In decorating small spaces, every decision counts. From where the furniture should be placed to the colour tones, each decision counts how the room feels like. Among the undervalued elements that can dramatically change the perception of a space is an area rug. At The Rug Furnish, we know how much a well-chosen area rug can change the whole space. This blog will help you understand how to use area rugs to make a room feel bigger and at the same time to add style and comfort to your small space.
Understand What Area Rugs Do to Your Room
Area rugs also provide a surface other than just the floor. They support a space definition, warmth, and even visual flow throughout the room. By choosing the right area rug, one can visually expand from the small space and get a more open-feeling, inviting space. Here are a few ways in which area rugs can influence the perception of space:
Even in tiny apartments, open floor plans are a staple design feature. Rugs can define multiple zones throughout the space: living zones, dining zones, reading zones, and so on the rug helps each separate zone feel intentional rather than cramped.
Creating Flow: A rug creates visual flow in a room that makes your eyes see more than they are, which assists in the sense of continuity and coherence in your decor.
Adding Texture and Color: An area rug brings colours and textures that add to the overall aesthetic, which then distracts people’s eyes from the room’s insufficiencies.
Sound Absorption: The area rugs may mute noise and make the place sound softer and more relaxing, summing up the feeling of comfort and the feeling of space.
Choosing the Right Area Rug
Selecting an area rug for a small space is not particularly easy. Here are some key factors to note:
Size Matters
The size of an area rug is pretty crucial. The most common mistake is underestimating the size and picking one that is too small for space and so is only making the space feel even more cramped. Here’s how to get it right:
Living Room: For an extremely small living room, one should search for an area rug that at least partially fits under the front legs of the furniture; this helps create a cohesive look and anchors the space.
Dining Room: Place the rug to extend past the dining table and chairs. That way, when you pull out a chair, it will stay on the rug so that an unconnected look isn’t perceived.
Bedroom: In a small bedroom, a rug that goes up the sides and feet of the bed makes the room feel larger. Or, a larger area rug could encompass the whole bed, providing a luxurious feel.
2. Shape and Layout
Although the shape of the rug doesn’t greatly affect the feel of the room, a few things should be kept in mind:
Rectangular Rugs: These are very versatile and can be used in most layouts; they can elongate space when running parallel to the longest wall.
Round Rugs: These can be used for small dining areas, or they can soften the edges in a room to create a more open feel.
Runner rugs: These can be effective in skinny halls or entryways as a compelling way to draw your eye forward and create a sense of length.
3. Color and Pattern
The right choice of colour and pattern will create the illusion of more space. Here are some guidelines on how to have an effective play of colour and pattern:
Light Colors: The lighter shades reflect light and make the room feel airy. Soft neutrals and whites are softer along with pastel colors for brightening it.
Monochromatic schemes: Area rugs close to the colour of your walls will almost help avoid visual barriers.
Subtle Patterns: Bold patterns can be quite dramatic, but there is the problem of over-powering a small space. Instead, select rugs with subtle texture or pattern interest that add and don’t overpower the room.
4. Texture and Material
The texture of a rug can also affect the perception of a room’s spaciousness. Some possible textures:
Low-Pile Rugs: These styles make furniture sit flat on the rug, creating a clean, coordinated look.
Natural Fibers: Jute and sisal rugs add texture without weight, making them ideal for small rooms.
Soft, Plush Rugs: They add comfort, but bulky styles are overwhelming, so consider plush rugs instead, which tend to be low-profile.
Tips on Styling Area Rugs in Small Spaces
Once you’ve got the perfect area rug, it’s time to style it. Here are some practical ways that will help you maximize the effects of your area rug:
1. Layering Rugs
If the space is cramped, layer rugs to add some texture and depth. You can put a large neutral-coloured rug as a base and then cover it with a smaller, more bright-coloured rug. This layered effect will give it a lot of visual interest and make it pop with movement.
2. Simple
Less is often more in small spaces. Don’t clutter the area rug with too many decorative elements. Instead, choose a few well-placed items, such as a statement coffee table or a unique piece of art, to create attention without overwhelming the space.
3. Placement
Where you place your rug can make a huge difference in creating a spacious feel in a room. Here are some placement strategies:
Anchor furniture: Place your rug so that the front legs of your furniture are on it, which will help visually tie the elements in the room together.
Align with architectural features: Use the lines in the architecture of your room to guide your placement of the rug. Alignment of the rug with the room’s features will create a sense of flow and structure.
Leave Some Room: Leaving a little floor space around your rug can prevent the room from feeling too boxy and make the space expand.
4. Consider the General Color Schemata
You want your area rug to blend in for a seamless look with the room’s overall colour palette. If your walls and furniture are neutral, then a bold rug can be quite the statement piece. A more subdued rug can have a grounding effect on the space if your decor is rather vibrant and colourful.
Conclusion
The Rug Furnish is of the opinion that with the right area rug, you can make the entire small space work. Choose your rug size, shape, colour, and texture carefully, and you can easily make that cosy room appear to expand. Keep it simple and strategic regarding placement, and have your rug define rather than confine the space in that small room. These helpful tips can upgrade that small room into a stylish and functional haven far beyond its square foot.
