Living Room Rugs

What To Consider When Shopping For Area Rugs For Living Rooms

In the living room, the right area rug can make the space inviting. But when decorating with rugs for the living room, some questions should be considered before picking that perfect rug for the room. In this post we will explore what you should look for when shopping for your living room rugs.

Choosing The Best Living Room Rugs Based On Use

Lifestyle should have a big impact on the choices one has when shopping for living room rugs. An elegant finely woven rug is appropriate if the living room is primarily used for entertaining. If the living room is relaxing space for family, a more casual less formal rug is called for.

What are popular rug sizes for living room?

Popular rug sizes for living rooms can vary depending on the size and layout of the room. However, there are a few common rug sizes that are often used in living room settings.

Here are some of the more popular area rug sizes for living rooms:

• 5′ x 8′: This size is suitable for smaller living rooms or for placing the rug in front of a sofa or coffee table. It provides enough space for the front legs of the furniture to rest on the rug.
• 8′ x 10′: This is a versatile size that works well in medium-sized living rooms. It can accommodate a larger seating arrangement, with the front legs of multiple pieces of furniture resting on the rug.
• 9′ x 12′: This size is suitable for larger living rooms or open floor plans. It provides ample space for a substantial seating area, with all the furniture legs placed on the rug.
• 10′ x 14′: This larger size is ideal for spacious living rooms or for open-concept areas where the rug needs to define a specific seating or conversation zone. It can accommodate a larger arrangement of furniture pieces.
• Runner rugs: These are long, narrow rugs typically used in hallways or entryways. In some living room setups, a runner rug can be placed in front of a fireplace or along the length of a long sofa.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the actual rug size you choose may depend on the dimensions of your living room, furniture placement, and personal preferences. It’s a good idea to measure your living room and consider the layout before purchasing a rug to ensure the best fit.

What Size Rug Should I Get For My Living Room?

Choosing the rug size is important. Some interior decor experts advise measuring the living room and choosing a area rug that’s a few inches smaller than the living room itself. The outcome of that method is an oversized rug that fills up the majority of the room. Alternatively, a small size rug in a huge size room might just looks out of place.

In the living room, the size of the seating area can help determines how large the rug size should be. When placed in front or on top of sofa and chairs, the living room area rug can help define the seating area. Weather or not the legs of the sofa or chairs sit on top of the rug or not is completely up to you and your decorating style.

If the living room has two seating areas, there should be an area rug for each one or one large rug that will cover both areas. While most modern contemporary rugs are available in standard room sizes such as 6′ x 9′ and 9′ x 12′, antique rugs will tend to vary from these set sizes. An unconventional shape, such as a round circle or square size can help anchor the seating area and set it apart from the rest of living room.

How big should your rug be compared to your living room couch?

When choosing a rug for your living room in relation to your couch, there are a few general guidelines to consider.

How to place area rugs with a living room couch:

• Front legs on the rug: A common approach is to have the front legs of your couch placed on the rug. This helps to visually anchor the furniture and create a cohesive look. In this case, the rug should extend beyond the front edge of the couch, typically by 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) on each side.
• All furniture on the rug: For a more unified and spacious feel, you can opt for a larger rug that accommodates all the furniture in the seating area. This means the entire couch, along with any accompanying chairs or tables, will be placed on the rug. This approach works well in larger living rooms or open floor plans.
• Floating furniture: Another option is to have the rug positioned in the center of the seating area, with the furniture “floating” around it. In this case, the rug should be large enough to extend beyond the coffee table and have enough space for the front legs of the furniture to comfortably rest on the rug.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and personal preferences, as well as the specific dimensions and layout of your living room, should be taken into account. It’s a good idea to measure your space and consider the proportions and scale of your furniture before selecting a rug size.

Ultimately, choose a living room rug size that visually complements your couch and creates a harmonious and balanced arrangement in the space.

How Should A Living Room Rug Look In The Space?

