Wisdom Wednesdays: How to Pick the Right Living Room Rug!
Rugs can make or break a living room. The wrong one can make even a beautiful space feel unfinished. When done right, they can instantly make a space feel cohesive, layered, and lived in. Since the living room is the first thing guests see, getting it right is key. Staging expert Laurie Purcell of Past to Present Imaging shares some essential tips for choosing a rug that brings everything together.
Living rooms are the heart of the home for many families. It doesn't help that the biggest room is also the living room, which tends to be the first impression that your guests have. This makes decorating your living room especially important: you want it to feel welcoming, cozy, and like a place where everyone can kick back and relax.
Rugs are a perfect element in creating that first impression. A well-chosen rug can ground and transform a space. Without a rug, many beautiful rooms can fall flat, as if they’re missing something. Rugs set the tone of a space and bring warmth and cohesion to the room.
Laurie Purcell, who has been staging our homes at Copper Creek Builders, understands the transformative value a rug can have. With 10 years of staging experience, she has gathered a few tried-and-true tips that make selecting the right rug easier. Now’s the time to make your living room feel like home!
While we’re on the topic of rugs and interior design, you might also want to check out Interior design tips, or other ways to make your home feel complete, like putting a rug under your dining table. Now let’s dive in!
1
Choose the Correct Placement and Proportion
Measure before you shop! Laurie emphasizes that rug sizes are key to keeping a room balanced. Too small or too large, and the space can feel off. “8’x10’ is a good size,” she says, “unless it's a giant living room–then you’ll want a bigger one.”
Placement matters just as much. Laurie advises that furniture legs–chairs and couches– should rest on the rug. “It doesn't have to be the whole chair, but at least the front legs of the chairs and the couch. Make sure those are on it,” she explains. This simple trick instantly anchors your space and creates visual harmony.
2
Color That Guides the Eye
Laurie suggests purchasing a rug with neutral, organic tones for a timeless look. “You may like pink, orange, and purple but it really dates a space” she notes. That doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite bold shades, just use them as accents. Pops of color on a pillow here, a blanket draped over the couch there, and suddenly your space has personality without feeling chaotic.
Texture is key too. Laurie suggests mixing materials like “a little bit of fur and some wool, just some different types of textures to break up everything.” A little texture goes a long way to keep your space visually interesting and cozy.
A rug isn’t just a piece of fabric on the floor, it’s the secret ingredient to making your living room feel cozy and pulled together. Pick the right color, layer in fun textures, and pay attention to size and placement, and you’ll have a living room worth living in. With Laurie’s tips, even small tweaks can make a noticeable difference, leaving your family –and your guests– impressed and comfortable.
