Step up your room’s style and comfort with the perfect rug—or two.
Rugs add so much to a room: style, comfort, warmth, personality. We asked Upstate interior design experts to weigh in on the rules they follow when selecting rugs with clients—and when they bend the rules to create a unique style statement. From size and shape to layering and pattern mixing, read on for the lowdown on floor coverings.
Rug Designer Survey
Rugs define spaces inside and out, adding texture, pattern, and softness under foot.
When selecting a size, consider having at least the front two legs of chairs and sofas on the rug. Allow an additional two feet on all sides for dining tables. This will provide room for chairs to be pulled out while continuing to be on the rug. In the bedroom, you will want approximately three feet on three sides of the bed for each person to step onto the warmth and comfort of a rug. If you are considering a rug for an entire room, leave a 12-inch border from the wall.
Pricing can run the gamut from low to investment level, depending on size and material. With so many choices, there is a rug for every room, whether inside or outside. Happy hunting!
Terry Gillespie, Hennessee Haven LLC
Floor coverings are a very important piece in the overall sound design of a room. They can be the inspirational start of a room—a major focal point that the rest of the design evolves from, or simply a natural rug, providing warmth, texture, and grounding the pieces that fill the space.
A typical rule of thumb in our designs is that rugs should be roughly 10–12 inches off each wall. However, that can vary, depending on the size of the room. We often fabricate rugs on-site, creating a more custom feel and fit to fill the space intentionally.
We love to layer smaller rugs over custom-sized sisal or seagrass material to add color, pattern, and interest. These would be too small on their own, but layered over a rug that fills the room appropriately, it enhances the aesthetic of the design. I’m drawn to the timeless beauty of Oushak, Turkish, and Oriental rugs. They effortlessly blend with both traditional and transitional design.
In dining rooms specifically, ensure that the rug size accommodates chairs being pulled back from the table so that legs are always on the same surface. Also keep in mind for living or common spaces that a corner of the rug shouldn’t land in a doorway or high-traffic area, where it creates a potential tripping hazard or awkward transition in flow.
Bedrooms should always have a soft landing underfoot when getting out of bed. Make sure that your rug comfortably covers both sides when exiting the bed.
The bottom line is pay attention and be intentional about your floor coverings. It is the best way to bring warmth and a cozy feeling to your home.
Caroline Brackett, Caroline Brackett Studio of Design
Designers can use rugs as a versatile tool to enhance the aesthetics and functionality and to help ground the furnishings of a space.
When looking to purchase a rug, think about:
- Function: In high-traffic areas, choose durable, easy-to-clean materials. For cozy spaces, opt for softer, plush rugs.
- Balance of patterns and solids: If the room has a lot of patterned furniture or decor, a solid or subtly patterned rug can provide balance, and vice versa.
- Use rugs to define spaces: In open-plan layouts, rugs can help delineate different functional areas, such as living, dining, and workspaces.
Layering rugs is a great way to bring more texture to a space. Combining different textures, such as a jute base rug with a wool top rug, creates a not just a visual but also a tactile experience. It’s all about selecting the right size.
- Living room: The rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of all major furniture pieces, creating a cohesive seating area.
- Dining room: Choose a rug that extends at least 24 inches beyond the table edges to accommodate chairs pulling in and out from the table.
- Bedroom: The rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, and preferably a little beyond the edges of your nightstands.
- Hallway: A runner should be proportionate to the length and width of the hallway, leaving a few inches of floor exposed on all sides.
Chisana Hice-Smith, In Site Designs
One-of-a-kind rugs often come in odd sizes, and large sizes are hard to come by or very pricey. By layering, you can implement the personality and color of a smaller rug on top while anchoring the room with a neutral natural-fiber rug underneath.
Amanda Louise Campbell, Amanda Louise Interiors
Rugs are the unsung heroes of interior design, providing the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. They add softness and texture to spaces, making them feel more welcoming and complete. Choosing the right material for your rug is important. Wool is very durable and cleanable, while synthetic materials such as polypropylene can be great for areas with kids and food.
Kathleen Reynolds, Kathleen Reynolds Interiors
Option 1
Layering rugs in a room is a fantastic way to add depth and visual interest, mixing textures and colors to create a rich, inviting space. By placing an expensive hand-knotted rug over a more affordable sisal rug, you not only highlight the luxury of the high-end piece but also effectively expand the visual size of the room without breaking the bank. This designer trick allows you to enjoy the elegance of fine rugs while leveraging the durability and cost-effectiveness of the base layer. Plus, it adds a unique, personalized touch to your decor.
Option 2
Carpet tiles are a fantastic choice for kids’ play spaces, blending fun with function effortlessly. With a range of colors and patterns to choose from, you can create a vibrant, playful environment that sparks creativity. Plus, if a tile gets stained or worn out, you can easily replace just that piece—no need for a complete overhaul. Their customizable size and shape options mean you can design a space that’s perfectly suited to your child’s needs.
BethAnn Connor, Nandina Home & Design
The original plan was to paint the wood floors in my foyer, but we aren’t sure how long we will stay in this house. Instead, l invested in a rug I can take with me to my next house. Layering rugs is a great way to help a room feel collected while also delineating different seating areas.
Whitney McGregor, Whitney McGregor Designs
The key to success with any area rug is to cultivate comfort without sacrificing on style. Rugs not only define spaces but also add texture and color that can be built upon. Allow the rug to help define the formality of the room and frame the entire space. Rug not quite large enough? Layer it with a contrasting material to add depth and an unexpected pop! Finally, always consider the needs of a space. If it is a high traffic area, go for hardy materials like wool. If a rug speaks to you, let it be the guiding element; and never be afraid to go bold!
Peden Wright, LH Design Studio
