Define function in an open plan space.
How to revitalizean area rug.
A rug that is too large for the room can paradoxically make the room feel smaller.
When selecting an area rug make sure that it extends under all the key pieces of furniture in the room.
When laying the rug over carpet however the concern is more about the rug wrinkling or rippling which presents a big tripping hazard wrinkling will occur because as one area of the rug is stepped on it will shift assuming it is not properly.
As a general rule your area rug should be about the size of your living room s seating area to ground the conversation space.
The size of an area rug can dramatically alter the room s overall effect.
In a living room for instance all of the furniture should be on top of the rug if this isn t possible it s okay to have the front legs of major upholstered pieces on the rug and the back legs off.
With the correct instruments and exact measurements it is possible to trim an area rug and leave it looking good enough to use in your space.
Create a conversation area.
Depending upon the size of the room there can be more rug extension around the bed as seen in this room by lauren nelson design but not less.
Disguise a less than perfect floor.
Rather than placing your area rug at the room s center use the setup of your seating to determine the best placement.
You can find great rugs at estate sales but they 39 re often quite dingy.
For an area rug to look balanced under a bed it should be large enough to extend beyond the sides of the bed at least 18 inches for a king or queen bed and at least 12 inches for a full or twin bed.
Although rugs come in many shapes and sizes you may occasionally need to trim a rug to make it fit a certain spot in your home.
The right sized area rug will bring warmth and balance to the room creating the perfect finishing touch.
Change the character and the dynamics of the room.
When laying an area rug over a hard surface such as hardwood flooring the biggest concern about the rug s movement is that it will slide around.
Freshen up an old rug with a simple salt wash to brighten colors and get rid of grime.
When you think your floor may be dry enough to put down your rug put a cotton dish towel over the test panel and walk over it.
If the towel discolors wait longer.
Malene barnett principal of malene b a custom design carpet company based out of brooklyn n y says the area rug should be used as the focal point in a room.
Depending on your preference she suggests a rug that will provide space enough for the furniture to sit on top.
An area rug gives you design flexibility in the living room.
Note that while oils on the floor can damage rugs a rug can also damage a refinished floor.
Get the placement right and the entire room comes into focus.
Do extend rugs under furniture.
Use the same techniques to cut old wall to wall carpet down to area rug size.