How To Style A Rug Like An Interior Designer

Finding the perfect floor rug is exciting at first, but it can get daunting when choosing and figuring out how it’ll look in your home.

We’ve compiled this guide to help you learn how to style a rug while balancing elegance and practicality.

Rug Placement And Styling For Every Room

How To Style Living Room Rugs

In the living room, rugs serve as the foundation of the seating area, anchoring furniture and tying the space together. When styling your living room rug, consider the size and layout of your furniture arrangement. Here are a few tactics to place a rug in the living room.

1. Place The Rug With Furniture On Top:

Position the rug so that all your main living room furniture, including the lounge suite, coffee table, and accent chairs, are placed directly on top of it. This method creates a unified look and makes the rug the focal point of the seating area.

2. Front Legs On, Back Legs Off:

If placing all the main furniture on the floor rug isn’t practical due to the rug’s size or the room’s layout, it’s okay to have the front legs of the major furniture pieces on the rug while leaving the back legs off.

However, ensure that all the legs of smaller pieces, such as coffee tables and side tables, are positioned on the rug to maintain visual balance and cohesion in the space.

What Is The Best Type Of Rug For A Living Room?

Wool and jute rugs are excellent choices for a living room due to their durability, soft texture, and natural aesthetic.

Neutral rugs in beige, grey and cream shades are always a safe option if you don’t want too much drama in the living room.

Here are a few of our favourite living room rugs for inspiration:

If you have any questions about these floor rugs, get in touch and we’ll guide you.

How To Style Bedroom Rugs

Bedroom rugs are important to add softness underfoot and define the sleeping area. Here are two ways to style a rug in your bedroom:

1. Full Coverage:

Select a rug that extends beyond the bed on all sides. This creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making your bedroom feel like a luxurious retreat.

Make sure the rug is large enough to accommodate the bed and other furniture, such as nightstands and dressers, while leaving a border of flooring exposed for visual balance.

Layering Bedroom Rugs

Experiment with layering rugs to add dimension and visual interest to your bedroom decor.

Place a smaller rug, such as a sheepskin or accent rug like the one above, on top of a larger area rug to create a stylish focal point at the foot of the bed or beside a seating area.

This technique adds texture and warmth to the space while allowing you to showcase your personal style through different rug textures and patterns.

What Kind Of Rug Is Best For The Bedroom?

Selecting a texture and style that complements your bedroom decor is key. Generally, plush and high-pile rugs like soft cottons, silk blends, polyesters, or faux furs are the best for a bedroom.

What colour rug will brighten a room?

The best colour for a bedroom rug depends on whether you desire a calming or dramatic effect; neutral tones like beige, ivory, or light grey create a serene ambience, while bold hues or intricate patterns can add a touch of drama.

These rugs are our top picks for bedrooms:

What Sizes Do Area Rugs Come In?

Area rugs come in different sizes, depending on the placement, but general sizes include:

  • Small (160 x 230 cm)
  • Medium (200 x 300 cm)
  • Large (250 x 350 cm or more)

For more precise recommendations for the type of room, refer to these size guides.

Open Plan Living Areas: Opt for a 200 x 300 cm rug to delineate the living space, allowing the front feet of furniture to rest on it. Avoid smaller rugs, as they may appear disproportionate and disrupt the room’s flow.

Separate Living Rooms: In large living rooms, choose a large rug to accommodate all furniture legs or opt for a medium rug with only the front feet of furniture placed on it. A small rug in front of the sofa may suffice in smaller living rooms.

Bedrooms: While ideally, a rug should fit under the entire bed and protrude at least a metre on all sides, a more cost-effective option is a medium rug (approx. 200 x 300 cm) placed horizontally under the bed, leaving a walkway around the bed for convenience.

How To Measure For An Area Rug?

To measure for an area rug, use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the space you want to cover. Leave a few inches of floor exposed around the edges for a balanced look. If you’re unsure about the size, consider using painter’s tape to outline the area before purchasing.

And that’s a wrap on styling rugs! Browse our collection of high-quality, stylish floor rugs here.