Tips For Perfect Rug Placement

When decorating your space, one of the simplest ways to spice up any room is by adding a rug. With so many styles and sizes to choose from, there is a rug for any place and any space. Rugs are an excellent option to change up your flooring if you don't have the budget for a complete renovation and are easy to switch out when you want to switch up your look. 

Not only do rugs act as decorative pieces, but they provide extra cushion under your feet in case of a fall and extra warmth for your cold feet during the winter. Additionally, rugs work as an air filter and drastically improve the air quality in your home, says Soap Free Procyon. These common home decor pieces trap dust, pollen, and other allergens lurking within those four walls.

When it comes to rug placement, it can get overwhelming. What size should you get? What shape? Where do you place it in the room? Luckily, we have all the answers you need. Here are some tips for the perfect rug placement.

Interior designer Lisa Koehler told Homes to Love to look at your floor plan as a guide for where to place your rug. If you have two sofas, she suggests positioning the rug equally in between them. For a smaller space, place the rug in front of the sofa with a bit of space between the two for a more spacious appearance. In an open floor plan, the rug should sit under the front legs of the sofa. For a dining room rug, choose one that can fit under the entire table and all of its chairs.

No matter which shape or size you choose, place your rug in a spot that allows equal floor space on each side. According to Safavieh, you want to leave anywhere between 8 to 24 inches of floor space on all sides of your rug. 18 inches is most common, but for smaller spaces, try somewhere around the 8-inch mark. This makes the room look more put together and helps to prevent any awkward-looking spaces that make the room seem a little off.

When it comes to rug placement, many assume rugs are only meant for hard surfaces, but Studio McGee says not to shy away from placing rugs in carpeted rooms. While it's not as common, putting a rug in a room with a carpet visually grounds the space. One of the ways to pull off this look is to mix textures and patterns. For example, layer a thick shag rug over a looped carpet for a softer, elegant feel.

While you might stay away from placing rugs in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or your entryway, we say go for it! Not only does the rug add a little pizazz to the space, but it's able to catch any spills or messes that may occur (and we know there will be). Because these areas get so much traffic, invest in a durable rug that can take a beating and will last you a long time, says Plush Rugs.

Be careful where you place your favorite or most expensive rug. Unlike the durable rugs we mentioned earlier, this is not the time to put your $3,000 premium Persian rug in your mudroom. Keep these prized rugs where they're more likely–to not get ruined (and remember, it's okay to tell guests to take their shoes off when they walk in the door). Should your rug get a little dirty, don't worry! Every rug has its own cleaning method, Flat Rate Carpet says.