Does a living room need a rug?

Date:08/02/2023

In this blog, we explore both the benefits of using a rug over your living room flooring, as well as key things to consider and analyse before deciding on whether a rug is right for your space.

 

Yes, If You Need To Introduce Pattern And Colour

Many of us choose to include a rug when designing a living room, as it can uplift the space with artful eye-catching colours, unique patterns and playful shapes.

A rug can coordinate with your chosen living room colour ideas, making for a colourful and stylish look, as well as establishing a unique element of contrast, working as a stylish accent piece.

 

Yes, If You Need To Zone The Space

Rugs can not only adorn your floor with colour and patterns, but they can also be a useful tool when organising your living room layout ideas; creating distinct zones in the flooring space.

If your room is large enough for more than one seating area, a rug is a great way to demarcate separate areas within the space. This is especially useful in defining open floor plans where your living room bleeds into your dining room or another area.

 

Yes, If You Want To Make The Space Feel Warm And Cozy

One of the main advantages of using a rug in a living room is that it can add warmth and comfort to the space. Rugs are often made from natural fibres such as wool or cotton, which can help to insulate the room and keep it warm.

 

Yes, To Establish A Layer Of Inviting Texture

Layer a smaller, eclectic kilim or plush silk rug on top of a sisal or jute base rug. The variation of texture underfoot is amazing, and visually it makes the space feel ultra-luxe.

If your room is awkwardly long or large, divide the seating arrangements with rugs underneath. Two smaller rugs feel much cosier than one humongous, larger custom piece. Frequently these are an exact match, but if they're complementary make sure the rugs have the same colour scheme.

 

Yes, But Make Sure You Get The Right Rug Size

One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a rug that is too small in the living space. For example, a small rug that fits just under a coffee table and nothing else looks like it is floating awkwardly in the middle of all the furniture.

In general, be sure you first define the dimensions of a room with a measuring tape. This step is very important. Outline the area where you want your rug, and consider the location of doors and how they will open. Be sure to also keep at least 18 inches of bare floor exposed by the rug’s edges. This is a classic rule that works for almost all rooms.

Remember, rugs can create an optical illusion, so make this work in your favour. Too small of a rug can make any space look disconnected. When in doubt, go for the bigger size. It will unify the furniture and make the room look bigger than it is.

 

No, If You Want To Show Off The Floor Or Love Minimalism

If you have read through this guide and are still happy without a rug in your living room, of course, that is fine!

How you style your home is, ultimately, completely down to you. Although popular for living rooms, a scheme can work just as well without a rug, it completely depends on the look you're going for and how you feel about the current flooring in your space.