How to Buy a Rug | Pottery Barn

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A popular layout is to place your furniture so that the front two legs of each sofa or chair sit on the rug.

For a larger room, you can opt for a rug that is large enough to contain all four legs of any sofas, chairs, coffee tables or side tables.

A rug should help define and accent the space, not look like wall- to-wall carpeting. Leave at least one foot of exposed floor space between the rug and walls.

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A wool rug works great in the living room, where you want both softness and durability. A natural fiber rug is another durable option that adds texture.

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Why layer rugs?

Define and highlight your space
Add color, texture, and contrast
Update the look of your space
Showcase a smaller rug without it looking too small for the space

What rugs can be used to layer?

Any rugs can be layered in your space. Try using a thin, neutral rug for a base. The top layer can be anything that fits the space.

Where can I layer rugs?

Any space can accommodate layered rugs. Try layering rugs in the living room to define the seating area, or layer with soft sheepskin rugs on either side of your bed. You can also layer in the entryway to showcase a smaller rug that doesn't quite fill the space.

Choose a rug that is large enough to fit all four chair legs, even when the chairs are pulled out. You'll want to leave at least 24" of room between the backs of the chairs and the edges of the rug.

Consider if the table has extending leaves. If so, you'll want to choose a rug size that can accommodate the table with or without them.