COMMON INTERIOR DESIGN MISTAKES + How to Fix Them | Area Rugs Dos and Don’ts

When it comes to interior design, one of the most impactful yet often overlooked elements is the area rug. A well-chosen rug can enhance the aesthetic of any space, but mistakes in choosing the right size, style, or placement can lead to a disjointed and cramped feel. Here are common area rug mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Choosing a Rug That’s Too Small

One of the most frequent mistakes is opting for a rug that’s too small. This blunder regularly occurs in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. For a living room, ideally, the rug should accommodate all the furniture within it, with at least a six-inch border. At a minimum, the front legs of the furniture should be on the rug. This helps define the seating area and expands the visual footprint of your space.

Fix: Size Matters

Measure your space correctly and select a rug that can fit all major furniture pieces or, at the very least, the front legs of your sofa and chairs. This makes your living room feel larger and more cohesive.

2. Dining Room Area Rug Riddles

In the dining room, misunderstanding rug size can lead to awkward seating. Ensure that the rug is large enough so that when you pull your chairs out, they remain entirely on the rug. A helpful tip is to measure 36 inches from the perimeter of your dining table for the minimum rug size.

Fix: Keep Chairs on the Rug

If you can’t find a rug that meets this size, it may be better to forgo the rug completely to avoid an odd appearance of floating furniture.

3. Bedroom Rug Sizing

For bedrooms, the minimum size of an area rug under a queen bed should be 8×10 feet, while a king bed requires a minimum of 9×12 feet. The rug should allow for a comforting landing space for your feet when you get out of bed.

Fix: Choose a Spacious Rug

Ensure to choose a rug that allows runners beside the bed so you don’t step onto hard flooring each morning. If necessary, pull the rug up to align with the nightstands.

4. Purchasing Matchy-Matchy Rugs

Another common pitfall is buying rugs that match precisely across different areas in your home. This can create a monotonous feel.

Fix: Embrace Variety

Instead, embrace a mix of rugs that share a similar color story. This adds depth and character to the space while still maintaining cohesion.

5. Rug Placement Against Walls

Placing a rug that touches the walls can suffocate a room, making it feel cramped. Aim for at least six inches of space from the walls for better aesthetics.

Fix: Create Breathing Room

Leave breathing room around rugs, allowing beautiful flooring to peek through. A visual gap creates a more inviting atmosphere.

6. Inappropriate Rug Material

Choosing the wrong fiber for the area can lead to issues later. For instance, wool rugs are durable but don’t work well in wet areas, while natural fiber rugs can shed too much in high traffic zones.

Fix: Match Material to Lifestyle

Select rug materials that suit your lifestyle. Consider high traffic areas; synthetic materials like polyester can be softer but less durable. If durability is essential, consider blends that may be more affordable yet practical.

7. Layering on High-Pile Carpet

While layering rugs can be chic, avoid placing a rug over a high-pile carpet. The weight of the top rug can flatten the underlying carpet, creating an unattractive look.

Fix: Layer Wisely

If you want to layer rugs, do so only over low-pile options or another area rug to maintain visual consistency and functionality.

8. Rug Selection as an Afterthought

Selecting a rug at the end of your design process can lead to mismatched colors and styles. Instead, start with the area rug to set the tone for the room.

Fix: Begin with the Rug

Choose the area rug first and build the color palette of your space around it. This ensures a cohesive look throughout.

Conclusion

Avoiding these common area rug mistakes can elevate your interior design game. By being mindful of size, material, placement, and style, you can create beautiful, inviting spaces with the right area rugs. As a final tip, always opt for the largest rug you can afford, and consider using a rug pad to protect your flooring and extend the life of your rug. Happy decorating!