How to Choose the Perfect Rug for your Living Room

Choosing the right rug for your living room can transform the space from good to amazing. It’s not just about the color or the pattern; it’s about setting the right mood, defining your space, and complementing your lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple tips to ensure you pick the perfect rug that aligns with your decor and personal style. And most importantly, one that works for you and your family. With our experience selecting living room rugs for many clients, we’ve learned a lot about how to choose the perfect rug for your space. Let’s dive in!

Why Add a Rug in the First Place

A rug has magic powers to pull a space together. Adding a rug can make a room feel more cozy. Not only can it enhance the comfort on hardwood floors, but it can also define a living room space. Additionally, it will add visual interest to enhance the interior design of your living area, creating a sense of cohesion for the look of your living room. 

Size Most Definitely Matters

When it comes to choosing the right living room rug, size does matter. A rug can significantly affect how a room feels and looks, with the wrong size rug serving as a constant reminder of a misguided choice. Aim for a size that allows for a balanced look, ensuring that all the major pieces of furniture can comfortably sit on the rug, thus creating a cohesive and inviting space. 

The right rug size brings harmony to your living space. For larger rooms in open floor plans, consider using multiple rugs to define different areas, creating intimate settings within a larger context. For example, you may use one rug under your dining room furniture and another rug under your living room furniture in the same room. This helps create a cohesive look to the entire space by clearly identifying the two functions of the larger room, while at the same time keeping each area cozy and comfortable.

One of the biggest mistakes in living room design is choosing a rug that is too small. Avoid selecting a rug so small that it floats like an island under your coffee table. Instead, opt for a size that extends beyond your seating area, inviting people into the space by encompassing the first set of legs of your furniture. If everything is equal, always opt for a large rug versus a smaller rug.

Picking the Right Colors and Patterns

Colors and patterns play a pivotal role in setting the mood of your living room. The color scheme of your living room can be greatly enhanced with your rug choice. Neutral tones offer versatility, enabling you to easily swap out decor as seasons or trends change. Additionally, rugs with neutral colors allow you to create an airy feel versus a rug that has bold patterns or vibrant colors. Neutral rugs with a touch of blue are great to convey a subtle coastal style.

For more traditional spaces, a vintage patterned rug is a great option. And for more modern feeling rooms, geometric patterns or a solid color rug works well to lend to the clean aesthetic. Solid jute options are great for a coastal style space and add texture while keeping a simplistic and modern design in a space. 

The colors and patterns of your rug can help to communicate many different styles, and it is important to ensure there’s a consistency with your rug and the other decor and furnishings. A rug should not only stand on its own in terms of style, but also match the decor of the room it lives in. If you are incorporating timeless coastal style, your rug should be one that complements this specific aesthetic. Or, if you have a more modern coastal style with your other decor and furnishings, the rug should complement. It’s about finding that perfect piece that speaks to your style while enhancing the overall feel of your room.

How Much to Spend

While it’s tempting to spare no expense in search of the perfect living room rug, it’s also important to set a realistic budget. Rugs can range widely in price, influenced by factors such as size, material, and craftsmanship. Keep in mind that a high-quality rug is an investment in your home’s aesthetic and comfort, but it need not break the bank. Consider the rug’s longevity and how its cost fits into your overall decorating budget to make a choice that offers both style and value. There are a wide range of options available at many price points. Be sure to allow enough budget for a big enough rug for the room, and go from there. It’s definitely a key component to a living room design, and therefore, it is recommended to plan to invest accordingly.

Where to Position Your Rug

The placement of your rug within the living room is crucial for establishing flow and defining spaces. Ideally, the rug should anchor the seating area, with all furniture pieces touching the rug. This enhances the sense of intimacy and conversation within the space. Whether you place it under the coffee table with surrounding furniture legs just touching, or extend it out to include all furniture fully, consider the shape of the room and the layout of your furniture to determine the most pleasing arrangement.

Rectangle rugs are usually the best option for living room spaces. You may even consider layering a smaller rug over a larger rug for a textured and casual look. Even if your room is carpeted, a well-positioned rug can do wonders to warm up the space!

Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Rug Beautiful

Maintaining the beauty of your living room rug ensures it remains a focal point in your space for years to come. This begins with selecting the proper material for the durability to serve your needs. Organic materials with natural fibers like jute or sisal work well with coastal style but may be more difficult to clean if you have kids or pets. Likewise, wool rugs and other natural rugs can be more demanding to clean. Synthetic fibers or even washable materials may serve your needs and offer a rug that is more easy to clean. Living rooms are high-traffic areas, and durability is key to maintain the integrity of your rug in this space. 

Regular vacuuming, prompt stain removal, and periodic professional cleaning are key to keeping any rug looking fresh. Using a rug pad will help to ensure your floors are protected, too. Additionally, rotating your rug occasionally can prevent uneven wear and fading, especially in areas of direct sunlight. By investing time into the care of your rug, you can enjoy its beauty and comfort long-term, making it a lasting addition to your home.

​Worth the Effort and Investment to Choose the Right Living Room Rug

One thing’s for certain, taking the time and investing the money for the perfect rug for your space is likely a decision that will serve you for years to come. Whether you have a large living room space that is multi-functioning, or a small space, selecting the best rug for the space will likely enhance the way the room looks, feels and functions. With our years of experience in working with clients to ensure they have the perfect rug for their living room space, we know that the time and money spent will be well worth it. If you’d like our help with your selection, reach out to us! We’d love to work with you designing your perfect living room space.