How to Choose the Perfect Small Living Room Rug

Decorating a small living room can be tricky, but the right area rug can actually make the space feel more expansive and pulled together. The key is finding the perfect size and style rug that complements your room layout and furniture. Follow this guide to choose and style the ideal small living room rug.

Measure Your Living Room Size

Before shopping for a new living room rug, take measurements of the room's length and width. Make note of any awkward angles or alcoves. Also measure existing large furniture pieces like your sofa and coffee table that the rug will need to accommodate. This will give you the room's total square footage and a custom fit range for rug sizes.

As a general guideline, your small living room rug should be big enough that the front legs of seating rest on it. Allow an extra 18-24 inches of bare floor showing on all sides. This border keeps the rug from looking too crammed or making furniture appear disconnected.

Determine Best Size Range for Your Small Living Room

Using your room measurements, you can determine the ideal rug size range. Here are some standard guidelines:

• 10'x12' living room: 5'x8' to 6'x9' rug
• 12'x15' living room: 6'x9' to 8'x10' rug
• 15'x18' living room: 8'x10' to 9'x12' rug

Size up if you'll use the living room for larger gatherings and activities. For just lounging and relaxing, a rug on the smaller side leaves more exposed floor.

Select a Rug Shape

Rectangle rugs are most common for positioning under furniture, but round, oval, and square rugs can also work in small living rooms. The shape you choose impacts options for positioning the rug.

A rectangular rug pushes against walls, anchoring furniture placed on top. Round and oval rugs are flexible, softening room edges. Square rugs can angle or float between pieces. Match the shape to your planned furniture configuration.

Consider Function of Living Room

Think about how you use the living room to guide rug size and placement. If it's primarily for relaxed solo or couple television watching or reading, a rug on the cozier side leaves surrounding negative space. This defines a intimate seating area without overwhelming.

For larger families that often use the living room for playing games, puzzles, or entertaining, increase rug dimensions to allow activity. Make sure there's ample bare floor for high-traffic paths to walk around freely.

Factor in Furniture Layout

Your living room furniture arrangement should influence the rug layout. Anchor furniture like sofas and loveseats atop the rug, leaving some bare floor exposed. Angle the rug if needed to accommodate sectional configurations.

Floating a rug away from furniture is not ideal in small living rooms as it disjointedly breaks up the space. But placing it very near furniture helps downplay its petite proportions.

Choose Color and Pattern

Inject personality into your small living room with a bold, graphic print or brightly colored rug. Visually busy patterns and vivid hues help a small rug fill the space.

For larger living room rugs, tone down colors and designs so the rug acts more as a neutral backdrop. Muted solids, subtle patterns like tone-on-tone, and low pile let furniture and decor shine.

Compare Rug Materials

Natural fiber rugs like wool and cotton provide durability and visual interest with their texture. Wool's natural stain resistance also makes it ideal for high-traffic living rooms. For softness underfoot, wool's the winner.

More affordable synthetic rugs are also widely available, offering easy care and more color fastness. Compare materials based on your lifestyle, budget, and desired style.

Also inspect factors like pile height and density. Plush, dense rugs are cozy but show wear over time. Lower pile feels firm and hides dirt well.

Set a Budget

Good quality wool rugs start around $100-$300 for petite sizes under 4'x6'. Mid-range sizes like 6'x9' average $400-$700. Larger 8'x10' rugs run $600-$1,200+.

With living room rugs, prioritize quality construction over size if needed. A rug you'll enjoy for years offers better value than compromising on materials. Look for sales to save, or repurpose rugs from other rooms.

Inspect In-Store Rugs

To choose the perfect rug, see and feel options in person. Bring your room measurements when shopping to find accurate sizes. Inspect density, texture, color accuracy, and quality of construction.

Seeing rugs in the store helps visualize how well they'll coordinate with your decor. You can also get expert guidance from store rug specialists.

Order Rugs Online

For wider selection and easy price comparisons, rug shopping online has its perks. Home improvement retailers like Wayfair and overstock offer a huge range of styles and budgets.

When ordering sight unseen, study product images closely and read reviews. Measure your space meticulously so you order the right size the first time.

Style Your Rug

Have fun playing with different furniture arrangements atop your new living room rug. Angle it behind a sofa to center the seating. Layer smaller accent rugs on top for additional color and texture.

Rotate your rug seasonally to evenly distribute wear. This helps it look its best year after year. Position it to hide traffic patterns over time.

Maintain and Clean Rugs

Vacuum high-traffic rugs weekly to remove settled dust and dirt. Avoid beating rugs, which can damage fibers. Refer to manufacturer instructions for proper cleaning methods.

Periodically hire a professional rug cleaning service to deep clean with steam. For quick fixes, blot stains immediately with a damp cloth and rug cleaner. Flip, rotate, and shake out rugs to prevent uneven wear patches.

Choosing the perfect living room rug comes down to thoughtful measurement, smart sizing, and finding a style that enhances your space. Arrange it to anchor furniture, add color, and define the room's purpose. With the right small living room rug, you can maximize both comfort and visual appeal.