Find the Perfect Area Rug for Your Space

Start With the Right Size

One of the easiest ways to make an area rug look out of place is choosing the wrong size. Before shopping, measure your room and think about how the furniture will sit in relation to the rug.

Living room: Choose a size that works with the seating arrangement. Ideally, the rug should help connect the furniture rather than appear like a small island in the center of the room.

Dining room: Make sure the rug extends far enough beyond the table for chairs to remain on it when they're pulled out.

Bedroom: Consider how much floor space you want the rug to cover around the bed and where you want the softer surface underfoot.

When in doubt, map out the rug dimensions with painter's tape before purchasing. It can give you a much better sense of how the size will feel in the actual room.

Match the Rug to Your Room

Once you've determined the size, it's time to think about style.

A rug can coordinate with your existing flooring, furniture, cabinetry, wall colors, and décor—or provide contrast to create a focal point.

For example, a patterned rug can add interest to a room with simple furnishings, while a neutral rug can help balance a space that already has plenty of color and visual detail.

Texture is another element to consider. Different materials and constructions can create anything from a soft, cozy look to a cleaner, more structured appearance.

Choosing a Rug for Your Lifestyle

A beautiful rug still needs to work for the way you live.

Think about where the rug will be placed and how much activity it will see. A rug in a busy entryway or family room may need different characteristics than one in a formal sitting area or bedroom.

If you have children or pets, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and how easily the rug can be cleaned. For quieter spaces, you may have more freedom to prioritize texture, pattern, or other design details.

The goal is to find a balance between the look you want and the performance you need.

Area Rugs and Your Flooring

Your existing flooring should be part of the selection process. An area rug can complement virtually any flooring style, but the colors and patterns should work together.

On wood-look flooring, for example, a rug can provide contrast and soften the overall appearance. On tile or another hard surface, it can introduce warmth and texture.

A properly selected rug pad may also help keep the rug in place and provide additional cushioning. Make sure the pad is appropriate for both the rug and the flooring underneath, and follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations.

Simple Ways to Make a Rug Work

A few small details can make a noticeable difference:

• Measure before you shop.
• Consider furniture placement, not just room dimensions.
• Use the existing flooring and décor as inspiration.
• Think about traffic and maintenance requirements.
• Choose a rug pad when appropriate.
• Don't be afraid to use pattern or texture to add personality.