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Does Your Room Need a Bigger Rug?
Oversize area rugs not only make a statement, but they also can unify a room and make it cozy
Most of us probably agree that a room without a rug can feel unfinished, and most of us probably veer to the standard just-larger-than-the-coffee-table size. But are we missing out by thinking small? These rooms with oversize rugs prove that big is beautiful and useful.
Luxe feel. The sheer scale of a large rug brings a sense of decadence to a space. And, as this lovely living room illustrates, an oversize rug shouldn’t be restricted to big areas. In fact, where a little rug might make a room feel choppy and therefore small, a large design will have the opposite effect. Moreover, think how a rug like this will protect you from floorboard drafts in the winter. Bliss.
Don’t want to hide the entire wood floor? This custom supersize rug lets the floorboards shine too. If you’re having a design made, use masking tape to map out the ideal size and to make sure your furniture will fit on it.
Life for dead space. Yes, the long leather sofa, pedestal table and look-at-us yellow bentwood chairs are the big players in this hallway hangout, but without the sizable round rug, the whole setup would seem lost and not anchored. The choice of a circular design to match the table gets extra style points.
In a high-traffic area like an entrance hall, rugs should ideally be secured with a nonslip rug pad. The pad also helps the rug stay neat, without any folds.
When to Go Round With Your Rug
In a high-traffic area like an entrance hall, rugs should ideally be secured with a nonslip rug pad. The pad also helps the rug stay neat, without any folds.
When to Go Round With Your Rug
Perhaps you like the look of a large rug, but you are renting and worried about buying one that fits in your current home but won’t fit in your next place. Layering can come into play in this scenario. Here, two average-size rugs put together give the luxe look of an oversize rug. When you move, you have the option of using these together or in different rooms.
Find rugs sized 12-by-15 feet and larger
Find rugs sized 12-by-15 feet and larger
Carpet protection. Inherited an easy-to-stain pale carpet in your living space? Or perhaps you put one down before kids came along? You can keep the carpet (and the space-enhancing neutral look it brings) by teaming it with a large floor covering in a more forgiving neutral shade.
This flat-pile gray rug is a smart choice since it hides a multitude of sins and shakes off dirt easily. Plus, the addition of a second rug brings a cozy, bohemian feel to the space. The top rug is less likely to move about with the base rug to keep it in place.
This flat-pile gray rug is a smart choice since it hides a multitude of sins and shakes off dirt easily. Plus, the addition of a second rug brings a cozy, bohemian feel to the space. The top rug is less likely to move about with the base rug to keep it in place.
Zoning aid. Extra-big rugs are also ideal for breaking up a large open-plan space like this one. In a room that functions as a living, dining and even cooking space, a rug can mark out each area. Before you buy, make sure the rug for the dining area is large enough for the chairs to be pulled back and still remain on the rug. This means that if you have wood floors, they’re protected from scratches caused by the chairs.
How to Combine Area Rugs in an Open Floor Plan
How to Combine Area Rugs in an Open Floor Plan
This living room is big — just look at that life-size giraffe! In a similar vein to the previous room, large rugs can be used for creating more intimate zones in a generous living space. Here, two rugs help form two distinct seating areas, which in turn make this grand room feel a little less imposing.
If you go for neutral rugs like these, a shoes-off policy might be in order. You’ll also want to vacuum the rugs often to keep stray grit from becoming embedded, and a professional clean every year is advisable. Another handy tip? Rotate your rug (or rugs) every six months so that wear from footfall and fading from the sun aren’t concentrated in one area.
If you go for neutral rugs like these, a shoes-off policy might be in order. You’ll also want to vacuum the rugs often to keep stray grit from becoming embedded, and a professional clean every year is advisable. Another handy tip? Rotate your rug (or rugs) every six months so that wear from footfall and fading from the sun aren’t concentrated in one area.
Best of both worlds. Carpet? Wood floor? Why agonize over which option to go for in a bedroom when you can have the benefits of both by opting for an oversize rug. You’ll have the advantage of stepping out on a warm, soft surface in the morning, plus you’ll get the natural beauty a wood floor brings. Other benefits? There’s the small matter of soundproofing. The rug absorbs sound to muffle the pitter-patter of feet.
Share: Did you opt for an oversize rug? Tell us about it or upload a photo in the Comments.
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Share: Did you opt for an oversize rug? Tell us about it or upload a photo in the Comments.
More
A Rug Can Make a Room — but What Kind to Choose?
11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them
Browse rugs