Is 8×10 or 9×12 a Better Rug Size for Small Living Rooms?
The challenge with decorating a small living room lies in the limited space. The right rug and its placement can be transformative, adding to the comfortability, style, and functionality.
Rug size is key to a harmonious living area that feels larger, contributing to the warmth and character of the room. The objective is to refrain from “too-small” rugs or large ones that consume the space. It should be proportionate to the furnishings to help ground the seating area and give the illusion of more space.
Before shopping for a favorite carpet at Modern Bungalow, you should measure the room and draw the space out with the furniture dimensions to determine whether an 8×10 or 9×12 will work best.
The Perfect Size Rug for Your Small Living Space
Decorating a small living room can present challenges for homeowners. In particular, rugs come in a range of sizes and shapes, making it daunting to sift through the many options to find the perfect one just by sight.
While most people strive to make their rooms look larger, many are overly conservative, underestimating the size and ending up with a rug that sits like an island in the middle of the floor.
With some guidance from professionals, the perfect rug can create the illusion of more space, preventing it from feeling closed off; it complements the flow instead of obstructing it. Ideally, the carpet will be large enough for the front legs of each piece of furniture to rest on it.
Visit Choosing the Right Living Room Area Rug for Your Home – for tips on choosing the best area rug for your living room. What will a rug do for your small living room? Let’s learn.
A Defined Space
Area rugs help property owners define distinct areas in their rooms. With strategic placement, guests will walk in and visually understand the distinct zones. A small space divided into well-defined sections minus visual clutter offers a larger presentation.
An example would be in a studio apartment, which is essentially one large room. You want to designate specific areas to eliminate the warehouse vibe. You might choose one rug to designate the seating or conversation area and another rug to transition into the bedroom.
An 8×10 or 9×12 rug shows precisely where close friends should gather to socialize. When people stop by, there will be no question about where to go.
Perception of Space
Small living areas that are dark with poor lighting can appear even smaller than their actual size. Light is integral in bringing an airy, bright feeling to rooms, making them feel bigger.
The suggestion is to not only go with a larger size rug but also find those with light, reflective colors. The natural and artificial light will bounce off of the rug, creating a brilliant aesthetic. The texture interacts with the reflective nature of the rug to make the space warm and inviting.
Shaggy or plush carpets might be a choice to emphasize a welcoming presentation; however, these absorb light, making the room actually feel smaller. Low-pile or flat-weave are recommended in light tones for maximum vibrance and visual perception of space.
The Depth
Rug choice in a room can be incredibly transformative, with the potential to impact the space’s perceived depth. Carpets with patterns or stripes that encourage your eye to follow the pattern give the impression of length. With this visual effect, the living area appears much larger.
This effect is especially beneficial when dressing in a tiny bedroom or narrow hallway. The hallway will appear longer and more prominent, while the small master bedroom gives a massive impression.
While rugs can make your small room seem bigger and more prominent, there are other factors to consider when choosing the best rug for your small room.
The Perfect Size
When working with a small room, the recommendation is to cover a significant portion of the floor but leave some clearance around the edges for an open and spacious feel.
Many people underestimate the size needed for their living area, often settling on a smaller size. Using small-sized carpets throughout the room creates a disjointed, almost cluttered vibe, in turn, giving the impression of a small space.
Larger rugs, roughly 8×10 or 9×12, open the space up and give the illusion of more space in a smaller room. Click here for guidance on choosing the right rug size for each room of your home.
The Pattern and Colors
In a smaller area, neutral shades are recommended in varying shades of white, pale gray, beige, and on. Patterns should also be more conservative to avoid overwhelming the room and making the space appear closed and confined.
Placement
Rug placement plays an integral part in how the room is perceived. In the living room, the front portion of the furnishings should sit on the rug with adequate space between the rug’s edge and the baseboards. In the bedroom, rugs should be situated under the bed, with the edges extending into the room.
This placement is not only aesthetically beneficial but also adds a functional element to the room. When you wake in the morning, your feet will have a cushioned and warm surface.
Texture
You want to avoid introducing shag-style rugs, those that are plush, into a small living room. Lower piles or flat weaves add light and a sense of more space. That doesn’t mean comfort should be compromised. When consulting with rug experts, you can readily find warm and soft options in these textures.
Final Thought
Whether you have an incredibly compact apartment or a studio or are a homeowner with a tiny living area, you can create an open, vibrant, and large space with your choice of area rugs.
An 8×10 or 9×12 rug with neutral colors, distinct patterns, and the right placement will ultimately determine the perceived size of your room.
Rugs are versatile, from the hand-knotted sizable rugs to the flatweave carpets, and the hand-tufted options, each presents a different impression when introduced into a living area. These simple additions can transform a confined space into a brilliant and inviting environment.
