Living room rug decor
23 Living Room Rug Ideas to Cozy Up Your Space
anne sage
A living room just isn't complete without a rug. Living room rugs add texture and coziness—not to mention a soft spot for your feet to land. Their style is the perfect finishing touch for any living room, and there's a rug for every space. Keep reading to check out our favorite living room rug ideas.
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house of chais
Looking for a brightly-colored living room rug that will really make your space pop? Look for one in blue and orange. These bold hues add a fun touch to any room, and they look even better when they're used in fun patterns, like the ones in the space above from House Of Chais.
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house of chais
For a pattern that's interesting without being too distracting, try diamond-patterned rugs. Diamond patterns add in fun angles without being overpowering to other patterns or items in your living room.
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house of harvee
Faded color may seem like an oxymoron, but it's an easy way to bring in subtle color that would otherwise be lost or too distracting to a living room. To make this look work in your space, pick shades that appear elsewhere in your living room, like on furniture or decor.
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michelle berwick design
One of the trendiest things to do with rugs today is layer them. And living room rugs are no different. To achieve the perfect layered rug look, use a larger and more neutral rug as the bottom rug, and add a fun statement rug on top.
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bespoke only
Green living room rugs can connect your space with the outdoors and make it feel lush and vibrant too.
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michelle berwick design
A great way to spruce up a neutral living room is with a little bit of texture, and living room rugs are no different. Neutral-colored rugs with a unique texture or small pattern can offer visual interest without taking over a space.
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michelle berwick design
A classic color pairing is always found in black and white. But looking for something less stark in your living room? Try a black and cream rug.
The cream is a softer alternative to bright white that will still contrast nicely against black.
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thomas guy interiors
To make a living room feel wider, use a rug with subtle horizontal detail, like the barely-there stripes in the rug in the space above from Thomas Guy Interiors. The long lines help trick the eye into making a narrow space feel wider than it is.
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studio peake
If your living room is filled with built-ins or other architectural details that you really want to make pop, pick a living room rug that matches their color. The matching coloring will draw attention to your beautiful built-ins and molding, and you'll be left with a cohesive living room look.
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ann living
Geometric patterns are another bold way to add life to your living room, and a geometric living room rug is a great way to do this. And if you want the fun design without too much color, look for a pattern in neutral colors like black, white or cream.
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studio peake
Another picture perfect color combo for your living room rug? Blue and red. These calming colors give a sense of elegance to any living room, and they make for beautiful patterns and designs too.
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herzen stimme
Rugs can be more than just a soft spot for your feet in a living room—they can be a soft spot to sit too. An extra-plush rug can double as some impromptu 'seating' when you're in a tight spot, and they'll make the space feel extra cozy too.
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dazey den
If your living room is full of bold color and pattern that you want to 'bring down' a little bit, use a neutral living room rug. They add some grounding to a space that could feel too loud otherwise.
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bespoke only
To make a living room feel moody, add lots of dark color, and don't forget about the area rug. A darkly colored rug in black or deep gray, can set the scene for your mysterious seating space.
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dazey den
Color isn't the only thing your living room rug can match with—it can also match patterns too. We love how the rug in the space from Dazey Den above echoes the patterns in the fireplace tile surround and throw pillows.
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becca interiors
Rugs are great at extending a theme or style in a living room, whether it's loud and fun or calm and quiet. And in this space above, the neutral-colored living room rug continues the peaceful look and feeling of the relaxing living room.
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house nine
Fun and funky patterns have been all the rage in living room rugs lately. And it's no wonder too—with their unique patterning and engaging color, they're a great addition to almost any living room.
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leclair decor
If you're looking for a rug that brings a calming presence to your living room, look for one in blue. A blue rug can instantly relax a space, and it's perfect addition to a living room with a lush green backdrop, like the one above from LeClair Decor.
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leclair decor
To get a vintage look in your living room without having to source a vintage rug, look for one with a faded pattern. The distressed look gives the area rug character and distinction, and it brings in some pattern too.
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afro bohemian living
Rugs in the living room don't have to be giant—they can also be on the smaller end too. Small living room rugs can be used to frame or emphasize extra seating or a side table, and they provide a great sense of scale.
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anne sage
Figuring out how to bring the outside in, especially in a more formal space like the living room, can be tricky. But rugs made with natural fibers like jute or bamboo can be an easy way to add that outdoor feeling and make your space feel a little more at one with nature.
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anne sage
The all-time fun pattern favorite can be found in the humble polka dot. It's a great pattern choice for when you want to add a little bit of novelty while still keeping it classy—perfect for the living room rug.
