Guidelines On Proper Rug Placement

I used to go into my apartment rooms, stopped mid-stride and pondered on what seemed to be missing - my living room, den, bedroom and study looked fine to me, but there was something amiss that I couldn't put my fingers on until I went over to a friend's house for her birthday dinner. The realization dawned on me like a real Eureka moment. I was missing the art of rug decoration! Her place looked simple yet so refreshing, in that every room is different from the other - from formal to casual and cheery to artsy. She didn't have to change her wall paint or go crazy with the furnishings. All she had were pretty area rugs of various sizes, designs and colors. I chose to follow her example.

Rugs are wonderful in the way they bring together all the contents of a room and bring a warm glow and a cozy appearance to any space. Placing your rug correctly is like solving a puzzle, it fits just right. If you would like to know how to place a rug well, you will find some useful suggestions here.

Color, patterns and the texture of a rug are subjective issues as they depend on personal taste and preferences. There are no firm rules, but there are ways to place certain rugs to best effect. Smaller rugs can be placed anywhere but since large rugs often define the appearance and style of a room, it is essential to follow some guidelines while placing it.

In placing a rug under a coffee table or a sofa, have two to three inches of space behind the table or the sofa's front area and have the back legs on the floor. If you have a big rug, placing the entire table or sofa on the rug is the way to go.

Before you buy your tug, measure the space in question. Draw out an outline of the room, and mark the rug in it. It is important to choose the right size for a particular room.

A rug with eight inches of extra space on the floor is an ideal size. It doesn't look too crowded. Position your rug properly.

Large rugs are often placed in the dining area - here, they should extend 24 inches beyond the edges of the table. This allows people to move their dining chairs around comfortably without moving off the rug area.

A recommended size for a dining set is a 4X6 or 5X8 rug in round or hexagonal shape.

Pause before you make up your mind about buying a large rug. Think about the size. Will the entrance door have enough clearance? Will the rug hinder any air vents or electric plugs? Make a checklist of all the details that can affect the placement of your rug. Planning ahead is the ONLY way to avoid mistakes. Remember, you cannot cut or modify the structure of the rug and a large rug is a heavy investment. If not placed well, the whole room's appearance can be adversely affected.

Rugs are used everywhere - their unique qualities have made them very popular in homes all over the world. They are available in various colors, sizes and patterns to adorn any room, and if you place your rugs correctly, the beauty of your home will be greatly enhanced.