size as it will make your room feel smaller! You have the measure the proportion where you want to place the area rug and make sure it complements your furniture and room dimension. If you are finding it difficult to visualize different sizes, consider layering out newspaper on the floor, where you want to place the rug.

When buying a Novogratz rug, don’t only think about the room, but also, the furniture that will be on top of the rug. Also, watch out for doors around that the rug might prevent from closing, if this is the case, then consider buying a thin area rug. The functional plays a major role in determining the size. If you want warmth in your living room, then consider an area rug that will cover most of your floor. If you want an area rug for purely decorative purposes, then you can be flexible with it come to size.

 

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Choose the shape of the area rug that matches your living room style

Area rugs also come in different shapes, but unlike size, they are somewhat easier to make a decision on. Whether circular, square, or rectangular, everyone has one shape they lean towards. While rectangular and square are the most popular shape used in the living room, be mindful of following trends. There no design or decorating rule that says a rug must be a rectangle. A rug should echo the shape of the furniture.

For instance, if you have a circular coffee table, consider a circular rug- the same approach applies to your dining room area. Although, a circular area rug might struggle to blend in a sleek, contemporary living room as the contrast is quite strong.

The shapes of the area rug should complement your living room. If you have a rectangular furniture arrangement, then you should consider choosing a rectangular rug that encompasses the entire grouping. Another useful tip for deciding the shape of your area rug is to allow the shape of your room to dictate your choice. For instance, if you have a long and narrow room, avoid a circular or square area rug and opt for a rectangular rug instead.

 

Area Rug for your Living Room

 

Do not be afraid of color and patterns

The color and pattern of the rug are very important as it will set the tone for your entire living room. There are so many types of rugs available for purchase, including solid and patterned styles. If you are considering a rug that has already been decorated, then this gives you a working color scheme. A burgundy Oriental carpet will add to a Victorian feel to your living room, while a pastel rug will look great with a shabby chic aesthetic. For more depth and maturity, consider a rug pattern with ornamental details, such as an Oriental rug with a Kilim, Persian, or Moroccan motif.

Area rugs can either blend in or stand out, so think about the effect you want to create when choosing colors and patterns. Remember, an area rug is a great way to inject color into your living room, while a patterned rug can add some personality.  If you already have furniture in your living room, consider the color of the rug that will complement your existing items.

If your living room already has a lot of colors and patterns, then obviously, you should consider getting a rug with a single color or neutral tone. Also, consider how the area rug will look with the tones of the wall, flooring, and ceiling. If your furniture and walls are neutral, then consider a rug with an eye-catching pattern to add some vibrancy to your living room.

 

Area Rug for your Living Room

 

Choose the texture of the area rug that complements your living room furniture

Area rugs are made from various fibers including plant-based fibers like sisal, cotton, linen, and jute that are appropriate for different areas in your home. Each of them has a different feel and look, with distinct characteristics relating to how easy they are to clean or how well the materials wear. Surely, the fiber of the area rug will have a great influence on the price and quality. It is very important that you choose an area rug with a material that will hold up to your daily life.

Generally, the longer the fibers, the more luxurious the rug will feel. The living room is one of the busiest areas in a home. If you have pets and kids, consider choosing an area rug that is comfortable but also hard-wearing, with a material that is durable and easy to clean- such as synthetics or wool.

Before you go shopping for an area rug, it is important to put the functionality into consideration. So, ask yourself, does my living room appear flat? If the answer is yes, then you might want to introduce texture in a bigger way.

 

Area Rug for your Living Room

 

 

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