When it comes to furnishing a new space or changing up an old one, a rug can make or break a room.
Liza Jane of Liza Jane Interior Design gave us some rules of thumb when it comes to choosing the perfect rug for your project.
“When it comes to area rugs, it should be a minimum of 6 inches and no more than 2 feet away from the wall,” she advises. You also have to let the shape of the room dictate the shape of the rug you want to place in it for optimal visual pleasure.
“If you love the rug, then it is the right one for your room,” she adds. “Just make sure to keep in mind the shape of the room, the size and shape of the rug and the lighting when choosing the rug for you.”
By Sophia Rutti
RECTANGULAR
You can use a large rectangular area rug to fit either a square or rectangular room, but it is important to remember that the shape of the room dictates the shape of a rug. Don’t try to force a rectangular rug in a small square or circular room. When using a rectangular rug for a hallway, one trick is to make sure it is as long as possible to try and visually stretch the space.
Akerkulla $29.99; ikea.com
Checkered Field Area Rug $260; homedecorators.com
Tangier Rug in Red $132-$492; rugbazaar-capelrugs.com
Threshold Rectangular Patio Rug in Navy Chevron $59.99-$119.99; target.com
OVAL
Oval rugs are some of the most difficult to incorporate into the design of a room. Place an oval rug under a coffee table in front of a couch, but make sure that the rug goes at least underneath the front legs of the couch for the most attractive results. Oval rugs may be more difficult to place, but when done correctly, they can really transform a space.
Surya Rugs Caesar 6’ x 9’ Oval $611; belfortfurniture.com
Surya Rugs Athena 8’ x 10’ $905; belfortfurniture.com
Bear Creek Misty Blue Starting at $54; rugbazaar-capelrugs.com
Irongate Area Rug $259; homedecorators.com
SQUARE
Square rugs are versatile, easy to use and easy to find in stores. Use a square rug for a square room, but make sure to follow the placement rule of “a minimum of 6 inches and no more than 2 feet away from the wall” if you want to get the most out of your room says Jane. Be careful when placing a square rug in a rectangular room—you don’t want the room to appear smaller than it is.
Lappljung Ruta $79.99; ikea.com
Surya Rugs Alfresco $317; belfortfurniture.com
Antique Medallion Area Rug $199; homedecorators.com
Caesar 6’ Square $409; belfortfurniture.com
CIRCULAR
Circular rugs are most effective in round rooms, such as dining rooms or offices. Placing a small circular rug in a square-shaped or rectangular room can make the space appear cramped. Instead, place a round rug in a circular room such as a foyer to maximize the space you have available.
Flor $110; belfortfurniture.com
Adum $99; ikea.com
Cosmopolitan 8’ Round $675; belfortfurniture.com
Safavieh Matilde Vintage-Inspired Rug Starting at $44.99; target.com
(August 2015)
