The One Design Element You Should Always Size Up In A Small Room

Maximizing a small space can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you don't have much experience with interior design. However, incorporating a specific size of rug could be a game-changer, particularly if you want your space to appear larger. So, what's the secret size? As it turns out, choosing an oversized rug is always the best option to create an inviting, higher-end-looking space. "Choose an oversized area rug — almost wall-to-wall — instead of a smaller piece," designer Tanja Hinder told Apartment Therapy. "It will visually enlarge the space instead of chopping it up." Although it's a small tweak, it can often drastically affect the overall look.

Not only will it make an impact, but you don't have to necessarily spend a fortune on a fancy rug either, as there are types that are made out of inexpensive materials. While these may have a low price tag, they can also appear pretty expensive. Further, even if your high-end rug is pricey, it's still going to cost much less than a full-on remodel to actually make the room larger, so you'll save money no matter what rug you choose. 

When working with a large rug, there are some basic rules that you should keep in mind. To start, most recommend leaving at least some space between the walls and the edge of the rug, or about 6 inches. Of course, slightly over this at 7 or 8 inches is fine too. As long as the rug is large enough, you should be able to achieve your goal. You can take the measurements using a tape measure, which will help you to decide what size rug would best suit your room. Just make sure you double-check before making a final purchase and consider how you'll place the rug in your space.

In addition, you should also think about how a larger rug will work with your furniture. Once you place it down, you don't want to keep moving it around, as this could be inconvenient and may possibly damage your rug. Likewise, you can place all the furniture legs on top of an oversized rug, unlike with a smaller piece where you may only be able to add the front legs. 

When it comes to choosing an area rug for a room, you need to take into consideration the size of the space. What is considered an oversized rug for one room may be small for another, so make sure that your choice is tailored to you rather than a universal size that you find online. Often, it can be easy to quickly jump on a recommendation, but you should always think twice. In the case that you can't find one that's the right measurements for your space, you can always consider getting a custom rug made.

However, if you're working within a budget, try using multiple rugs that are made out of cheaper materials such as polyester. The cheaper materials should help you to save money versus higher-quality options. You can choose different or the same colors, then proceed to layer them in your room to build a sizeable statement piece. While the color choice ultimately comes down to your preferences and the other shades in your interior, light colors can open up a room and make it appear larger than it actually is. This is something to keep in mind if you're completely overhauling a room's design, as you may want to choose the rug before deciding upon other furniture and decor pieces.