On this page:

• Interior Designer Area Rug Rules
• Measure The Room, not the Rug
• Balance Pattern, Texture, and Scale
• Consider Traffic Flow and Purpose
• Harmony Through Colour and Style
• Don’t Forget About Rug Maintenance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• In Conclusion
• Ready to meet and collaborate with an interior designer for your dream home or renovation?

When it comes to selecting the perfect area rug, you’re about to uncover the secret rules interior designers swear by for correct rug placement and size in your living space. It all starts with measuring the room, not the rug – a crucial mistake many of us make. But that’s just the beginning. You’ll need to balance pattern, texture, and scale to create a visually appealing design that complements the room’s décor. And that’s still not all – you’ll want to consider the room’s purpose and traffic flow to determine the ideal placement, size, and material. So, what’s the next crucial step in choosing the perfect area rug?

Before selecting an area rug, measure the room’s dimensions, including the space where the furniture, especially the sofa, will sit to ensure the rug complements the overall layout and follows the rug placement rules effectively.

You don’t want a rug that’s too small or too large for the space. Consider the room’s purpose and how you’ll move around it, ensuring that the rug placement and size facilitate a smooth flow and adds comfort underfoot in your living space.

Take note of any obstacles, like heating vents or doorways, that might affect the rug’s placement.

You should also think about the room’s traffic pattern. Will people be walking across the rug or around it?

Knowing these details will help you choose the perfectly sized rug for your space, considering both the interior design impact and practical placement rules for comfort and style. By doing so, you’ll create a harmonious and functional room that looks and feels great, with a well-placed rug that enhances both the aesthetic and practicality of the living space.

You’ll want to balance pattern, texture, and scale to create a visually appealing area rug that complements your room’s décor.

A balanced design will prevent the rug from overwhelming the space. To achieve this balance, consider the room’s existing patterns, textures, and scales.

If your room has bold patterns, opt for a simpler rug design. Conversely, if your room is minimalist, a patterned rug can add visual interest.

Mixing textures, like combining smooth and rough, adds depth to the space.

Lastly, ensure the rug’s scale is proportional to the room and furniture. A large rug in a small room can make the space feel cramped, while a small rug in a large room can make it feel empty.

When selecting an area rug, consider the traffic flow in the room, as it will help you determine the rug’s ideal placement, size, and material, ensuring it enhances your living space while still accommodating a comfortable underfoot feel that is clear of awkward furniture positioning.

Think about the paths people will take through the room, and where they’ll stop or linger. This will help you choose a rug that’s the right size and shape for the space. Take into consideration placing the rug beneath the sofa and ensuring the front legs are on the rug to anchor the living space visually while holding the rug in place practically.

For high-traffic areas, like entryways or hallways, choose a rug with durable materials and a dense weave.

In low-traffic areas, like bedrooms or home offices, you can opt for a rug with softer materials and a more delicate design.

Your area rug’s colour and style can either harmonise with or clash with the surrounding decor, so it’s essential to strike a balance that ties the room together.

You’ll want to choose a rug that complements the colours and textures of your furniture, walls, and flooring. Consider the room’s overall aesthetic: modern, traditional, or eclectic.

If you’re going for a cohesive look, select a rug that echoes the dominant color palette. Or, for a bold statement, introduce a contrasting hue.

Don’t forget to think about the rug’s pattern and texture – they should harmonise with the room’s furnishings. By balancing colour and style, you’ll create a visually appealing space that’s both inviting and beautiful.

Rotate your rug every six months to ensure even wear and tear.

Vacuum your rug regularly, especially in high-traffic areas.

For spills, blot – don’t rub – the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the rug’s material.

You can definitely use a rug to define different areas in an open-plan space, creating a visual separation between zones, like a cozy seating area or a home office, without physical barriers.

Rugs can also help to add warmth and texture to a room, making it feel cozier and more inviting.

Additionally, a well-placed rug can help to anchor furniture and create a sense of balance in the room, drawing the eye towards a particular area or feature and adding a pop of color or pattern, tying together other design elements and creating a cohesive look.

When choosing a rug shape for a non-rectangular room, you’ll want to consider the room’s unique dimensions and layout.

Look for a shape that complements the room’s curves or angles, and don’t be afraid to think outside the rectangle.

You can find eco-friendly rug options that align with your values.

Look for rugs made from natural, biodegradable materials like jute, sisal, or coconut fiber, or those with recycled content.

You can place a rug over heated floors or radiant heating systems.

However, it’s essential to choose rugs with breathable materials and minimal thickness to ensure efficient heat distribution and safety.

You should rotate your rug every 6-12 months to ensure even wear and tear.

This helps prevent uneven fading, creasing, and damage from foot traffic, keeping your rug looking fresh and extending its lifespan.

You’ve got the basics down, but don’t forget to tie everything together.

By following these interior designer area rug rules, you’ll create a space that’s both beautiful and functional, with every piece of furniture, especially the sofa, perfectly positioned in relation to the rug to define the living space.

You’ve measured the room, balanced pattern and texture, considered traffic flow, and harmonized with the room’s style, all according to the interior design principles that ensure the rug size is perfect and its placement enhances the living space.

Now, put it all into practice and enjoy your perfectly placed area rug that compliments your space with a well-deserved hot drink and a nice movie!

Planning on a renovation and want some designer expertise? Give us a call and set up a consultation!

Check out our article on what to prepare and know before meeting with an interior designer so that you can get the most out of your first consultation!

Jasmine McClelland Design services all of metropolitan Melbourne with a complete Design and Documentation Service.

This includes:

• Brief establishment
• Schematic space planning
• Concept design, design development, joinery, finishes
• Finishes Selection
• 3D concept renders
• Design documentation ready for quoting
• We are also able to provide construction and support at the most important stages of your build

After working on your design, we also provide Interior Decorating Services documentation including:

• Brief establishment
• Furniture floor plan
• Furniture Selection, we share discounts from our suppliers with our clients
• Decoration administration service ensuring deliverables

We would love to hear about your project and how we can help!

PH: 0438 047 770

jasmine@jasminemcclellanddesign.com.au