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Sectional sofas are wonderful additions to any home decor. They give you plenty of options, unlike conventional sofas and armchairs. Sectional sofas are assembled in several flexible pieces, so you can configure them any way you want.
Such configuration, however, comes with its challenges. You have the sofa, but the rest of your space still needs to be organized. One of the most challenging decisions on this matter will be how to place a rug under a sectional sofa. But let us help you with that!
Oversized rugs under a sectional sofa are always a good idea
Image source: Applegate Tran Interiors
You might have a smaller living room, but this is no excuse to write oversized rugs off. An entire sectional sofa is big as is, so why not continue the trend? A large round rug will pair amazingly with it!
Yet, before you order the rug, measure the space you have available. A small rug can make the room seem awkward and uninviting.
A round rug for your large sectional sofa
Image source: S. Lee Wright Ltd.
A round rug under a sectional sofa is a great way to bring the room to life. It will look superb under a large corner sectional. We particularly recommend it for sofas with even sides, ideally paired with a round coffee table to complete the look.
Image source: David Tisdale Design
Next, think of the fabric. Households with kids or pets need more durable rugs that are easy to maintain. In the best case, get a rug that you can wash in the machine, and you won’t have to worry about stains.
Matching corners
Image source: Terrie Koles Design, llc
If you don’t want to experiment too much, go for the easy choice. Get a rug whose corners are aligned with those of the sofa. You will be very pleased with the result, and there is nothing that can go wrong there.
Image source: West Elm UK
The edges of the rug can be slightly longer than the sofa, but that is not an issue. If you have excess floor space, consider adding small accessories or pieces of furniture.
A rug centrally aligned with the coffee table
Image source: Architecture Studio
If you place the area rug along the sofa edges, the coffee table will easily become the focal piece of the room. It will balance the look and add a sense of proportion, as long as you ensure there are at least 2 inches of clear space on the sofa.
This method is also very cost-effective since you are either way buying a smaller rug. At the end of the day, rugs are only accessories, aren’t they?
A rug aligned with the lowest section of the sofa
Image source: Fanny Zigdon Interiors
The alignment will ensure a symmetrical and balanced look, so it makes perfect sense. Line up the area rug with the longest section of the sofa, and the room will look very pleasant.
In a setting like this, the shorter side of the sectional should overlap the rug, or cover it completely. It depends on the size of the rug, as well as your preferences.
An area rug for a more defined look
Image source: Mesh Werk Studio
Smaller rugs may have an even better effect than large ones. You can place them within the sectional, directly under the coffee table. In such a way, they will make the L-shape of the sectional sofa even more prominent.
The rug won’t extend under the sofa, but it will for sure provide a comfy atmosphere.
Asymmetrically placed area rugs for smaller sectionals
Image source: Enviable Designs Inc.
If you have a smaller room with smaller furniture pieces, small rugs are a default choice. You can add playfulness with bold colors and geometric patterns, and bring the room to life.
Consider turning the rug in a way that draws attention to the sitting area, ideally under the long side of the sectional. A small, non-intrusive coffee table on the edge will create the perfect balance.
An area rug in the angle
Image source: KitchenLab Interiors
Who said that your rug needs to be lined up with your furniture? You can intentionally place it at the angle of the room, and pair it with a rectangular rug tucked under the sofa. This diagonal placement will make your living room more modern and fashionable. It will work especially well with a stylish coffee table to complete the look.
Place the corner of the rug beneath the corner of the sectional
Image source: Wayfair
Rug placement can indeed be pleasing to the eye. For instance, your sectional sofa doesn’t have to be centrally placed on the rug. Instead, you can ensure that the corners of the sofa match the corners of the rug. You can achieve an even better look by adding accessories on the sides.
The best coffee table in a setting like this would be a small, round one, to anchor your design and give the room a focal point. Check Jute rugs, as these are very durable and can stand up to heavy use.
A small rug under the front legs of the sectional
Image source: Joie Wilson
How about classic, seamless rug placement? If you have a small rug, you can consider aligning it with the front legs of the sectional. There are many benefits related to it: you ensure a visual blend from the rug to the sofa and create the perfect setting for a cute coffee table. This is also a great idea for those who want to introduce an ottoman to their living room furniture.
Aligned patterns and layers
Image source: Jenni Kayne
If you feel that the living room lacks texture, try adding two contradictory area rugs. They will add contrast and depth, and give your space some bohemian charm. Ideally, the two rugs will have different shapes and textures, and be placed opposite each other or on top of each other.
Image source: JDP Interiors
Note, however, that such a combination works best with sectional sofas in neutral colors. For instance, you can get a handwoven jute rug in a similar color, and place a contrasting gray-striped rug on top of it.
Off-center placement
Image source: Rugs USA
You can easily achieve an off-center look in the room by placing the rug a few inches to the side of the sofa. The ambiance will not be that strict, but rather relaxed and inviting. We are also talking of a very practical solution, as you will have enough space to move comfortably in the room.
