How to Incorporate Area Rugs With Different Flooring

Area rugs are more than just functional pieces that protect your floors; they are essential design elements that can dramatically transform a room’s aesthetic. The right rug can anchor a space, add warmth, and even make a room appear larger. However, proper placement is crucial to achieving the desired effect.

Backed by our experience and expertise, we’ll explore how to incorporate area rugs with different types of flooring in various rooms of your home. Get ready to uncover tips on placement, size selection, and more.

Understanding Flooring Types

Before diving into area rug selection, it's essential to recognize the different types of flooring you might encounter:

• Hardwood Flooring: Classic and timeless, hardwood flooring offers natural beauty and warmth.
• Tile Flooring: Available in various materials, tiles are durable and can range from ceramic to stone.
• Carpet Flooring: Soft and cozy, carpet adds comfort but can sometimes clash with other textures.
• Laminate Flooring: A budget-friendly alternative to hardwood, laminate mimics wood while providing a sturdy surface.

Understanding these flooring types will help you choose the right rug to create a harmonious look.

Incorporating Rugs With Different Flooring Types

Hardwood Flooring

• Color Coordination: When selecting a rug for light hardwood, opt for darker colors or patterns to create a striking contrast. Conversely, light rugs can brighten darker wood floors, adding a touch of elegance and balance. A soft wool rug pairs beautifully with hardwood, adding warmth and texture.
• Placement Strategy: Rugs are especially helpful in creating a divide in open floor plans. A large rug under the dining table can visually separate the dining area from the living space. Ensure the rug has a non-slip pad underneath to prevent movement, protecting both the rug and the floor.

Laminate Flooring

• Style Variety: Since laminate can have a more uniform appearance, choosing a detailed area rug can add character. A bold pattern or a plush texture can elevate the space, giving it a more personalized and inviting feel.
• Protection: Use rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the laminate from scratches and wear. Ensure that these rugs have non-slip backing for safety and stability.

Pro Tip: In high-traffic areas, using rugs with non-slip backing can protect the laminate from scratches and wear.

Tile Flooring

• Practical Choices: Opt for rugs that are waterproof or stain-resistant for kitchens and bathrooms. Rugs can soften hard surfaces and provide comfort in colder months, making spaces like the kitchen more inviting.
• Color and Pattern: Choose rugs that harmonize with the tile's color. A bright, colorful rug can liven up neutral tiles, while a patterned rug can add depth and dimension to the room.

Carpet Flooring

• Layering Technique: When layering rugs over carpet, choose a low-pile rug to avoid bulk and create a seamless look. This technique can add a new dimension to the room, breaking up the monotony of wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Textural Contrast: Select rugs with contrasting textures to create visual interest. For example, a woven rug can contrast nicely against a soft carpet.

Area Rug Placement Tips

Living Room Rug Placement

The living room is often the heart of the home, and choosing the right area rug can make it much more welcoming and stylish. When selecting a rug, consider the placement of your furniture. A common approach is to have the front legs of all major pieces, such as sofas and chairs, sit on the rug. This creates a cohesive look and ties the room together.

If your living room is smaller, consider placing only the front legs of your furniture on the rug to make the space feel larger. Ensure the rug extends at least 12 inches beyond the coffee table for a balanced appearance.

For larger living rooms, opt for a big area rug that allows all pieces of furniture to sit fully on it. This anchors the room and defines the seating area, creating a cozy, inviting space. If your floor has expansive space, leaving about 6 to 12 inches of bare floor around the carpet edges enhances the visual appeal.

Bedroom Rug Placement

An area rug in the bedroom can add a soft, luxurious feel underfoot and help anchor the bed within the room. One popular method is to place the rug under the bed, extending it beyond the sides and foot. For a queen or king-size bed, ensure the rug extends at least 18 inches on either side. This frames the bed and provides a comfortable area to step onto when getting out of bed.

Alternatively, you can place the rug at the foot of the bed, ensuring enough length to accommodate the bed’s width. This approach works well in smaller bedrooms where a full-sized rug might overwhelm the space. Always ensure the rug is proportional to the size of the room and the bed; avoid using a rug that is too small, as it can create an unbalanced look.

Dining Room Rug Placement

When selecting a rug for the dining room, the primary goal is to ensure it accommodates both the dining table and chairs. Ideally, the rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the edges of the table on all sides. This ensures that when chairs are pulled out, they remain on the rug, preventing the legs from catching on the edge.

The size and shape of your dining room rug should match the table. Rectangular tables pair best with rectangular rugs, while round tables look great with round rugs.

Accent Rugs and Their Placement

To add a pop of color or texture to various rooms, consider using accent rugs. In a living room, a small accent rug can be placed under a side table or at the foot of an armchair, adding visual interest without crowding the space. Similarly, an accent rug can define the area and add a welcoming touch to a hallway or entryway.

When placing an accent rug, ensure it does not compete with the main area rug in the room. It should complement the larger rug by matching its style or providing a contrasting yet harmonious color.

Choosing the Right Rug Size

Selecting the correct rug size helps you achieve a cohesive, stylish look in any room. A rug that is too small can make a space feel disjointed, while an oversized rug can overwhelm the room.

When choosing a rug size, consider the size of your furniture and the overall dimensions of the room. For instance, in a large living room, a 9x12 or 10x14 rug provides ample coverage, ensuring that all furniture pieces sit comfortably on the rug. In smaller rooms, a 5x7 or 6x9 rug might be more appropriate, providing enough coverage without overpowering the space.

Final Thoughts

Area rugs can greatly enhance your home’s design by adding warmth, defining spaces, and introducing texture or color. The key to achieving the perfect look is understanding how to match the right rug with the right flooring and placing it thoughtfully. By following the tips outlined above and exploring the extensive collection at Baker Bros, you can find the perfect rug to complement your flooring and refresh your space. Happy decorating!