The Popular Rug Trend That Can Make A Small Living Room Look Even Smaller

From knowing how to choose the right size rug for your space to finding one that suits your color palette, general vibe, and isn't obnoxious to the touch, there are a lot of factors to consider before you go rug shopping. Then, throw in the trend of layering rugs to maximize pattern, color, and texture, and your interior design plan just got a little more challenging. Layering rugs has become a staple in some spaces, giving homeowners a chance to experiment while creating something ultra customizable. Many folks have chosen to layer area rugs in one space to make the living room's colors pop. Layering works best in large rooms where rugs can chop up the space and create defined areas.

However, layering rugs is not ideal for small rooms. Doing so can make the space look choppy and smaller than it is. Second, layering rugs creates a more cluttered look in some spaces since there is another "layer" or color, pattern, or texture. Using two different rugs invites two additional layers to the space, which can sometimes curate a busy look that might overwhelm a small room. Therefore, some experts advise against this trend. Instead, nix the rug layering and go for some tried and true styling techniques instead. For example, rugs are the one design element you should always size up in a small room. This is because a larger rug will make the room appear larger, while a small one will only highlight the tiny scale.

When styling a rug in a small living room, experts suggest choosing one large enough to extend under your living room furniture, including the table, sofa, and chair legs. Ideally, at least two legs of each piece of furniture are on the rug. However, you'll want to avoid placing all your furniture on the rug, as this could indicate the rug is too large for the space. When it comes to rug color, designers say light colors are ideal for small rooms as they reflect light.

Additionally, some designers suggest choosing a neutral-toned rug that matches the walls or furniture to create a visually continuous effect. Other designers, however, note that this matchy-matchy look might appear dull or boring and suggest that folks experiment with an accent color, which could benefit the homeowner. Further, if you want a small living room to appear more expansive, avoid small, busy patterns or prints on your rug. Instead, opt for larger geometric patterns that introduce unique shapes to the space without being overwhelming. Also, whether you're zoning an area in a studio apartment or simply working with a tiny rectangular living room, some folks point out that round rugs can be an often overlooked secret for styling a gorgeous space. Round shapes introduce gentle curves that enhance the flow of the design and reduce the rigidity of boxy lines.