Area rugs never go out of style. Not only do they add something comfortable for your feet, but they also act as an anchor for rooms by pulling all the different design elements together.
From colors to sizes, styles to texture, it may feel overwhelming trying to narrow down your choices. However, there are a few rules of thumb to get you started.
Read on for our area rug ideas for living room interior design!
- Area Rug Size
Before you even begin looking for your next area rug, the best way to start is to figure out what size you need. A large rug will cost more, but may provide better coverage in your space. Make sure that the rug is not too large, as you do not want to pay more than you need to or have it take over your space.
Of course, an area rug that’s too tiny won’t create enough of a visual impact. One of the main benefits of area rugs is that they bring all the separate design elements in a room together, so an area rug that’s too small will make a room look disjointed. According to Zebra Home, the leading source of rugs, runners & doormats for Australian living – One of the main benefits of area rugs is that they bring all the separate design elements in a room together, so an area rug that’s too small will make a room look disjointed.
For living rooms, a good rule of thumb is that each piece of furniture needs to be able to have two or all four legs on it. Either way, just be consistent.
You’ll also want to measure the dimensions of your living room and base your rug shopping on that size. Here is a standard sizing guide that will get you started:
- 5’ x 7’ room size / 3’ x 5’ rug size
- 7’ x 10’ / 5’ x 8’
- 10’ x 12’ / 8’ x 10’
- 11’ x 14’ / 9’ x 12’
- 14’ x 17’ / 12’ x 15’
The most common mistake for homeowners is purchasing a rug that’s too small for the room. Take this into account and make sure you find a large rug for your space!
- Area Rug Color
Once you determine the dimensions you need, the next best way to narrow down your options is to decide on the rug’s color. Remember that area rugs serve as anchors for a room; they should tie all the disparate design elements together.
With this in mind, take into account all the dominant colors already in the living room, such as the walls, floors, curtains, and furniture. If the room has predominantly bright and bold patterns, choose a bold, solid color rug that complements the dominant color of the room.
Conversely, if your living room has mostly neutral tones such as tans, grays, and creams, a rug of the same tone will pull it all together to look even more polished and serene. A rug mimicking the room’s accent color will bring a burst of life.
As you can see, you have many options when it comes to color. What you want to avoid is choosing a rug that draws attention to itself and breaks up the living room’s flow.
- Area Rug Texture
Determining the texture of your area rug is a little simpler than picking the color. Consider the people and pets that live in the home and what would be the most convenient. For instance, thick shag runs may not be the best decision for homes with large dogs, long-haired cats, or elderly people, where it presents a tripping hazard.
You’ll also want to choose textures that juxtapose the textures of the furniture. If your seating features velvet fabric, harder textures like sisal will provide a great contrast. Industrial-style steel or leather furniture would stand out more with raised, fluffy pile.
Here are some of the most common materials you’ll find during your search:
- Wool
- Cotton
- Jute and sisal
- Silk and viscose
- Nylon
- Olefin
- Polyester
- Area Rug Styles
Lastly, there are a variety of area rug styles that can complement your room’s style. Remember that even if you have a modern or traditional room, choosing rugs that are the opposite of those styles but are similar in color may be a refreshing take.
Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan rugs are adored by interior designers because they are hand-knotted from the wool of Tibetan sheep. Tibetan wool is one of the softest textures for rugs, providing a luxurious look and feel.
Compared to Persian rugs, they usually have more modern and contemporary designs. They’re usually yellow or gray in color.
Dhurries
Dhurries are affordable, symmetrical rugs that feature geometric designs and come in a variety of colors. Because they’re reversible and universal in style, these are great for homes that have a lot of foot traffic.
Natural Fiber Rugs
Natural fiber rugs are very durable and add a relaxing, outdoor element to any room. They’re usually made from sisal, jute, or seagrass. If you’re a fan of bohemian styles, these are a great complement.
Moroccan Rugs
Originating in Morocco, these are shaggy, high-pile rugs that were created to keep people warm. They add a plush, luxurious feel to rooms.
Area Rug Ideas for Living Room: Focus on What Feels Right
Once you determine the size, texture, and color you need for your rug, you’ll find that you have a wealth of options available to you at all different price points. The important part to remember is not to feel obligated to go with certain trends or interior design rules.
At the end of the day, the best rug will be the one you like the look and feel of! These area rug ideas for a living room are here to get you started.
For more design ideas for your home, keep reading our blog for more tips and strategies.
What are your thoughts on area rugs with carpets? I never thought of an area rug, because I thought only people with hard wood floors or ceramic tile used area rugs. I can see how it really add impact to a room.
I am loving this and fingers crossed…. we will be purchasing a new home and I will need some new area rugs for the hardwood floors 🙂 Thank you for this post!
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