When looking for a new rug to purchase for your home, it’s likely you have an idea what room it’s for. You probably have a color or design in mind, but you may not be sure what size rug is best for that room, as well as where exactly it should be placed. These factors are almost as important as the color and design. Don’t allow your new rug to lose its shine because of your placement choice. Taking the time to learn about the importance of rug placement will help you avoid these four common rug placement mistakes.
1. A rug that is too small for the dining room table
The dining room is a perfect place for a rug, but only if it’s the right size for the dining room table. A common mistake is choosing a rug that is so small that the dining room chairs come off the rug when pulled out. If the rug is too small, the chairs will constantly rub against and get caught on the edges of the rug. Whether your dining room table is rectangle, round or oval, there are ways to prevent this from happening.
To avoid this, allow for two feet from the edge of the table so that the chairs stay on the rug. A good rule of thumb is to go by the amount of chairs your dining room table holds.
The most ideal measurements are as follows: 6 chair table: 8×10′, 8 chair table: 9×12′, 10 chair table: 10×14′
2. A rug that doesn’t extend far enough beyond the edge of your bed
This mistake impacts both appearance and comfort. First off, if the rug isn’t extending beyond the sides of your bed, you’re hiding too much of the rug. Second, you’re causing yourself to step on to the cold floor, which defeats part of the rug’s purpose. The size of your rug should depend on the size of your bed. For the best results, a queen size bed should go on top of an 8×10′ rug. This allows 2 1/2 feet on either side of the bed for the design to show and your feet to land. A king size bed should have a 9×12′ rug, giving you 2’10” on either side. Going with these measurements will make all the difference.
3. A rug that looks like a floating island or a postage stamp in your living room
To prevent your rug from looking like a floating island or postage stamp in your living room, utilize your furniture. Most living rooms consist of couches, coffee tables and end tables, and a rug underneath helps to enhance that furniture and tie it all together. The living room has a little more flexibility than the dining room and bedroom. Decide if you want to place your furniture on or around the rug, or a combination of half on/half off. Just be careful that the rug size you select isn’t too small for the space. If you have a large room with high ceilings, you want the rug to look proportionately sized.
4. A rug that covers an entire room, going right up to the edges of the walls
Instead of purchasing a rug that covers the entire room, allow your current floors to act as the border. A nice hardwood floor, tile or carpet border is bound to break up the room and add to the overall appearance. The recommendation is to have a two-foot border around the edge of your rug to show off your floor, and to prevent the rug from looking like wall-to-wall carpeting.
Don’t worry if you’re guilty of making these rug placement mistakes, you’re not alone and they are fixable! If you’re getting ready to purchase a new rug, keep these common mistakes in mind. It’s important to make the most out of your rug purchase. Don’t hide away those pretty and comfortable rugs, and don’t place them in ways that don’t show them off well. There’s so much to consider when it comes to interior design, don’t forget the rugs!
Featured photo credit: Jason Boutsayaphat via freeimages.com