Consider what the rest of the living room already looks like, or what you would like it to be before deciding on the colors and / or rug pattern. Patterns and contrasting colors add visual interest to monochromatic living rooms or rooms that have been decorated in neutral colors.

A large scale more open design rug with softer colors can ground a room that’s visually busy. Homeowners should choose rug colors and patterns that they really enjoy because they’ll spend a lot of time with the living room area rugs.

How Should Living Room Rugs Feel To The Touch?

Lifestyle comes into play once again when picking the texture of your living room rugs. If the family likes going barefoot in the home, a softer material like wool or silk would be appropriate. While some of the rug weaving materials might raise the cost of the rug purchase, it is important to get something you will love and cherish as you will be living with it for many years.

Will A Layered Rug Approach Look Good In A Living Room?

Layering area rugs puts a conversation collection on the floor of your living room. The possible combinations of stacking antique or vintage rugs are nearly endless. For instance, a more solid colored rug is put down first. Then a patterned rug that includes the color of the first rug is placed on top.

Alternatively, area rugs that have the same colors but different patterns could be layered. Also less busy rugs in contrasting colors could be layered as well and the more rugs that can be layered the more unique your living room will look.

A shopping checklist for living room rugs

When shopping for living room rugs, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right rug for your space.

Here a living room rug shopping checklist with some important considerations:

• Size and Scale: Measure your living room to determine the appropriate rug size. It should be large enough to anchor the seating area, with the front legs of your furniture placed on the rug. Consider the proportions of your room and furniture to choose a rug that complements the space.
• Style and Design: Think about the overall style and design aesthetic of your living room. Rugs come in various patterns, colors, and textures. Consider the existing color palette and decor of the room and choose a rug that harmonizes with the overall theme. It can be a focal point or a complementary element.
• Material and Durability: Different rug materials offer varying levels of durability, comfort, and maintenance requirements. Common rug materials include wool, cotton, silk, jute, and synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester. Consider factors such as foot traffic, pets, and ease of cleaning when selecting the material.
• Pile Height: The pile height refers to the thickness and length of the rug fibers. Higher pile rugs tend to be softer and more luxurious, while lower pile rugs are easier to clean and maintain. Consider your personal preferences, comfort needs, and practicality when choosing the pile height.
• Maintenance and Cleaning: Consider the level of maintenance and cleaning required for the rug. Some rugs may be more stain-resistant or easier to clean than others. For example, synthetic fibers are generally easier to clean than natural fibers. Be mindful of your lifestyle and the amount of care you are willing to invest in maintaining the rug.
• Budget: Determine your budget range for the rug. Rugs come in a wide price range, depending on factors such as size, material, and craftsmanship. Set a budget that aligns with your financial resources and priorities.
• Rug Pad: Consider purchasing a rug pad to go underneath your living room rug. A rug pad provides cushioning, prevents slipping, and protects both the rug and the floor beneath it.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, choose a rug that you love and that reflects your personal taste. It should make you feel comfortable and enhance the overall ambiance of your living room.

By keeping these shopping checklist factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and find a living room rug that suits your needs, style, and budget.

How do you style a floor rug for a living room?

Styling a floor rug for a living room can enhance the overall aesthetic and create a cohesive and inviting space.

Here are some tips on how to style a floor rug in a living room:

