No matter what room you're looking to place a rug in, there are basic guidelines that will help you place it perfectly. The first thing that is important to consider is how a rug will complement your room and enhance the flow of the space. Rugs should seamlessly integrate and not be a distraction or hazard. Think about your rugs like art. When you hang art on a wall, you put it up for people to see and enjoy, but it can quickly become a distraction if the art is crooked.
Living room
People have many options on how to place rugs in living room spaces properly. Some people think rugs should always go underneath furniture, and some people believe rugs should be in front of furniture. This is a personal choice based on what you think looks best. Both options are proper. It depends on what look and style you're going for. There are pros and cons of each, so that's something to consider. Pros for placing a rug underneath furniture are that it can pull a large room and several pieces of furniture together. It also decreases the chances that someone will trip on the edge of the rug and protects your flooring from heavy furniture.
However, placing a rug in front of your furniture can be suitable for people with light furniture or in rooms on the smaller side. A centred rug in a small room opens up the space and allows it to appear larger than it is. Whatever you decide, a rug should never touch a wall. Having at least 12 to 18 inches of space between the rug and the wall will make the room feel together. Remember, it's a rug, not a carpet. If it's too big, it will overpower your space. If it's too small, it will make the room appear incomplete.
Placement and size go hand in hand. Rugs exist to bring comfort and elegance to a space and anchor a room, but it will seem out of place if you place a small rug in the middle of a large room. A general rule of thumb is the bigger, the better. If you need help figuring out the best size, check out our Rug Placement Guide.
Dining room
Dining room rugs are relatively easy when it comes to rug placement. Typically, it just goes underneath the dining table. The most important thing here is going back to the sentiment that placement and size go hand in hand. Having a small rug underneath a dining room table is a look you'll want to avoid at all costs. Dining room rugs should be grand in size, so it is large enough to centre and anchor all furniture. The last thing you want is the chairs or table falling off the rug because you chose a too small size for your seating area. The rug should be big enough for all the chairs to be fully pulled out without the chairs falling off the edge of the rug.
This is the most aesthetically pleasing and functional choice. You can use a square rug or a rectangular rug for a rectangular table and even a circular rug if you have a small table, breakfast nook, or round table. Once again, you don't want the rug to come close to the adjacent walls. Leave a minimum of 12 inches between the wall and rug. It's essential to have a non-slip rug pad underneath a dining room table as it's a place where chairs are frequently moved atop it. You don't want your rug to bounce, or it can get damaged. Having a rug that never moves is best for any movable furniture.
Bedroom
There are a few different placement options when it comes to the bedroom. The most common choice is to have a large area rug underneath the bottom half of the bed. It should extend about 2 feet from the bottom edge of the bed. This option helps keep the rug in place because the bed is heavy enough to keep it from moving. But it also gives you something soft to step on in the mornings.
Another popular option is to use runners in the bedroom. You can place a runner on either side of the bed and even three runners if you want to put one at the bottom of the bed. This is another way to create symmetry in your space. You'll most likely want matching rugs to be consistent in style, but it anchors your bed differently and acts as an accent piece.
This is a good option if you're on a budget. Smaller rugs tend to be lower prices than the traditional extra large area rug you would need underneath your bed. Keep in mind if you decide on smaller rugs, you'll need rug pads to ensure they stay in place. It's easy for small rugs to move around without them, especially on tile or hardwood floors.
Hallway
The easiest solution for a hallway is a runner. Runners do best when they do not extend beyond the confinements of the hallway. Allow your runner to be 6 inches shorter on each side to look aesthetically pleasing. A runner should never extend past the wall and into the next room. Always make sure there is an equal amount of space on each side of the rug. When it comes to width, never buy a runner that is so wide it will touch the walls down the length of the hallway. A runner should be 6 to 12 inches smaller than the hallway's width.
Kitchen and bathrooms
As for kitchens and bathrooms, placing a rug comes down to practicality. What areas do you stand the most within your kitchen and bathroom? For many people, that is near the sink and the stove. Unless you have an open floor plan in the kitchen, you probably won't need a large area rug. Many people utilize runners in their kitchens, especially when they have an island or narrow pathways. If you have an open kitchen space with hardwood or tile floors, you may enjoy having an area rug underfoot.
