Ask any design pro and they’ll confirm that a rug sets the foundation for a room. It’s also an opportunity to experiment with color, pattern, and texture in your home.
While it might be tempting to fall for a particular style or pattern at first glance, experts say there are other key factors to consider when rug shopping. To help you out, we tapped several interior designers for their top tips and tricks to make the process of finding a rug as stress-free as possible.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect rug for your living room or dining space, these expert-approved pointers will help you avoid common rug mistakes and land on the best option to elevate your space.
What to Do Before Buying a Rug
Most importantly, measure.
Measuring a room for a rug involves many factors. How many inches do you want between the rug and the wall? Will all of your furniture fit on the rug? Are there any unique architectural elements in your home that may interfere with the space?
“A rug is the foundation that grounds a room—it can define a conversation area, introduce color and texture, and visually connect all of the furnishings,” says designer Kerrie Kelly. “But scale is everything: measure before you fall in love with a rug, because the right size should generously support the furniture arrangement rather than float beneath it like an island. When in doubt, I always suggest going a little larger; a properly scaled rug makes a room feel more intentional, expansive and complete.”
Unsure of how to measure your space? Don't worry—we've included measuring hacks and tips below.
Figure out the largest rug that fits.
You don't want the rug to be pressed up all the way against the wall, but it also shouldn't be too small for the room. Designers recommend going for the largest rug that fits (minus a few inches on each side for some breathing room).
"A common mistake is to buy a rug that’s too small. Ideally, all of your furniture's legs will fit on the rug, but at least the front two of your sofa should," says designer Laura Hodges. "A rug that’s too small feels like a little island in the room, while a larger rug completes the space and feels more intentional."
Prioritize safety.
Extending a rug too far into a pathway can be dangerous, according to designer Mary Anne Smiley: "Rugs can add warmth, texture, style, and verve to a space. But! The most important thing to know is that anything we walk on is a potential slip or trip hazard and we must minimize these dangers above all else."
Know your materials.
While synthetic fibers can be a good choice for rugs in high-traffic areas, they're not always as durable as natural fibers. For a more eco-friendly and long-lasting choice, try wool, jute, or organic cotton. Just keep in mind that those materials may be a bit more difficult to clean.
“It is important to pick a rug you like, but you should also take a little time learning about the make of the carpet—what type of fiber is used? For example, a wool rug and silk rug look and feel different, and how you care for them differs. There are many options, so knowing about the possibilities and how to care for them is good,” says designer Delia Kenza.
Purchase a rug pad.
Rug pads are often overlooked in the purchasing process, but they're worth the investment, according to designers. "They help with the longevity of a rug as well as keeping it in place," says Ashton Ford of AshtonForDesign.
Designer-Approved Measuring Hacks
Measuring isn't always as easy as it sounds, especially when it's something as subjective as interior design. It all depends on your personal preference—however, designers have included their favorite tips and tricks that'll make your life easier.
- Use painter's tape: "This is a fantastic way to outline the size of the rug directly on your floor. It helps visualize how the rug will interact with your furniture and walkways before you make a purchase," says Kelly.
- Follow the rule of thirds: Measuring the dining room for a rug can be a bit more intensive, according to designers. Try dividing the room into thirds and opting for a rug that covers the middle section. However, make sure all chairs fit on top: "There is nothing worse than moving a chair off and on a rug in a dining experience," says Ford.
- Roll out the kraft paper: If you really want to get a feel for how a rug will look in your space, this hack is for you. "Kraft paper is a great way to map it out," says designer Beth Diana Smith. Just roll out the paper and see how your potential rug might fit.
- Make sure furniture is in place first: "Always place furniture in the room as you’d typically use it before measuring. This ensures the rug will work with the flow and functionality of the space," says Kelly.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.
