Design Tips for Selecting an Area Rug

Choosing the right area rug can completely transform your space. Whether you’re anchoring a living room seating area or adding softness to a bedroom, a rug ties the room together in both function and style. But with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

If you are a follower of my Facebook page you know I often use the area rug as the starting point for my room color palette mood boards. Let’s break it down step by step so you can select an area rug that feels just right for your home.

This post is in partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement and contains affiliate links.

I have had great success with finding area rugs from Lowe’s. You can order online and get shipped directly to you. I’ll share links to some of my other favorite rugs from at the bottom of this post.

1. Start with the Right Size

One of the biggest decorating mistakes is choosing a rug that’s too small. The right size makes the room feel balanced and intentional. If your rug is too small, you’re better off removing it completely.

Tips for Choosing Rug Size:

• Living Room: Ideally, all front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug. For larger spaces, all legs can fit on the rug.
• Dining Room: Make sure the rug is big enough so that chairs remain on it, even when pulled out. A good rule of thumb is at least 24 inches beyond the table edges.
• Bedroom: In larger bedrooms, place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so it peeks out on the sides and foot. For smaller rugs, place one on each side instead.
• Hallways & Entryways: Leave about 6-12 inches of floor showing around the edges of the rug to create a framed look.

When in doubt, size up. A rug that’s a little too big almost always looks better than one that’s too small.

We found Ray a new home office rug from Lowe’s. He has a large desk so we wanted the rug to cover a good portion of the flooring. We choose the 8×10 size.

2. Consider Your Style

An area rug is a great way to reinforce the style of your space or introduce something unexpected.

Think About:

• Traditional: Classic patterns like medallions, florals, or Persian designs add timeless character.
• Modern: Geometric patterns, abstract designs, or simple solid colors work beautifully in contemporary spaces.
• Natural & Casual: Jute, sisal, and other natural fibers bring warmth and texture without feeling too formal.
• Bohemian: Layered rugs, vintage patterns, and vibrant colors create a collected, eclectic feel.

Remember, a rug doesn’t have to match everything perfectly but it should complement your overall look while adding personality.

Since we had no intention to change the paint color, we needed to find a rug that would work well with the Coastal Plain color.

Shop the rugs in the collage above

3. Choose the Right Color and Pattern

The color of your rug sets the mood and can either anchor your room or act as a statement piece. Make your choice of rug first if at all possible. This is the piece you will use to decide the rest of your color scheme.

Tips for Choosing Color:

• Neutral Tones: Great for grounding busy spaces or if you prefer your furniture and accessories to shine.
• Bold Colors: Use a colorful rug to energize a room or create a focal point.
• Patterns: Patterns are your friend if you want to hide everyday dirt or add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
• Light vs. Dark: Lighter rugs make a room feel larger and more airy, while darker rugs add coziness and help anchor larger rooms.

Before you decide, consider the flooring, wall colors, and upholstery. If your room already has a lot going on, a simpler rug can help balance things out.

4. Think About Maintenance

Some rugs are easier to clean and care for than others.

Keep in Mind:

• High-traffic areas: Choose low-pile or flatweave rugs that stand up to wear.
• Families & Pets: Look for indoor-outdoor rugs, washable options, or stain-resistant materials.
• Shag & high-pile rugs: Softer underfoot but require more vacuuming and care.

Always check the care instructions so you know what you’re committing to before you buy. There are many affordable options.

5. Layer If You Like

Don’t be afraid to layer rugs for extra texture and dimension. A neutral jute base with a smaller patterned rug on top can make a space feel warm and collected. Be careful not to layer rugs that are too thick. You don’t want to create a tripping hazard.

Final Thoughts

Selecting an area rug doesn’t have to feel complicated. If you start with the right size, consider your style, and think through color and maintenance, you’ll end up with a rug that ties your whole room together beautifully.

Your home should reflect you. Choose something you love and that makes your space feel inviting and complete.