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How to Choose a Living Room Rug

Many people put a lot of thought into choosing a living room rug, which makes a lot of sense. Having the right area rug in your space can really tie the room together and serve as a focal point. In homes with open floor plans, strategically placing a living room rug can help define where one room ends and another begins. However, there are many things to consider when selecting a carpet. The options can seem endless when choosing the right size and deciding between the different styles and colors of rugs available.

At Mor Furniture for Less, we're here to help you navigate the process of finding the best furniture and decor for your house. Whether you have a specific vision or want to look at the items available to spark your imagination, our expert associates can answer all your questions and more. We recognize the importance of finding home accents you love at a price you can afford. That's why we offer the lowest pricing in town without ever sacrificing style.

Keep reading to gain expert tips on how to choose the right living room rug to liven up your home. We'll go over what things are crucial to consider, such as choosing the right size piece, the functionality of different rug types, selecting the best shape for your space, and the various styles and colors of rugs available. By the time we're through, you'll be ready for your shopping experience.

Living Room Rug Sizing

Area rugs come in several standard industry sizes. These include 4' x 6', 6' x 9', 5' x 8', 5' x 7', and 8' x 10'. There are also round rugs with different standard circumferences. Living rooms often require larger rugs, except for smaller apartments and condos. With so many sizes, knowing which is best for your space can be confusing.

To determine which size area rug is right for you, begin by measuring your living room. You can mark your measurements with painter's tape if you like to refer back to them later. The industry standard sizes are approximate and actual dimensions may vary per rug. We do list actual and approximate measurements on each rug's product page for your convenience.

When All Furniture Rests on the Rug

Suppose you want all of your furniture to rest on the rug. For the best aesthetic, plan for the area rug to extend 6-inches past the back of each piece of furniture. This is a great way to style a living room in an open floor plan as it definitively shows the designated space of the room. It can add a sense of coziness and intimacy to an area that would otherwise look cold and empty.

When Furniture Is Against the Wall

If furniture rests against a wall, having a rug that extends beyond the back isn't necessary. Instead, choose a carpet that extends just a few inches past the front feet of the furniture. Doing this helps anchor the rug, preventing it from slipping and sliding. When a rug becomes disheveled, it's not only cumbersome to correct but can make the room look messy and cluttered.

Placement Under a Coffee Table

Another popular style of living room rug placement is choosing an item that only rests beneath the coffee table. This is a great idea if your coffee table is in the center of the room. It adds an excellent accent to the space and allows for a pop of color and texture. Those with beautiful wood grain floors tend to love this option. The same 6-inch principle will apply here. Note that you want the rug to extend past the coffee table's top surface area, not just the legs, for a sophisticated appearance.

Smaller accent rugs are the way to go if you're looking to place a rug under your coffee table. Try not to select an item that's too big or extends too far part the surface of the table, as it can cause the room to look unbalanced.

Once you measure the size of the room and furniture and determine the proper size to allow for anchoring, you'll know which rug dimension to search for. This can significantly narrow your options to the ones that best suit your needs.

Living Room Rug Functionality

Another point to consider when choosing a living room rug is the piece's functionality. Will the rug be mainly decorative, or do you need it to stand up to kids' and pets' rigorous daily wear and tear? If the answer is the former, a luxurious piece like a shag rug is an excellent option. It adds an air of elegance to the room, raising the level of glam in your space. Shag rugs offer a comfy, relaxing, and warm place to rest your feet on a rainy Saturday morning as you sip your coffee and can make you feel like royalty.

On the other hand, if you have a living room with heavy use from lots of feet, you'll need a sturdy rug. When looking at the colors of rugs, it's best to steer clear of white, ivory, and light beige palettes. Instead, go for a darker color, low-pile rug. While shag rugs can get matted with heavy use, low-pile area rugs are more likely to retain their appearance for longer without sustaining damage. They're also easier to spot-clean if you have a minor spill and don't collect as much dirt and debris.

Living Room Rug Shape

Just as completing room measurements to determine what size rug you need, these numbers can also help you decide which shape of rug to buy. Square and rectangle rugs are the most popular for living rooms, mainly if you're using them to anchor a space.

However, if you're using your rug under the coffee table only, a round or oval-shaped rug may be right for you. You'll also want to consider the furniture in your living room. Does your design theme feature sleek, straight lines or more ornate rounded edges? Sticking with the existing scheme will best tie the room together.

Living Room Styles & Colors of Rugs

The last thing to consider is the various styles and colors of rugs available and your vision for the space. Is your living room more traditional and formal, requiring a rug that meets those standards? Or is it more modern and contemporary, allowing for some fun with colors and patterns? Additionally, look at the current dominant colors throughout your living room. Then, decide if you're looking for a rug that matches and blends in or if you want to explore colors of rugs that are bold and stand out.

A solid color area rug may be the best choice for traditional spaces. Or rugs that feature more elaborate, fancy patterns to add an air of luxury may fit in best with your room. For modern and contemporary areas, consider adding rugs with geometric patterns, shapes, and varying shades of color. This will add to the stand-out look of the space.

Shop Mor Furniture for Less Today

For the best selection in sizes, styles, and colors of rugs, shop Mor Furniture for Less today and complete the look of your living room. Browse our selection of area rugs online or visit a showroom near you. One of our friendly and knowledgeable associates will help you find the best piece for your specific living room.

We offer the best prices in town and back each item with our Double the Difference Guarantee. That means that if you find an identical item at a local retailer, we'll refund you the difference times two. Know that you can have total peace of mind when you shop at Mor Furniture for Less. Start your living room rug shopping adventure today.