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anne sage
Not all living room rugs must be squares or rectangles—they can be circular too. Pair circular rugs with square furniture for a stylish contrast.
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(Image credit: Future)
Fashions in flooring come and go, but few coverings can match the vast choice of color, pattern and texture offered by living room rug ideas.
Along with natural flooring and carpet, rugs boast many useful practical attributes. It’s an excellent insulator, cutting down on draughts and thus reducing heating bills. It softens footfall, absorbing noise and reducing sound transference to the rooms below. It feels soft and comfortable underfoot. And, when it comes to style, it can add a whole layer of personality to a living room.
What's more, you can use it to help unify a scheme by running the same rug throughout an entire floor, or introduce changes to help draw boundaries and define zones, and a soft rug will add a splash of color, comfort, and pattern to any living room flooring ideas.
Living room rug ideas
Rugs are the perfect accompaniment to any room, they can add character to an otherwise lackluster living room layout. If you can only add one item to your living room ideas, an area room rug is a superb choice.
1. Go for plenty of color
(Image credit: Future)
Henriette von Stockhausen of VSP Interiors believes that rugs – especially antique ones – can transform a room. ‘I love using them in all rooms, including the living room and family rooms. They instantly ground a room adding living room color, pattern, and interest.’
Living room rugs also have the benefit of being transportable – unlike tiles or parquet floors – so look at them as investment pieces.
‘In my experience, the biggest regret from clients when choosing a rug is not going bold enough or big enough,’ says bespoke rug designer Amy Kent. ‘Nothing ever looks as bold as you think it’s going to so it’s always better to err on the side of risk rather than being sensible.’
(Image credit: Future)
Paying homage to the laid-back beauty of the Cote d'Azur, this colorful living room is a little slice of paradise. Here, rounded pieces with an artistic edge soften the exposed architectural elements.
We expect curves on rugs to be a living room trend to watch out for in 2023. Full-on voluptuous or gently rounded, curves will lift the layout and soften the overall look of your room, adding a bold design focus or a subtle touch of shaping to your décor.
3. Let pattern be the hero
(Image credit: Samantha Todhunter / Patrick Cline)
When it comes to patterned living room rugs and carpets, it’s about getting the balance right. ‘With this sort of graphic design, it’s better to let the rug be the hero and use complementary colors in different textures to layer the other elements in the room,’ says interior designer Samantha Todhunter .
4. Keep it simple
(Image credit: Future)
As mentioned earlier, if you’re decorating your home, building the design story from the ground up is always a good idea. That's why finding a living room rug that blends into your scene like a dream is the ultimate decorating tool.
Here, a cream living room rug adds textural details and warmth underfoot in this neutral living room. Think of a rug or carpets as an extension of your floor and the rest of the scheme will follow suit.
5. Mimic the colors used elsewhere
(Image credit: Future)
Let your living room rug dictate the color scheme of your room or vice versa. The choice of rug can completely change the tone of a room. Here, the blue from the rug mimics the color used on the soft furnishings for a coherent and tailored look that isn't pretentious.
6. Let your rug decide the color scheme
(Image credit: Jon Day Photography )
One of the easiest ways to add color, warmth and texture to your room is to introduce a rug.
More versatile than living room carpet ideas or other form of fixed floor-covering, they offer a good way to soften a hard stone, tiled or timber floor, and can also be layered onto soft floors to provide extra interest or to define zones.
‘We recommend that you start off your room décor by choosing your rug,’ advises Linny Moss, creative director of Knots Rugs. ‘That way, you can make quite a statement – think of your rug as a piece of art for your floor. More people are being adventurous with their rug choices and seeing them as investment pieces that will match beautifully with your living room furniture ideas.’
(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)
With a dramatic rug, the rest of your furnishings can be quite simple, and you may want to pick up the colors from the rug in cushions, curtains or other fittings and accessories.
Alternatively, if you already have your furniture in place, you may want to add a co-ordinating or neutral rug to complete the room, perhaps choosing an inviting texture or silky finish for an added note of luxury.
‘Try a classic rug with contemporary furniture, or the other way round – a mix often works really well,’ continues Moss.
8. Decorate with pattern
(Image credit: James Merrell / Future)
Decorating with pattern is one of the trickiest parts of a living room's design, especially when it comes to rugs.
