How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Your Sectional Sofa
May 9th 2023
A sectional sofa is a great addition to any living room . As any sectional owner knows, these pieces of furniture can provide a comfortable and stylish seating area that can accommodate large groups of people, in a way that is still stylish and pleasing to the eye. However, choosing the right rug to go with your sofa can be a challenging task, especially for sectionals of unique fabrics or that are unusually shaped. A rug can tie the room together and provide a cozy atmosphere, but it needs to be the right size and style. So, we at Decorsify are here to help you! In this blog we’ll go through all the things you’ll need to choose the perfect rug to pair with your sectional. So be sure to keep reading!
Understanding the Basics of Rug Selection
Rug Size
The rug size is crucial when choosing the perfect one for your sofa. A rug that is too small will look out of place, while a rug that is too large will overwhelm the room. To determine the right size, measure the area where the rug will go and consider the size of your sofa.
Rug Style
The rug style is also important. You want to choose a rug that complements the style of your sofa and the room's overall decor. There are many different styles of rugs, such as traditional, transitional, washable modern, bohemian, and geometric. The trick to choosing the right one is to choose a style that will flow with both the style of the sectional, as well as the style of the rest of your already-existing décor; or, if you want to use your rug as a starting point to change up the rest of your room’s style, you can do that, too!
Rug Material
The material of the rug is another important factor to consider. Different materials have different textures and durability, as well as different pros and cons. Wool is popular because it is soft, durable, and easy to clean. Other materials to consider include cotton, jute, and synthetic fibers. Do some research on what makes each of these different materials desirable, whether it be their plush texture, their ease when it comes to cleaning, or their ability to hold up under different conditions. Compare the pros and cons to a list of things you’re hoping to get out of using your rug, and you’ll end up with a perfect match.
Choosing the Perfect Rug for Your Sectional Sofa
Now that you understand the basics of rug selection let's dive into the specifics of choosing the perfect rug.
Consider the Color Scheme
The color scheme is the first thing to consider when choosing a rug for your sofa. You want to choose a rug that complements the colors of your sofa and the room's overall decor. If you have a neutral-colored sofa, you can choose a rug with a bold pattern or a pop of color to add more depth to the room, or if you want to keep the theme muted and soft, you can pick a neutral rug. As long as you don’t choose colors or patterns that clash, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to picking the color for your rug.
Determine the Rug Size
As we mentioned earlier, the size of the rug is crucial. To determine the right size, measure the area where the rug will go and consider the size of your sofa. A general rule of thumb is to choose a rug at least 6 inches wider on all sides than your sofa. If you need to experiment with different size options before making any final decisions, taping out an area on your floor in the size of a few different rugs is a great way to do so. That way, you can visualize the rugs’ shapes on your floor before making any final purchases.
Choose the Right Rug Style
The style of the rug is another important factor to consider. You want to choose a rug that complements the style of your sofa and the room's overall decor. If you have a modern sofa, you can choose a rug with a geometric pattern or a bold color, or if you have a sectional that is warmer and more rustic, you can choose a lodge or cabin-style rug that will accommodate the theme you’re hoping to achieve. There are some rug styles that can go with multiple different aesthetics, like transitional rugs, if you’re still on the fence about which style you’re hoping to encapsulate.
Rug Texture
The texture is another important factor when choosing the perfect rug for your sofa. A rug with a high pile can be soft and comfortable underfoot, while a low pile rug can be easier to clean. Consider the amount of traffic the rug will receive when choosing the texture, and again, weigh the pros and cons.
Rug Maintenance
Tying both the rug’s material and its texture into one point: rug maintenance is very important. Some materials or rug textures are more difficult to clean than others, while some are so simple that they can even be machine-washed!
Placement of the Rug
Once you have chosen the right rug, it's time to think about placement. A rug can be placed in front of the sofa, under the sofa, or both. If you choose to place the rug in front of the sofa, ensure it extends at least 18 inches beyond the sofa's edge to make the room feel full – but don’t extend it too much farther than that, or you might end up making your room feel cramped or cluttered. Again, experiment with sizes to ensure that this doesn’t happen, sitting your sectional on top of the measured tape to see how the rug would look underneath before you make any final purchases.
Additional Tips
- Feel free to mix and match patterns and colors. A rug can be a great way to add visual interest to a room in a way that you might not have thought of before.
- Consider adding a rug pad underneath the rug. It can help prevent slipping and extend the life of the rug.
- When shopping for a rug, bring swatches of fabric or paint samples from the room to help you choose the perfect color, texture, and style.
FAQs
Q: What size rug do I need for my sectional sofa?
A: A general rule of thumb is to choose a rug at least 6 inches wider on all sides than your sofa. Take some measurements of your sectional on each side, and then experiment with some different rug measurements. Depending on how large your furniture is, you might need a larger rug, a medium rug, or even an extra-large rug.
Q: What material is best for a rug under a sofa?
A: There are plenty of different material options for your rug that could serve as good choices. Wool is popular because it is soft, durable, and easy to clean. Other materials to consider include cotton, jute, and synthetic fibers. Read up on each different material and their pros and cons when it comes to both appearance and maintenance, and then make you educated decision.
Q: Should I use a rug pad under my rug?
A: A rug pad can help prevent slipping and extend the rug's life, so we typically always recommend using one! Especially if you’re placing your rug on slick tile or hardwood, a rug pad can ensure protection for both your rug and your floors.
Q: How can I mix and match patterns and colors when choosing a rug?
A: Bring swatches of fabric or paint samples from the room to help you choose the perfect rug that complements the colors and style of the room.
Choosing the perfect rug for your sectional sofa is important to tie the room together and provide a cozy atmosphere. When deciding, consider the color scheme, size, style, material, placement, texture, and maintenance. Keep the tips from this guide in mind when you’re doing your shopping, and you’re sure to choose the perfect rug for you and your personal style. And if you’re starting your journey of finding the right rug for you and your sectional sofa, be sure to take a look at the different options on Decorsify.com.
If you’re working on any other re-decorating, or need any other style advice, be sure to take a look at the other posts on our blog! Here are a few:
What Your Outdoor Space is Missing: A Rug
Creating an Accent Space with a Small Area Rug