Rug Placement Hacks to Make Small Spaces Look Bigger

 

Rugs are your secret weapon if you've ever had trouble making a tiny area feel larger! The perception of space can be greatly enhanced by the location of your rug, giving your area a feeling of openness, airiness, and style. However, if you include funky rugs

of the incorrect size, your pleasant nook will feel even smaller. So, how can you do it correctly? I have some revolutionary rug placement tips that will make your small space feel twice as large, from picking the ideal size to using astute positioning techniques. These easy tips can let you use every bit of space, whether it's a small living room, a tiny bedroom, or a narrow hall! 

1. It's All About Size: Go Big or Go Home: 

You may believe that a small rug is appropriate for a small space, but please, don't get that tiny doormat-sized rug. A tiny rug in a tiny space actually draws attention to how little room there is, making everything appear more claustrophobic. 

Pro-Tip: Select a rug that can accommodate at least two of your furniture's legs. Choose rugs for living rooms that reach beneath your coffee table and sofa. Make sure the rug covers at least two-thirds of your bed in bedrooms. Because of the illusion of continuity this produces, the eye is tricked into perceiving a greater area. 

• Excellent Option: A sizable rug that stretches beneath furnishings. 

• Poor Decision: A small rug that "floats" in the centre of the space. 

2. Keep It Light and Bright: 

Dark shades can soak up light, making a space seem tight and boxed in. If you wish for your area to seem larger, pick light and soft rug colors. Go for pale greys, tans, whites, and light colors—these tones send light back and make the place seem big. 

Pro-Tip: If you like dark shades, use them for small touches like pillows or drapes, but make your rug light. 

Top Choices: Soft and simple like beige, ivory, or light blue. 

Stay away from: Big patterns with dark colors that fill up the floor. 

3. Extend the Space with Stripes: 

Do you want to extend your space right away? Your best friend is Stripes. Depending on the placement, a striped rug can give the impression that your space is broader or longer. 

Do you want the space to seem longer? Line up the stripes with the wall that is the longest. 

Do you want to make a small area larger? On the shorter side of the space, arrange the stripes horizontally. 

Pro-Tip: To keep things elegant rather than overpowering, pick rugs with delicate stripe patterns in muted colours. 

Ideal for Compact Spaces: Horizontal stripes to extend or expand the area. 

Steer clear of: Overly intricate or multicoloured stripe patterns that may appear disorganised. 

4. Use Layer Rugs to Add Dimension and Depth: 

Why limit yourself to just one rug? In addition to delineating distinct sections within a compact space, layering rugs can give warmth and texture. For instance: 

• Begin with a big, plain rug for your base (like jute or sisal). 

• Place a small rug with a design on top. This adds to the look and sets aside a clear spot. 

This idea fits so well in small apartments, rooms with open plans, or spots where you want to split up areas without big furniture getting in the way. 

Pro-Tip: Use the same color theme so your rugs mix well and don't fight each other. 

Best for Big Places: Add layers of rugs with different feels and looks for more depth. 

Steer clear of: Oversized carpets that overlap awkwardly or an excessive number of colours that clash. 

5. Stretch the Rug Past the Furnishings: 

Your room will feel boxy and closed off if your rug ends exactly at the edges of your furniture. Instead, allow the rug to extend slightly past the arrangement of your furniture; this gives the impression that the room is larger and more airy. 

• Living room: On each side, the rug should protrude at least 15 to 30 cm past your sofa. 

• Dining spot: Be sure your rug is wide so chairs stay on it even when you pull them out. 

• Bedroom: Your rug needs to go out at least 60 cm past your bed's edges to make it look rich and wide. 

Pro-Tip: If you own a small rug you like, try turning it a bit to make the view fun and moving. 

Create a Sense of Flow: Rugs should go a little past the furniture. 

Looks Cramped: A rug that ends right at the furniture's edge. 

6. Go Round: 

Rectangular rugs are our first choice, but round rugs can be very effective in small areas. A round rug helps soften up harsh angles in tiny rooms and offers a sense of openness. 

Which areas are ideal for round rugs? 

• Little living areas, particularly beneath coffee tables 

• Hallways and entryways make the area feel softer 

• For a unified appearance, beneath a circular dining table 

Pro-Tip: Got a small, square room? A round rug can make it feel nicer by breaking up the sharp lines. 

Great for Odd Shapes: Round rugs add flow and depth. 

Don’t Use: Small round rugs that don't fit well in the space. 

7. For a Sleek Vibe, Go For a Low-pile Rug: 

Big, soft rugs may be nice to step on, but in a tiny room, they can make the area feel packed and heavy. Go for a thin or flat rug that helps the room look neat and big. 

• Top picks: Flat rugs, thin wool rugs, or synthetic mixes that look smooth. 

• Stay away from: Very shaggy or too rough rugs that fill up too much eye space. 

Pro-Tip: Thin rugs are also simple to clean, so that's a double win! 

Best for Small Rooms: Smooth, thin rugs. 

Don't Use: Big, fluffy rugs that make the room too full. 

FAQs: 

1. What’s the right rug size for a tiny living room? 

The right size hangs on where your chairs and couch sit, but pick a bigger one than you might think. Your rug should go under at least two legs of your couch and seats to tie it all together. A 5’x8’ or 6’x9’ rug often fits well in tiny living rooms. 

2. Can I put a dark-colored rug in a small room? 

Yes—but take care! If you dig dark hues, mix them with light-colored chairs and walls. A dark rug with a soft look can bring depth, but don’t let too many dark colors fill the room. 

3. How can I use a rug to make my hallway seem bigger? 

Put a long, striped runner rug down your hall! It makes it look longer and pulls your eye down, making the area seem larger.