This arrangement works perfectly for creative homeowners who own statement furniture. If you want to have a unique living space everyone remembers, this is the right solution for you!
A rug under the entire sectional sofa
Image source: Boswell Construction
Assuming the proportions of the room allow it, you can get a large rug and place the entire sectional sofa on top. In such a way, you can divide the open floor plan into sections and define the sitting area without much effort.
If this is your choice, make sure the rug is large enough to accommodate a cute, round coffee table or any accessory you’d like to display.
A rug in the center of the room
Image source: Wayfair
If you want your rug to stand out, don’t hide it under the sectional. You can place it under the couch and arrange the rest of the elements around it. You can enhance this look by working with contrasting colors. For instance, a dark sofa and a light rug will look charming together.
Diagonal placement
Image source: Four Chairs Furniture
Here comes another tip for the creative ones among you looking to assemble the perfect living space. How about discarding the traditional options, and placing the rug diagonally?
This is a great trick to ensure there is a flow between the rooms, and that the entire home looks connected and adjoined. You can achieve the same effect by using similar patterns and colors.
Statement sheepskin rugs
Image source: Remanente Design LTD
There is hardly anything more elegant than a large sheepskin rug layered along the perimeter of the sectional. If the rug is shorter than the sofa, you can place it centrally and use it as a vivid focal piece.
Image source: Claire Goodman Design
Sheepskin rugs are excellent companions for dark leather couches and wooden furniture. You can complete the look with bold, colorful accessories and a centrally-aligned coffee table.
Rugs matching the shorter side of the sectional
Image source: Chris Snook
Sheepskin rugs are perfect for a formal look, but they can be quite pricey.
If you want an elegant living room without exhausting your budget, play with placement instead. Place the rug along the short side of the sectional, and the room will instantly feel more cohesive.
Use the rug as a focal point
Image source: Boutique Rugs
We mentioned a few times that a rug can be the perfect focal point of your living room. This can easily be achieved by playing with colors: Pair your light-colored sectional with a bold, patterned area rug. Make sure the rug is completely visible, and keep the look uncluttered. For instance, you can replace the coffee table with side tables and ottomans.
Extended rugs for a cleaner look
Image source: Kim Pearson Pty Ltd
How about a large rug instead of an area rug? Large rugs give rooms a refined look that cannot be achieved with a small area rug. Plus, the larger the rug the more accent elements you can place on it. Needless to say, you will get the perfect backdrop for your beautiful sectional sofa.
Whatever your choice may be, ensure the rug can sustain damage and heavy traffic. Ideally, go for rugs that are stain-resistant or machine-washable. This will save you plenty of effort in the long run.
FAQs on how to place a rug under a sectional sofa
What size rug should I choose for a sectional sofa?
The sectional sofa’s footprint will determine the rug’s dimensions. Selecting a rug that is too small to fit even the front legs of the sectional sofa and the chaise is not a good idea.
Should the rug under the sectional sofa be centered?
The sectional sofa’s rug should be positioned in the room’s geographic center. This guarantees that the rug is seen from all sides of the sectional and produces a harmonious overall appearance.
How much rug should show around the sectional sofa?
The legs of the sectional sofa should be able to touch the rug when positioned properly. It’s common practice to leave 6-12 inches of carpeting visible on both sides of a sectional.
What shape of rug works best under a sectional sofa?
The most frequent sizes for area rugs placed under a sectional are rectangles and squares. But, if the rug is large enough, a circular or oval shape will also go nicely with the sectional.
Can I use a patterned rug under a sectional sofa?
Indeed, a patterned rug under a sectional sofa will add visual and textural richness to the space. But, it’s crucial to pick a design that works with the room’s aesthetic and existing color scheme.
Should the rug under a sectional sofa extend beyond the chaise or stop at the edges?
A sectional sofa requires a rug that is longer on all sides than the chaise. This helps to establish the furniture’s location in the room by delimiting a certain area for it.
What materials are best for a rug under a sectional sofa?
A rug placed under a sectional sofa should be made of a hardy fabric like wool, nylon, or polypropylene. If you want to avoid damage, stay away from silk and viscose.
Can I use multiple rugs under a sectional sofa for layering or to create a cohesive look?
Certainly, a room can benefit from having more texture and depth by utilizing various rugs under a sectional sofa. You may make a bigger, neutral rug the focus of the room by overlaying it with a smaller, patterned rug.
How do I clean a rug under a sectional sofa?
Maintaining a rug under a sectional sofa requires regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. Sometimes it’s best to bring in the pros to do a thorough cleaning.
Can I use a rug pad under a rug under a sectional sofa?
If you have a sectional sofa, it’s a good idea to use a rug pad to keep the rug from sliding around. More comfort for your feet is another benefit.
If you enjoyed reading this article on how to place a rug under a sectional sofa, you should check out this one about ideas for using a rug under the dining table.
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