• Choose the right size: Ensure that the rug is appropriately sized for your living room. Ideally, the rug should be large enough to anchor the furniture, with at least the front legs of the seating area resting on the rug.
• Consider the layout: Depending on the living room layout, you can position the rug in different ways. For a symmetrical arrangement, center the rug under the coffee table with the furniture placed around it. Alternatively, you can angle the rug for a more dynamic look.
• Define zones: If you have an open floor plan or a large living room, you can use rugs to define specific zones. Place a rug under the seating area to create a cozy conversation space or use a rug to define a reading nook or a play area.
• Layering rugs: Consider layering rugs to add visual interest and texture. Pair a smaller rug with a larger one, placing the smaller rug on top. Ensure that the patterns and colors of the rugs complement each other.
• Coordinate colors and patterns: Choose a rug that complements the color scheme and style of your living room. If you have neutral furniture and walls, you can opt for a rug with vibrant colors or bold patterns to make a statement. Alternatively, a patterned rug can add visual interest to a space with simpler furniture.
• Balance with the rest of the room: Ensure that the rug harmonizes with the other elements in the room, such as the furniture, curtains, and wall decor. Consider the overall style of the living room and select a rug that fits seamlessly into the design scheme.
• Rug placement: Make sure the rug is properly aligned and centered in the room. Ensure that it’s flat and not curled at the edges to prevent tripping hazards.
• Consider maintenance: Choose a rug that suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. For high-traffic areas, consider durable materials and darker colors that are more forgiving with stains and wear.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and you can always experiment with different rug placements and styles to find what works best for your living room and personal taste.

Do people place area rugs over a carpet in the living room?

Yes, it is common for people to place area rugs over carpet in the living room.

There are a few reasons why someone might choose to layer rugs in the living room:

• Style and aesthetics: Adding an area rug over a carpet can introduce additional colors, patterns, and textures to the room, enhancing the overall design and visual appeal. It allows for more customization and personalization of the space.
• Definition of space: Placing an area rug over a carpet can help define specific areas or zones within a larger room. For example, you can use an area rug to create a distinct seating area or a designated conversation space within the living room.
• Warmth and comfort: Carpets can sometimes feel cool or less cozy, especially if they are made of synthetic materials. Adding an area rug on top of the carpet can provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort underfoot.
• Protection and maintenance: By placing an area rug over a carpet, you can help protect the underlying carpet from wear, spills, and stains. This is particularly useful in high-traffic areas or if you have children or pets.

When choosing an area rug to place over a carpet in your living room, consider the size, color, and pattern of the rug to ensure it complements the existing carpet and the overall aesthetic of the room. Additionally, use rug pads or grippers to prevent the rug from sliding or bunching up on top of the carpet.

What to avoid when shopping for area rugs for the living room?

When shopping for area rugs for your living room, there are a few things to avoid to ensure you make the best choice.

Things to avoid when shopping for area rugs for the living room:

• Wrong rug size: Avoid purchasing a rug that is too small for your living room. A rug that is too small can make the space feel disjointed and disproportionate. Measure your living room and consider the furniture placement to determine the appropriate size for your rug.
• Poor quality rug materials: Be cautious of rugs made from low-quality materials. These rugs may not be durable and can show signs of wear and tear quickly. Look for rugs made from high-quality fibers like wool or natural materials that are known for their durability.
• Clashing colors and patterns: Avoid selecting a rug with colors or patterns that clash with the existing decor in your living room. Choose a rug that complements the color scheme and style of the room to create a harmonious and cohesive look.
• Difficult rugs to maintain: Consider the maintenance requirements of the rug before making a purchase. Avoid rugs that require high maintenance if you have a busy lifestyle or pets and children in the house. Opt for materials and designs that are easy to clean and maintain.
• Thin or insufficient rug padding: Ensure that the rug has sufficient padding or a rug pad underneath to provide cushioning and prevent slipping. Avoid rugs that are too thin or do not provide enough padding, as they may not be comfortable or safe to walk on.
• Ignoring your lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how the rug will be used in your living room. If you have pets or children, choose a rug that can withstand their activities and is easy to clean. If you frequently host gatherings or parties, opt for a rug that can handle high foot traffic.
• Overlooking rug texture: Texture plays a significant role in the overall look and feel of a rug. Avoid rugs that have a texture that clashes with the existing textures in your living room. Consider the texture of the rug and how it will complement the other elements in the room.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can find an area rug that not only enhances the aesthetic of your living room but also meets your practical needs and preferences.