An area rug can completely transform a room when placed carefully; otherwise, it’ll clash with living room furniture and create an eyesore. There are several ways you can carefully integrate this accessory into your home. If you’re introducing an area rug into your living room, use this guide to help you place your pieces.

Rules for Coordinating Furniture on a Rug

1. Position the Legs Properly

Not all rugs warrant having furniture on them. Generally, living room furniture shouldn’t be on rugs that are five-by-eight-feet or smaller so that the material isn’t cut off by a couch or chair. Put the front feet on rugs that are eight-by-ten-feet so that you can connect the rug to the couch. Place the entire piece of furniture on rugs that are larger than nine-by-twelve-feet to create a designated, cozy seating area. To create a cohesive look, all furniture should be placed on the rug in the same way.

2. Don’t Cram

Position the furniture before buying a rug, and determine which size is best based on the space and pieces you have. Don’t cram a large rug into a room. To prevent a cluttered look, provide at least 18 inches of clear floor space around the perimeter of the rug.

3. Work With Patterns

Since patterns add dimension and draw the eye, make sure your furniture works with them. If you opt for vertical stripes in a long room, have lengthy furniture running the same direction. Short pieces can run against the stripes of a larger rug to create character. Leave furniture off of a rug with complex geometric patterns so that it stands out.

If you’d like professional help arranging your living room furniture on an area rug, contact the skilled team of designers at The Mind’s Eye Interiors in Lahaina, HI. Since 1973, these professionals have provided Maui residents with a wide variety of furniture, including couches and loveseats as well as coffee and side tables. View their inventory online, or call (808) 667-7748 to ask about their current deals and specials.