The Ultimate Guide to Area Rug Placement: Dos and Don'ts

Introduction

When it comes to decorating your home with area rugs, proper placement and sizing are crucial. Area rugs offer a versatile and practical alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting, making it easier to change the look and feel of a room. However, finding the right placement for your area rug can be a daunting task, as it involves considering factors such as furniture arrangement, room size, rug style, and material. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about area rug placement, dos, and don’ts to help you make the most of your rugs.

Table of Contents

What Is an Area Rug?

An area rug is a decorative rug that does not extend to the walls and is used to anchor furniture in a space. Whether you are using an area rug in your bedroom, living room, dining room, or den, there are some essential rules to keep in mind for proper placement.

Dos and Don’ts of Area Rug Placement

Do Extend Rugs Under Furniture

When selecting an area rug, ensure that it extends under all key pieces of furniture in the room.
In the living room, choose a rug size that allows the front legs of all furniture pieces to land on the rug.
In the bedroom, position the area rug against the wall at the head of the bed, leaving 18″ of space on all sides for nightstands and clearance at the end of the bed.
In the dining room, opt for a rug large enough to accommodate both chairs and the table, with chairs positioned on the rug even when pulled out.

Go Big If You Want Your Living Room to Feel Larger

A bigger area rug can make your living room appear more spacious.
Ensure that the entire couch fits on the rug, leaving approximately 6″ of floor space around the perimeter.
Common area rug sizes include:

Cover High-Traffic Areas

Use rugs to cover high-traffic areas to protect your floors from wear and tear, scratches, and premature refinishing.

Don’t Go Too Small in the Bedroom

Choose a sizeable rug for the bedroom that extends beyond the bed and fits under nightstands to create a cozy feel.

Additional Tips for Area Rug Placement

Leave Equal Space

Maintain an equal amount of floor space on all sides of the rug in any room.
Center the sofa on the rug and leave 8 to 24 inches of clearance on all sides.

Place Your Best Rugs Strategically

Avoid placing expensive rugs in high-traffic areas where spills and stains are more likely to occur.
Consider using inexpensive, easy-to-clean rugs in areas prone to stains.

Don’t Let the Investment Scare You

Invest in a properly sized rug to avoid the hassle of replacing it later.
The cost of a rug is still lower than that of wall-to-wall carpeting.

Consider the Right Rug Pad

Choose a rug pad that keeps the rug in place, provides cushioning, and protects the flooring.
Trim the rug pad to fit the size of your area rug for a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Proper area rug placement can transform the look and feel of any room in your home. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your rugs enhance your space while also providing functionality and style. Remember to consider the size of your room, the placement of furniture, and the type of rug pad needed to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. With the right approach, your area rugs can be the perfect finishing touch to your home decor.