10 Large Area Rug Placement Ideas to Perfect Your Living Room Layout
Rugs can make a big difference in how your living room looks and feels. They add color, texture, and warmth to the space. But picking the right rug and figuring out where to put it can be tricky.

Large area rugs can help define different zones in your living room and tie your furniture together. You’ll find some great ideas for using big rugs in this article. We’ll show you how to arrange your furniture around rugs of different sizes and shapes. These tips will help you create a cozy and stylish living space you’ll love spending time in.
1) Opt for a plush Moroccan Berber rug

A Moroccan Berber rug can be a great choice for your living room. These rugs are known for their soft, plush texture and unique diamond patterns. They add warmth and style to any space.
When placing furniture around a Berber rug, you have several options. You can put all your furniture legs on the rug for a cohesive look. This works well in larger rooms.
Another option is to place only the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug. This creates a unified seating area while saving money on a smaller rug size.
Berber rugs come in neutral colors like cream, beige, and gray. These shades blend well with many decor styles. You can easily add pops of color with pillows or artwork.
These rugs are thick and cozy underfoot. They’re perfect for lounging or playing with kids and pets. Plus, their durability means they can handle high-traffic areas in your home.
When choosing a size, make sure the rug extends at least 6 inches beyond your furniture on all sides. This creates a balanced, pulled-together look in your living room.
2) Incorporate a geometric Bohemian style rug

Spice up your living room with a geometric Bohemian style rug. This trendy choice adds flair and character to your space. Pick a rug with bold patterns and vibrant colors to make a statement.
Place your furniture around the rug to create a cozy seating area. You can put the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug for a unified look. This arrangement helps define the space and ties the room together.
For smaller living rooms, choose a rug that fits under your coffee table and extends a bit beyond it. This creates the illusion of more space. In larger rooms, go for a bigger rug that covers most of the floor area.
Use the rug’s colors as inspiration for your throw pillows and curtains. This will create a cohesive look throughout the room. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns – that’s what Bohemian style is all about!
Remember to leave some bare floor space around the edges of the rug. This gives your room a more open feel and shows off your flooring too.
3) Use a classic Persian rug to anchor the space

A classic Persian rug can be the perfect centerpiece for your living room. These rugs often feature intricate designs and rich colors that add warmth and character to any space.
Place your Persian rug in the middle of your seating area. This creates a focal point and ties the room together. Make sure the rug is large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture.
Choose a rug with colors that complement your existing decor. Look for shades that match your walls, curtains, or accent pieces. This will help create a cohesive look in your living room.
Arrange your furniture around the rug to define the seating area. Position your sofa and chairs so they partially sit on the rug. This helps create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. A Persian rug can work well with striped pillows or floral curtains. Just make sure to stick to a similar color palette to avoid clashing.
Remember to rotate your rug every few months. This helps prevent uneven wear and keeps the colors looking vibrant for years to come.
4) Add warmth with a sheepskin faux rug

A sheepskin faux rug can make your living room feel cozy and inviting. You can place it on top of a larger area rug or use it on its own as a soft accent piece.
Try draping a faux sheepskin over an armchair or the end of your sofa. This adds texture and a touch of luxury to your seating area.
For a boho-chic look, layer multiple small faux sheepskin rugs on the floor. This creates a plush surface perfect for lounging or playtime with kids and pets.
A white or cream faux sheepskin rug looks great in front of a fireplace. It gives a warm, cabin-like feel and provides a comfy spot to sit by the fire.
You can also use a faux sheepskin as a throw on a bench or ottoman. This adds softness and makes seating more comfortable, especially on colder days.
Remember, faux sheepskin is easy to care for. You can vacuum it regularly and spot clean as needed to keep it looking fresh and fluffy.
5) Go for a colorful Kilim rug

Kilim rugs can add a pop of color to your living room. These flat-woven carpets come from Turkey, Iran, and other parts of Central Asia. They often have bold patterns and bright hues.
You can use a Kilim rug to anchor your seating area. Place your sofa and chairs around the edges of the rug. This will create a cozy conversation space.
Kilim rugs work well with many decor styles. They can add warmth to modern rooms or complement bohemian spaces. Choose colors that match or contrast with your furniture.
These rugs are usually thinner than pile carpets. This makes them easy to move around when you want to change your layout. You can also layer a Kilim over a larger neutral rug for extra texture.
When picking a size, make sure the rug is big enough for all your furniture legs to sit on it. This will help tie the room together and make it feel more put-together.
6) Layer with a neutral jute rug

Jute rugs are a great way to add texture to your living room. Their natural, earthy look can complement many different styles of decor.
You can use a large jute rug as a base layer in your living room. Place it under your main seating area to define the space.
Then, add a smaller, more colorful rug on top. This creates visual interest and lets you play with different patterns and textures.
Jute rugs are durable and can handle high traffic areas. They’re also affordable, making them a budget-friendly choice for large spaces.
When choosing a jute rug, pick one that’s big enough to fit under all your furniture. This will help tie the room together and make it feel more cohesive.
Remember that jute rugs can be rough on bare feet. If you want something softer, look for a jute and wool blend instead.
7) Choose a large vintage Turkish rug

Vintage Turkish rugs can add a beautiful focal point to your living room. These rugs often feature intricate patterns and rich colors that catch the eye.
Look for a large Turkish rug that covers most of your seating area. This will help define the space and tie your furniture together.
When selecting a vintage Turkish rug, pay attention to its condition. Some wear is expected, but make sure there are no major damages or stains.
Consider the colors in your existing decor. Choose a rug with complementary hues to create a cohesive look in your living room.
Place your furniture on top of the rug, leaving some of the beautiful design visible around the edges. This arrangement will showcase the rug while anchoring your seating area.
Remember that vintage Turkish rugs are unique pieces. Each one tells a story and can become a conversation starter in your home.
8) Highlight with a Scandinavian minimalist rug

