A rug can complete the look of your living room. It adds warmth, ambience and style and connects disparate elements into a harmonious whole. However, choosing the right rug can often go wrong. From an incorrect size to a colour that clashes with the rest of your interior—these mistakes can make your living room less attractive than you had in mind.

We discuss five common mistakes when choosing a rug and give you practical tips on how to avoid them. This way, you are guaranteed to make the right choice and give your living room the look it deserves.

Choosing the wrong size

Choosing the right size is perhaps the most crucial step when buying a rug for your living room. However, this often goes wrong. A too small rug can look lost and make the space seem smaller. On the other hand, a rug that is too large can swallow up furniture and throw the room off balance.

How do you avoid this?

• Measure your living room carefully and determine where the rug will be placed.
• Use masking tape to draw the desired size on the floor. This will give you an idea of ​​how the rug will fit in the room.
• Stick to the general guideline: ensure the rug is at least 20 to 30 cm under the legs of your sofa or chair. This creates cohesion and a spatial effect.
• With these tips, you can choose a size that perfectly matches your living room and prevents a messy or unfinished look.

Not taking the function of the room into account.

A rug should not only be beautiful but also practical. Many people choose a rug based on its appearance without considering its use. For example, a high-pile carpet can quickly become dirty and difficult to clean in a busy household with children or pets. Choosing easy-care materials such as cotton, jute, or synthetic fibres is smart. These fabrics are easy to clean and can withstand a beating.

A cosy, low-pile rug is often the best choice in high-traffic areas, such as the living room. It holds less dust and retains its shape better. For added convenience, you can also consider a washable carpet. This way, you can enjoy your rug longer without worrying about stains or wear.

Colors and patterns that don’t match

A rug can be a real eye-catcher, but the wrong colour or print can disrupt the balance in your interior. Patterns that are too busy can make the space look chaotic, while a colour that is too neutral makes the room look flat. That’s why matching the rug’s colours well to your furniture and walls is essential.

A handy tip is to take colour samples of your furniture with you when you go shopping. This way, you can quickly assess whether a rug fits in with the rest of your interior. A calm pattern is often the best choice if your interior already contains many striking elements. Do you have a neutral base? Then, you can experiment with a striking design to add more dynamics. Match the rug to accessories such as cushions and curtains for a cohesive whole.

Forgetting to test comfort

A rug should not only look good but also feel comfortable. Yet, this practical side is often overlooked. People buy a rug online without testing it first, only to discover that the material is too rough or uncomfortable.

To avoid disappointment, visiting a showroom and feeling the rug yourself is wise. Pay attention to the density of the pile because denser woven rugs often feel softer and last longer. As an extra tip, you can add an anti-slip mat. This prevents slippage and, at the same time, provides additional cushioning, making the whole thing feel even more comfortable.

Ignoring styling and placement

Even a beautiful rug can lose its effect if it is placed incorrectly. A common mistake is to put the rug loosely in the middle of the room, which makes the space look disjointed.

Proper placement can create more connections. Sliding the rug partly under the couch or armchair creates cohesion and a sense of space. In larger living rooms, choosing a larger rug that all the furniture legs fit on often works well. This gives a luxurious look and makes the seating area a whole.

Do you want more depth and texture in your interior? Then, you can also create layers by placing a small low-pile rug over a more significant, plain rug. This provides extra warmth and a playful look.