A Guide to Choosing the Right Rug and Placing It in Your Home

As essential elements of interior design, rugs can transform the look and feel of your living spaces. The right rug can tie a room together, add warmth through texture and boost the mood through colours and patterns. But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be hard, this comprehensive guide breaks this down and offers help when choosing and placing rugs in your home.

Selecting the right rug

The shape of a room should be considered during the selection process: for square or rectangular rooms, it’s often best to choose a rug that mirrors this shape. This maintains a balanced, visually pleasing environment. However, for an irregularly shaped space such as an open-plan living area, a rounded rug like the Nordic rug by Bayliss can suit better.

A circular rug can also work particularly well in a small space as it helps to make the room feel larger and cosier. Consider the furniture, where there are curved pieces like dining tables or modern sofas, rounded rugs can complement the flow and symmetry of these arrangements.

The colour and pattern of your rug should complement the decor and overall theme of your home. Select a design that harmonises with the shades in the space or opt for something neutral that will work with a wide range of styles. Colours like grey, cream or beige are versatile, although they are less effective at hiding stains and marks than patterned options.

Pattern play can add character and texture to your living room. Solid colours are timeless and adaptable, while patterns like stripes, florals, or geometrics can introduce a touch of personality. Be mindful of scale, if your room features large furniture, opt for a rug with a larger pattern to maintain balance. Many handmade rugs are patterned yet neutral such as this Decadence Rug which could work in a variety of spaces.

When it comes to choosing the right rug size for your space, the primary goal is to ensure that it anchors your furniture and creates a cohesive space.  Choosing between a big or small one depends on the size of your room, furniture, and your aesthetic preferences. Large rugs work well in spacious living rooms, as they provide ample coverage and help create a unified look. They can also accommodate multiple furniture groupings from velvet armchairs to leather, modular sofas and wooden TV stands.

Smaller rugs can be used as accents in various areas, such as under a coffee table or to define a cosy reading nook. They add a subtle touch of style and can work in conjunction with larger rugs in the same room.

Placing your rug in various rooms

The choice between placing your rug under or beside furniture depends on the size of your room and the arrangement of your furniture. In larger living rooms, placing the rug underneath can define separate seating areas and create a more unified look. In smaller rooms, you may opt for a rug that fits under the front legs of your furniture, providing a cosy and cohesive feel without overwhelming the space.

If you want to place a large rug in a living room, lay it under the main furniture pieces like the sofa suite. This creates a sense of flow and defines the seating area. However, if the rug is smaller, don’t try to cover the entire area underneath as it will look undersized. Simply place it under two legs of the couch and leave the back two on the bare floor. This arrangement maintains an open feel while providing a visual focal point.

In the bedroom, rugs can add warmth and comfort, particularly if you have metal or leather modern bedroom furniture, which can feel cooler.  Placing a rug under the bed, extending a few feet beyond its edges adds a cosy and inviting touch. It provides a soft landing for your feet when you get out of bed in the morning. If your bedroom has limited space or you have a smaller rug, you can place it on either side of the bed to create a balanced, soft look. Textured rugs can provide an extra layer of luxury in the bedroom and make the space feel even more inviting.

In conclusion, selecting the perfect rug for your living room involves careful consideration of size, colour, and pattern, along with an understanding of where and how you will place it. A good tip is to get a measuring tape and take note of how much space you have before you go shopping. Before you buy, think about the area, your furniture and the shape of the room; ask yourself what type of rug will work best with those elements. By following these guidelines, you'll be well-equipped to transform your living space into a welcoming, well-designed haven.