Area Rug: How to Select and Style Them in Your Home

If anything seems to be missing in your otherwise well-decorated home, it may be an indication that your flooring style needs a premium carpet.

According to research by the National Association of Home Builders, 47% of homes consist of carpeted floors, making it one of the most popular flooring options.

If you have not considered an area rug until now, there's no need to worry. Area rugs have remained in trend for centuries and can be an excellent flooring option for any personal or commercial space.

Even if you're looking to buy a carpet online or from an offline store, don't hesitate to invest a little more. Hand-knotted carpets are the pride of India; their woven tapestry and fabric make them a wise investment for all types of flooring.

Let's take 2 minutes for this quick read and learn how to select the best area rugs for your home or any other space.

How to find the right size of carpet for your home?

One of the initial considerations when it comes to hand-knotted carpets is determining their right size for your space. It can be challenging to select the appropriate size before bringing it home. 

Generally, experts recommended to opt for the largest carpet that fits comfortably in your space while leaving approximately 18-24 inches of free space around the rug. This approach creates a sense of spaciousness and warmth in your room.

While you have the flexibility to choose various sizes, the most common rug sizes include 9x12, 8x10, and 5x8.

9x12 rugs are ideal for larger living rooms or open areas. They provide an excellent way to cover and unify the entire space in one go. Additionally, this size works perfectly beneath a king-sized bed, fitting snugly under the bed and leaving just enough room to step onto when you wake up in the morning.

8x10 rugs are suitable for slightly larger areas such as living rooms, dining rooms, and open spaces. They offer ample coverage without overwhelming the room. These rugs also work well under a queen-sized bed, providing a comfortable border for your feet.

5x8 rugs are best suited for smaller living rooms. While they may not completely fit under a couch, they can be placed beneath a coffee table or positioned in front of a fireplace with two chairs for a cozy atmosphere. These rugs also complement twin beds, offering a snug border to walk around.

Styling your rugs for different spaces

Now that you've determined the appropriate rug size, it's time to focus on styling. Area rugs are all about making a statement while maintaining harmony in your space. Think of them as frames that enhance the aesthetics of the room you're decorating. Each room has its unique layout, so consider this as you incorporate area rugs.

Living Room

Living rooms are typically more spacious and accommodate various furniture sizes. When styling your carpets here, remember that larger pieces like couches can be placed with half of their legs on and half off the rug. This arrangement creates a sense of openness. Smaller furniture items like chairs and loungers, on the other hand, should ideally have all legs resting on the rug.

Dining Room

In the dining room, ensure that your chairs can remain entirely on the area rug even when pulled out from the table. This arrangement ensures that people can sit comfortably without being off-balance with some chair legs on and some off the rug.

Bedroom

There are several ways to style an area rug in a bedroom. One popular approach is to place a large carpet under at least two-thirds of the bed, allowing some of it to extend beyond the foot of the bed. Alternatively, you can opt for two smaller runners, positioning one on each side of the bed for a balanced look.

Pro Tip: To prevent your rugs from slipping and shifting, consider using a carpet mat underneath or secure them in place with rug tape. This will help maintain the carpets in their intended positions.

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