The right rug can breathe life into a room and unify your décor, especially in an open area. But before you start shopping, you need to know two things: how to choose the right rug size and how to place your rug. Taking rug measurements will help you narrow down your choices so it’s easier to start sifting through Rug Styles and Colors.

Follow these steps to visualize how an area rug will look in your space:

Use masking tape to create a border on the floor.

Maintain at least 18 inches of bare floor all the way around to frame the room’s layout and create pathways.

Leave 8 inches of space if the room is smaller.

Give yourself a 2-inch margin of error to avoid picking the wrong area rug size.

Once you have the tape placed exactly where you want it, jot down those dimensions. Use them to help you choose from the standard sizes for rugs.

Your area rug should be about the size of your living room’s seating area to ground the conversation space. Rather than placing your area rug at the room's center, use the setup of your seating to determine the best placement. To avoid looking awkward, your rug should be at least a foot wider than your sofa on either side. If you’re working with larger furniture, such as a sectional, or with furniture that is not placed against a wall, orient the rug with the shape of the room. This will help create visual flow and make the room appear larger.

1. All Legs On

Create a unified look in your living room with an area rug large enough to accommodate all of your furniture. The key to styling your seating area on top of a large rug is to maintain at least a few inches of space beyond where your sofa and chairs sit. The rug size helps organize the seating area and create distinction in the room.

2. Front Legs On

You can still create a cohesive look without the cost of a room-size rug. If your seating configuration doesn’t allow for all your living room furniture to be placed on the rug, tuck it just under the front legs of your sofa and chairs to keep your seating area unified.

3. All Legs Off

While not usually recommended, sometimes a small rug can be a budget-friendly option and still add style and comfort to your living room. If you’re working with a smaller room, consider a small rug that floats in the center of your seating arrangement. So long as it’s properly centered among your furniture, a smaller area rug will look intentional and well-styled.

4. Rounded Arrangement

For an unconventional option, choose a large round rug to distinguish your sitting area. Opt for a standard-size rug that is large enough to accommodate all of your furniture with a few inches to spare, or at least large enough to accommodate the front legs of each piece.