Many interior designs will tell you that a too-small rug is a big no-no, but what do you do when you have a big living space?
Styling a large space can come with a range of challenges, and a large living space can sometimes feel cold and bare. To give warmth and add style, a rug (or two) is the real heavy-hitter for your living room.
Rugs can ground a large space, and there are numerous ways they can be used to make a big living room feel cosier.
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Go large
Rugs come in all shapes and sizes. You can also get them custom-made to fit various spaces within your home, big and small.
Size is a crucial element when it comes to choosing the right rug for a room. To help you get it right, measure the space before you even start looking at rug styles. Placing down masking tape can make it easier to visualise where the rug will sit and where it ends.
If you’re only using one rug within a room, you’re generally better off to go bigger, even for a larger room, as it will look more balanced than a rug that is too small.
Think about where you’ll position your rug in a large space. It’s best to make sure you have furniture sitting on the rug, otherwise, it may look like it’s floating. Having your rug anchored by furniture also prevents a large rug from overwhelming the space.
While rectangular rugs are often the go-to rug shape, they are not the only option. Depending on the space, different shapes may be more effective, so consider what rug shape may work best in a larger space.
Multiple rugs
You may be thinking, one room, one rug, however, if you have a big space that doesn’t need to be the case. If you have a large living room, you have the option to use multiple rugs instead of just one big rug.
Take into account the colours of furniture and decor within the space. If using different patterns, think about how they work together to create harmony within the space. Mix rugs with different textures and choose complementary styles. If one rug is bold or patterned, you might want to go neutral and textured with the other.
Play around with layering rugs to add more texture, colour and contrast to your living space. This design technique creates visual interest and allows you to use smaller rugs in a big space. It also allows you to show off your unique personality and interior style.
Instead of choosing one large patterned rug, you can layer a small patterned rug on top of a large neutral rug. This allows you to create a more balanced look and have a pop of colour and pattern without it taking over the space.
Define the space
When you have a big room to work with, rugs can be used to create a border and define one area from another.
Stylish rugs can help to visually separate a sitting area from a dining area, or create small spaces within one big room, such as a reading corner or a play area. It can be tricky to furnish a larger room, but by creating zones, it can be easier to make your living room feel more homely and intimate.
You can define different spaces within a large room, but you still want it to look cohesive. If you’re using multiple rugs, they don’t need to all be matching, but you may want to look at styles that share similar colour palettes. Rugs with similar tones but different textures or designs can still work well together to bring style to the space, without clashing.
The many benefits of rugs in the living room
Many people buy rugs for style purposes only, but rugs can provide many more benefits for your home, from adding warmth, depth and colour, to protecting your flooring.
Another key benefit of using rugs in your home is that they can absorb sound. This can be especially useful in a large room.
Rugs can be used to tie together various interior design elements to make a large room feel more cohesive and inject personality. Experiment with shapes, sizes and styles to find out what works for your living room.
By dividing a room visually, rugs make any space feel cosier, even a large living space. Another tip for styling a large living room is to pull the furniture off the walls. Having everything sitting around the edge of a large room can make the space look empty. Pulling furniture in will help make the space feel cosier and help you distinguish different areas within the room.
When shopping for rugs in Australia, look for quality designs that you’ll have in your home for years. A rug is an investment, so carefully consider which is the right one for your home, whether you have a large living room or a small intimate space.
