THE RUG GUIDE
Expert tips on choosing and styling the right rug for any space in your home.
Arhaus’ Rug Collection is handcrafted by some of the world’s most skilled artisans and weavers—ones we’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with for more than 20 years. When so much love, time, and attention to detail goes into the creation of each rug, you’ll want to ensure that the stunningly crafted work of art you choose complements your space—and is stylishly displayed.
To help you achieve both, here are some helpful rug-buying and placement tips from our Design Team.
Go By The Numbers
Measure the room where the rug will be placed. This will make it easier to select a rug that allows for a reasonable amount of “gap” space between it and the walls. The maximum gap space for larger rooms should be around 24 inches on each side. For compact spaces, the gap should be at least eight inches on all sides.
LIVING ROOMS
While rugs bring visual interest and warmth to living spaces, they also help anchor furniture in the room. Several rug configurations will work in this space.
Front Legs on the Rug
Arrange larger pieces of furniture so that the front legs of each piece are on the rug. The rug should extend at least six inches beyond each piece’s front legs and on all sides. This arrangement can help create an intimate seating area for guests.
All Furniture on the Rug
This layout is ideal for open spaces, especially if your furniture isn’t up against the walls. Choose a rug that is large enough to accommodate every piece. Also, make sure that it extends at least six inches from each piece of furniture on all sides.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Rugs bring so much more to outdoor entertaining spaces. Not only do they add charm, but they can also designate gathering areas. When it comes to placement, you can apply the same living and dining room configurations to achieve the look you desire.
BEDROOMS
Rugs add even more comfort and warmth to bedrooms. When you’re arranging rugs in this space, a variety of configurations can work.
Bed on the Rug
A bedroom rug is a wonderful way to anchor the room’s most important piece of furniture—the bed. By centering your bed in the middle of an area rug or having the headboard end of the bed off the rug and the rest of the bed on it, you can ensure that warmth and comfort are always underfoot every time you get up.
BED AND NIGHTSTANDS ON THE RUG
By placing nightstands on the rug along with the bed, the space gets even more cozy. You’ll need at least an 8’ x 10’ rug for a queen-size bed or a 9’ x 12’ rug for a king-size bed to achieve the look. Just make sure that the rug extends between 18 to 24 inches beyond the bed’s edges so you’ll have enough rug to work with.
Entryways & Hallways
Rugs in these areas play a major role. While adding warmth, they can also radiate your personal style and prevent people from tracking dirt or precipitation throughout your home.
Runners are perfect for long and narrow entryways, while large, square area rugs work in open spaces. Round rugs are ideal for entrances with curved elements like an archway or spiral staircase. Regardless of the entryway rug shape that you choose, make sure that from six to 24 inches of the floor show around all sides of your rug.
DINING ROOMS & KITCHENS
Rugs in these high-traffic areas can help protect your flooring from furniture scrapes and shoe scuffs. They also help absorb sound and make these spaces even more welcoming.
DINING SPACE RUGS
Select a dining room rug that’s two feet longer and two feet wider than your dining table on all sides. This will make it easier for people to pull out and push in their chairs. This also applies for outdoor dining spaces
KITCHEN RUG PLACEMENT
If your kitchen is more than 200 square feet, allow for multiple rugs of varying sizes. Mid-size kitchens (100 to 200 square feet) have enough rooms for a 5'x7', 3'x5', and smaller rugs or runners. More confined kitchens (70 square feet or less) look wonderful with smaller floor coverings (2'x3' or 3'x5').
DO YOU NEED A RUG PAD?
The short answer—YES! A rug pad can help extend the life of your rug by absorbing the impact of constant foot traffic and taking the strain off rug fibers. Rug pads also can prevent scuffs, scratches, and other damage to your rug, should gravel or other sharp pieces of debris end up beneath it. .
When buying a rug pad, choose one that isn’t too thick. A bulky rug pad will only make your rug sit up high and create a tripping hazard. If you need a rug pad for a wood or tile floor, make sure to select one that is made from a material that will keep your rug securely in place.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We're here to help! From selecting the right rug to styling it in your home, an Arhaus Designer would love to collaborate with you. Connect with a Designer now to bring your vision to life.