Most homeowners think about factors like texture and color when they’re in the process of décor shopping, but rug shape is an essential element that simply can’t be overlooked.
What tends to happen is that most people assume that rectangular rugs are their only option while decorating formal areas like a living room; however, the wrong rug shape can potentially throw off your entire space’s layout and aesthetic appeal.
It’s no secret how people want their décor to feel cohesive, polished and balanced—but this just so happens to be a lot easier said than done (even for home décor pros like us). This is why we recently reached out to the living room rug experts at Rug Source to get a more in-depth glimpse into how certain rug shapes can be utilized while decorating homes, apartments, and residential dwellings of all sizes.
So, check out the below sections to see which rug shape would be best for your home’s living room!
Rectangular Rugs: The Classic Living Room Choice
Even though a lot of people are currently mixing things up in their living rooms by choosing irregular rug shapes, rectangular rugs are still by far the most common choice for traditional room layouts that center around a coffee table.
A lot of people will also prioritize rectangular rugs when they have sofas up against a wall, or when their living room features an open-concept floorplan with an existing seating area that’s well-defined.
There are many good reasons why rectangular rugs are still the most common choice in today’s home décor industry, and this includes the basic fact that their dimensions mirror the architectural parameters of many households. Rectangular rugs are also capable of providing an ample amount of coverage underneath several furniture pieces.
For larger living rooms, 10×14 and 9×12 rugs tend to be go-to sizes that properly fill up space—without creating a crowded aesthetic feel. For smaller living rooms, consider 5×8 and 8×10 area rugs that match your existing décor theme.
Round Rugs: Creating Unique Focal Points & Softening Living Room Angles
Round rugs tend to be great in smaller living rooms, residential spaces that feature circular coffee tables and curved furniture, and any household with a Boho chic or minimalist aesthetic.
What’s really great about round rugs is that they have this uncanny ability to build personality in a living room and soften any hard angles throughout the space. Round rugs also tend to create an intimate, cozy atmosphere that eliminates any boxy, angular vibes.
Some of the best opportunities to utilize round rugs in your living room include:
- When your living room furniture is centralized around a round coffee table
- When your living room furniture forms a circle
- When you live in a small apartment and want your living room to feel more curated and less crowded
- When you’re decorating underneath a chandelier or centered pendant light
And another thing that’s great about round rugs is that they offer homeowners an awesome opportunity to utilize louder designs, and this is largely because they come in smaller sizes and won’t be as visually intrusive as large rectangular rugs!
Runner Rugs: Perfect For Narrow & Long Living Rooms
Although most people assume runner rugs are meant for hallways, bathrooms and alongside beds, they’re also great options for narrow living rooms and open hallways near your living areas.
A lot of today’s homeowners utilize runner rugs as visual cues that divide open-concept floorplans into specific zones. Contrary to popular belief, runners are a surprisingly effective décor tool in certain types of living room layouts—and this is particularly the case in spaces where rectangular and round rugs would fit awkwardly.
Some common examples of using runner rugs in living rooms include:
- Placing runner rugs alongside a long sofa for added visual interest and warmth—while not covering up too much of your flooring.
- Defining walkways with runners in open-concept living rooms.
- Layering two runner rugs that go in opposite directions to develop a cross-pattern aesthetic.
Tips For Choosing The Right Living Room Rugs For Your Household
If you’re not exactly sure where to start when it comes to deciding what rug shape is best for your living room, keep the following questions in mind:
- What shape is your living room? Square spaces often are cohesive with square or round rugs, and rectangular rooms often benefit from rectangular rugs.
- How is your living room’s furniture currently arranged? Round and rectangular rugs are perfect when your living room is oriented around a coffee table, and large rectangular rugs can ground a living space when furniture layouts are floating.
- Are you hoping to separate or define household spaces? Runner rugs are perfect for breaking up household zones in open floorplans.
- What’s your living room’s focal point? If it’s a sculptural centerpiece or circular chandelier, choose a round rug to echo your existing aesthetics.
Living Room Décor Is All About Balance, So Rug Shape Is Just One Of Many Essential Design Factors
There’s never any kind of one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to decorating living rooms, and this is because every home is 100% unique and subsequently requires unique décor strategies.
However, rug shape matters a lot more than most people might think. This is because the right rug shape can do the following:
- Make your smaller living room appear larger
- Unify your furniture arrangement
- Add a cohesive flow and softness
Regardless of whether you choose a charming round rug, a classic rectangular rug or an experimental runner rug, focusing on your next area rug’s shape will undoubtedly enhance your living room’s traffic flow, space layout and overall mood!