A Scandinavian minimalist rug can be a great focal point in your living room. These rugs often have simple patterns and neutral colors, and they work well with clean lines and open spaces.
Try placing a large white or light gray rug in the center of your room. Make sure it’s big enough to fit under your main seating area. This will create a cozy zone for your furniture.
You can add pops of color with throw pillows or artwork. The rug will serve as a calm backdrop for these bolder elements. Keep your furniture simple and streamlined to match the rug’s style.
Wood floors look great with Scandinavian rugs. The natural tones complement each other nicely. If you have dark floors, a light rug can brighten up the space.
Remember to leave some bare floor visible around the edges of the rug. This will help your room feel more open and airy. It’s a key part of the Scandinavian look.
9) Complement with a floral Aubusson rug

A floral Aubusson rug can add a touch of elegance to your living room. These rugs feature intricate designs with flowers, leaves, and vines. They often have soft, muted colors that blend well with many decor styles.
To use an Aubusson rug in your space, place it in the center of your seating area. Make sure it’s big enough to fit under the front legs of your sofas and chairs. This helps tie the furniture together and creates a cozy feel.
You can arrange your furniture around the rug’s border to showcase its beautiful pattern. Try putting your coffee table in the middle to highlight the rug’s central design.
Pick furniture colors that match the rug’s palette. This will create a cohesive look in your living room. Soft neutrals like beige or gray work well with most Aubusson rugs.
Add some solid-colored throw pillows or curtains that pick up hues from the rug. This will help the rug’s design flow throughout the room.
10) Pick an abstract contemporary area rug

Want to add a bold, artistic touch to your living room? Try an abstract contemporary area rug. These unique pieces can serve as the focal point of your space.
Look for rugs with striking geometric shapes or swirling patterns. Bright colors and unusual color combinations work well too. These eye-catching designs can really liven up a room.
Place your abstract rug in the center of your seating area. Make sure it’s big enough to anchor your furniture arrangement. A good rule is to have at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug.
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. An abstract rug can pair nicely with patterned throw pillows or curtains. Just keep the colors coordinated for a cohesive look.
Remember, an abstract rug is like a piece of art for your floor. Choose one that speaks to your personal style and makes you happy every time you see it.
Understanding Room Layouts
Room layouts can make or break your living space. You’ll want to plan carefully before placing your furniture and rug. Start by measuring your room’s dimensions. This gives you a clear picture of what you’re working with.
Next, think about traffic flow. You need paths for people to move easily through the space. Avoid blocking doorways or natural walkways with furniture.
Consider your room’s focal point. This could be a fireplace, TV, or large window. Arrange your furniture to face this central feature.
Balance is key in any layout. Spread your furniture evenly around the room. This creates a sense of harmony and makes the space feel welcoming.
Don’t forget about lighting. Place lamps strategically to brighten dark corners. Natural light is great too, so keep windows unobstructed if possible.
Here’s a quick list of layout tips: • Leave at least 30 inches between furniture for walkways • Keep 3-8 inches between the rug and walls • Place the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug • Use smaller rugs to define seating areas in open plans
Remember, your layout should fit your lifestyle. If you love hosting, create conversation areas. For movie buffs, focus on TV viewing angles.
Try different arrangements before settling on one. It’s okay to move things around until it feels right. Your perfect layout is out there!
Choosing the Right Rug Size
The size of your rug can make or break your living room’s look. It’s key to pick a rug that fits your space and furniture just right. Let’s explore how to do that.
Balancing Rug and Furniture
Your rug should be big enough to fit under the front legs of your main furniture pieces. This creates a unified look in your living room. For a large space, try an 8×10 or 9×12 rug. These sizes often work well with standard sofas and chairs.
Smaller rooms might need a 5×8 or 6×9 rug. These can still tie your furniture together without taking up too much floor space.
Remember, you want some bare floor showing around the edges of your rug. Aim for about 18 inches of floor space between the rug and the walls.
Proportions and Scalability
Your rug should match the size and shape of your room. A round rug can soften a square room, while a rectangle rug works well in most spaces.
For open floor plans, use your rug to define the living area. Choose a size that fits all your seating furniture. This creates a cozy zone within the larger space.
In a small room, a larger rug can make the space feel bigger. Just be sure not to go too big – you still want some floor showing.
Don’t forget about your coffee table. It should fit fully on the rug, with some space around it. This helps anchor your seating area and creates a balanced look.
Color and Pattern Coordination
Your rug’s color and pattern can make or break your living room’s look. Choose wisely to create a cohesive and stylish space that reflects your taste.
Matching with Decor
When picking a large area rug, think about your existing furniture and decor. You want the rug to complement, not clash with your room’s color scheme. If you have neutral walls and furniture, a bold patterned rug can add personality.
For rooms with lots of prints, a solid-colored rug might be better. It can help balance out the space without overwhelming it. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, but keep them in the same color family for a put-together look.
Consider the mood you want to create. Cool blues and greens can make a room feel calm and relaxing. Warm reds and oranges add energy and coziness. Neutral tones like beige or gray are versatile and easy to match with different styles.
Remember, your rug doesn’t have to match everything perfectly. It just needs to blend well with your overall decor. Trust your eye and choose something you love!