The living room is the first space your guests notice when they step into your home, and probably the second space after your bedroom that you spend the most time in. Because of this, a beautiful living room can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for family gatherings and social interactions, or even just a night in all by yourself. What's a better way to decorate this space than equipping it with a rug? Here are some useful tips to help you choose the best rug for your living room.

Suitable Color and Pattern

Choose a rug that compliments your walls, furniture, and flooring and matches the room's color scheme. Spend some time looking carefully at all the options, as area rugs come in many colors and patterns. If you are too confused and don't know which color and pattern to choose, just remember that neutral tones create cohesion, while bold patterns add personality and will help your living room pop out. A more versatile option is vintage rugs, which are popular for their multi-color palettes and distressed patterns, blending easily with various decor styles.

The Right Rug Size

To decide the right rug size, start by measuring your seating area and living room dimensions. Once you have the measurements, you can estimate how big your living room rug might be. Here are the common rug sizes depending on the room dimensions:

  • Small rooms (11'x13′ or less): 6'x9′ rugs work well.
  • Medium rooms (11'x13′ or larger): 8'x10′ rugs are ideal.
  • Large rooms (12'x18′ or more): Opt for 9'x12′ or larger rugs.

To be completely sure about the rug size, you can use painter's tape to outline the potential area that the rug will cover on the floor. A bed sheet or tapestry folded can also stand in for the rug's dimensions.

Compatible Material

The rug material is super important, because no matter how beautiful or fitted the rug is, if it is made from material that is not compatible with your lifestyle, then it will become a waste. If you live with kids or pets, opt for washable synthetic rugs that are easy to clean. Avoid shaggy or wool rugs if you have allergies, because they trap dust and dirt more easily. A plush rug adds warmth and coziness to your home, while a low-pile rug is perfect for practicality.

Planning the Layout

Before actually going out and buying a rug, arrange your living room furniture to see what the right layout would be. Make sure you maintain walkways of at least 18-36 inches between large furniture pieces. Remember that square or round rugs suit square rooms, while rectangular rugs work best in long, rectangular spaces. So depending on the shape of your living room, you can find the rug with the corresponding shape.

By following these tips, you can choose a rug that highlights both the functionality and aesthetics of your living room, making it a great space to meet your guests and enjoy yourself.