Area rugs are the perfect substitute for wall-to-wall carpets, especially since they are much easier to remove and clean. Area rugs for your living room are also less of a commitment—they are easy to switch with another area rug whenever you want to redecorate. Since they don’t extend to touch the wall, area rugs are essentially accent carpets used to anchor furniture in your living room and add visual interest to your space. A high-quality modern area rug can bring together different elements of your space and give the room a warmer, more polished look. An area rug also helps to define spaces within your living room and allows you to integrate unique textures and patterns that complement your décor. While it can be challenging to select the right area rug for your living room, The Rug District has developed this list of dos and don’ts to guide you through the process.
The Do's Of Choosing Living Room Area Rugs
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Buy The Right Size
Selecting the right size area rug for your living room can be challenging. It’s common for people to try to make the rug fit their entire space from wall to wall. Area rugs are intended to be accent pieces and should be placed in a way that allows space (at least 6 inches) around all four sides of the rug. In the living room, area rugs are typically placed under the front half of your furniture—such as under the front legs of the chairs and couch in your seating area—to anchor your space and add “sections” in larger rooms. Placing your furniture along the perimeter of your rug will also make your living room appear bigger. Another important factor when selecting the proper size area rug is to make sure it’s not overwhelming your space. An oversized rug in a small space can make the room feel smaller than it is. An area rug that is too small can have a similar effect—it can make the room feel disproportionate and uncomfortable.
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Cover High-Traffic Areas
When choosing an area rug for your living room, make sure to cover high-traffic areas properly. If you don’t take this precaution, you may have unusual (and very noticeable) wear patterns. Typical materials for high-traffic areas are natural fibers such as wool and jute since they are durable and easy to clean. Synthetic materials such as nylon and polypropylene are also popular, affordable options.
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Match Existing Flooring
Whether you decide on an area rug in a neutral shade to complement your existing floor or want colors and patterns that bring contrast to your space, it’s important to consider your current flooring before purchasing. The flooring you have underneath your area rug can help you decide on the type of material and color to choose, and also which style of area rug carpet pad you need underneath.
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Embrace Colors And Patterns
When you replace your old area rug with a new one, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your living room and give it an entirely new look. If your living room currently features more neutral tones like tan, ivory, and light gray, go for a pop of color with an area rug in shades of indigo, terracotta, or crimson. If your existing living room décor already includes a splash of color, a patterned area rug with subtle accent colors will tie everything together.
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Consider Your Neighbors
If you live in an apartment, an area rug can work exceptionally well as a sound insulator for busy spaces like your living room. A strategically-placed area rug can absorb sound and help prevent excess noise (like footsteps or loud music) from reaching your neighbors.
The Don’ts Of Choosing Living Room Area Rugs
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Use Too-Small Rugs To Define Space
Small area rugs are a great way to define separate spaces in your living room. However, an area rug that is too small for your space will make the room look smaller. Disproportionate area rugs can also make larger pieces of furniture feel out of place.
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Cover Complex Patterns
Area rugs are an exciting way to accent and enhance your space, but it’s important that you choose patterns and designs that won’t be completely covered up by your furniture. Scale your patterns to the size of your space and keep in mind how much of the rug will be visible. A large pattern that will be covered by a couch, chairs, end tables, and a coffee table may not be a good investment for that space. A smaller pattern or more detailed design would be a better option so the designs can still be seen and enjoyed.
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Shy Away From Being Bold
Whatever your personal style or the décor of your living room, an area rug is an ideal way to add interest and character to your space. However, many people are afraid to add bold colors or vibrant prints to their living rooms. Area rugs are an ideal way to make a statement in your space—and easily change it up based on your personality, mood, or the season.
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Put Rugs In The Danger Zone
When you’re deciding where to place an area rug or which size would be best for your space, keep in mind any locations considered “danger zones”—places where your area rug is likely to get damaged. Danger zones include areas near the entry and exit points, under the couch, near the kitchen, or in areas where children or pets play. For these locations, choose materials that are easy to clean, such as wool or polypropylene.
The Rug District offers a unique collection of modern area rugs—the perfect addition to any living room. We are among the best online rug stores in the US, with various sizes, colors, patterns, and materials to suit your style and living space. For your convenience, our online store is accessible 24/7, with exceptional selection, customer service, and commitment to quality. We have built a reputation as the premier retailer to buy rugs online in the USA.