'At Designers Guild, we are all big fans of using pattern in our homes and outdoor spaces,' says Tricia Guild, OBE, Founder & Creative Director of Designers Guild . 'Each pattern has its own character and consider this when using them – a damask has a more classical feel whereas a pictorial scene tells a story and adds a whimsical spirit to your space.'
But if in doubt, stick to a neutral color scheme. Team pattern underfoot with neutral living room ideas for a modern farmhouse style that is warm, cozy and brimming with texture.
9. Be bold with a blue (or purple) rug
(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)
Deep blue rugs are the secret to transforming your room, as it creates a ‘whole world of drama and impact’ throughout the space.
‘The color creates an energetic, cheerful atmosphere, making it ideal for lively, social spaces. The addition of dark flooring can add depth to a large space and make it feel more intimate,’ says residential designer at Brintons , Jodie Hatton.
While rich, decadent rugs may be associated with dated room schemes, Jodie reassures us that contemporary blues and purples ooze an eclectic combination of elegance and sophistication that will only complement your living room space.
10. Smarten up with stripes
(Image credit: Future / Damian Russell)
'Stripes bring order and structure to a space and have the ability to redirect the eye. When incorporated into an interior scheme, they inject a dose of understated elegance and sophistication,' says Roselind Wilson, founder of Roselind Wilson Design .
A striped rug against an otherwise plain background is a powerful tool in interior architecture – it has the effect of redirecting the eye and reshaping a space.
A smart stripe – whether wide or narrow – is a classic pattern that will visually elongate and widen a room, just as floorboards do.
(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)
Scallop-edging is the decor trend that we can’t get enough of. The shift towards softer, shaped edges is becoming ever-prevalent in interior design with the trend for scallop and sea-inspired furnishings emerging across our living space. The undulating curves of the design create a romantic silhouette that not only looks stylish – but will also add subtle interest to beige living room ideas.
12. Blur the lines between flooring and art
(Image credit: John Lewis)
Like a painting on the wall, rugs can offer personality using color and texture to transform your home into a space that really reflects your own aesthetics.
Even the most beautiful of wooden floors may benefit from a beautiful rug to tie a scheme together or create a focal point within a room. This art-inspired rug will add a splash of color to your home without having to reach for the paint brush.
13. Opt for a rug made from natural materials
(Image credit: Rikki Snyder / Becca Interiors)
Natural flooring made from plant fibre is a versatile option, having moved on from merely rustic designs to encompass smart city looks, too. It can be fitted in the same way as carpet, used as a room square or as a rug or runner with a bound – decorative fabric – or leather edge.
It doesn’t cope well with water and high humidity so isn’t the right choice for a kitchen or bathroom. Ask for flooring to be pre-treated with a stain inhibitor. What's more, natural flooring is not as dimensionally stable as carpet (sisal may shrink, while coir can swell), so it should be stuck down. ‘For comfort and longevity, a firm underlay is usually used and the flooring is stuck to that,’ says Michael Turner of Crucial Trading .
14. Give country style a modern twist
(Image credit: Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)
This minimalist living room is guaranteed to spark joy with a vibrant rug – perfect for when you want a more contemporary feel.
The neutral backdrop allows for the bright, colorful rug – and floral upholstery on the sofa – to take center-stage. The pink kilim, artwork and co-ordinating cushions all help to pull the scheme together for a modern twist on a classic look.
15. Get creative with color
(Image credit: Assignment / Polly Wreford / Claudia Bryant)
Although the vast majority of us are still opting for neutral carpet, subtle changes are seeping in. The traditional beige tones are being replaced by greys, taupes and pale pink shades, while strong color is being used now in the same way as wallpaper, to create an accent.
Here, a harmonious – and playful – living room has been created using the colors in the rug as the center point, pulling tones out to feature within the modern living room scheme.
What type of rug is best for a living room?
When we think of living room rugs we tend to think of wool. Rupert Anton, the spokesperson for the Carpet Foundation, says, ‘It has been used for centuries, but wool is still regarded as probably the best fiber for rugs and carpets, because it is warm, and feels soft and luxurious.
As a natural, sustainable material, it is also an environmentally friendly choice.’ Nor does it get grubby easily and, when it does, it’s easy to clean and maintain; it’s also naturally flame retardant and anti-static. Sometimes wool is mixed with nylon or polypropylene to create a more hard-wearing rug for high-traffic areas and often with a more affordable price tag.
The other favored route is to opt for texture with a living room rug made from plant fiber, such as sisal, jute, coir, or seagrass. Designers and manufacturers are continually pushing the boundaries with new designs and new fiber combinations making it even easier to find the right choice for your home.
Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space.
Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.
How to make a carpet a spectacular interior element: 5 bright examples and tips for choosing
How to use a carpet in an interior
1. A bright accent in a room
One of the easiest ways to add brightness and life to a monochrome interior is to place a bright carpet in the room and "support" it with several pillows in a similar color scheme. This technique will work well in the living room or bedroom.
Photo: Instagram decor.market
Also, using a contrasting carpet, you can divide the room into functional areas. A bright accent will become the focal point of the interior and will not go unnoticed.
2. Color addition
You can choose a carpet of soothing shades for almost any interior, the main thing is its combination with the fabrics in the selected room.
The shade should be slightly different so that the accessory is not “lost” in the interior.
Photo: Instagram tappeti
3. Visual effect
With the help of a carpet, you can create a visual illusion and adjust the size of the room. Light carpets can visually expand the space, while dark carpets can reduce it. Monochromatic coatings can only affect the perception of a room with color saturation: calm and cool shades visually enlarge the space, while rich and warm tones create the opposite effect.
Photo: Instagram therugcompany
Carpets with large patterns and prints attract attention. With the help of small carpets, you can divide a large area into zones, and create a visual center of the room in a small area.
4. Wall decoration
How appropriate is a carpet on the wall? If you remember Soviet times or a typical interior of the 90s, forget it. Modern designers offer a variety of wall hangings that look stylish and decorate the interior.
It is important that the color and texture of the carpet is combined with the finish and the chosen design style.
Photo: Instagram therugcompany
5. Combination of textures
Why not use one rug on top of another? The solution seems non-standard, but it will definitely allow you to create an unusual composition and make a spectacular accent in the interior. Follow a few rules if you choose this option:
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The pattern or background of carpets must complement each other;
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such a solution should match the style of the interior, it will look especially impressive in an oriental theme;
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use different textures: for example, a thin carpet below, and a thick woolen carpet with pile on top.
Photo: H&M Home
How to choose the texture of a carpet
The texture of this accessory is just as important for creating the right interior as its color.
The choice should be based on where you will lay the carpet. So, in rooms with high traffic it is better to choose dense carpets with a wear-resistant surface (entrance hall, kitchen). In the bedroom, you can afford long pile carpets made from natural materials. The choice of a carpet for a nursery should also be determined by the child's allergy, it is better to pay attention to items with a short pile, it will be easier to wash them.
Cotton and jute accessories look great in kitchens and bathrooms as they contrast nicely with ceramic, marble and wood floors. Acrylic carpets can also be laid in the bathroom - they are resistant to mold.
Photo: Instagram arneridesign
How to place a carpet in a room
The place for the carpet should be chosen with the same care as the color and texture, as the correct location of this accessory relative to the furniture will play an important role in the interior. Check out a few tips.
Photo: Instagram therugcompany
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Do not carpet the transition between different floor coverings.
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In the dining area, the carpet should be equal to the space of the table and chairs, even a little more, so as not to interfere with the movement of the chairs.
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In the living room, small carpets should be pushed under the sofa by about 15 cm, and on large carpets, upholstered furniture should be on one side or in the middle.
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It is good when the line of the carpet runs parallel to the wall, door, closet or fireplace.
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In the bedroom, the carpet should be pushed 15-20 centimeters under the bed.
How to choose a carpet to match your interior style
Matching your carpet to your interior style is one of the most important factors in choosing. We have collected some tips from designers.
Photo: Instagram diamond_berber_rugs
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For modernity and minimalism, choose carpets in strict monochrome tones with geometric patterns.
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In high-tech interiors, carpets are a rarity, but not a violation of the rules. A plain carpet of cold colors will help not to spoil this style.
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A classic interior will suit a carpet with an ornament or a plain one.
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For country style, you can safely choose carpets with floral patterns, wicker options or patchwork.
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For a loft, an unexpected but stylish solution would be an aged "grandmother's" dark red carpet. It goes well with the plank floor.
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Art Deco or eclectic style is supported by animalistic patterns on carpets or bright options in the color of furniture and accessories.
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For a modern style, an abstract patterned rug, woven rugs, or simple, minimalist pile options will suit.
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A carpet in juicy orange, blue-green tones will emphasize the Mediterranean style, and romance can be added with a white-blue carpet and a mosaic pattern.
Photo: Instagram therugcompany
Material prepared by
Anastasia Dubrovina
How to choose a carpet in the living room: modern interior design ideas on the photo
Choosing a carpet for the living room
Actual models:
- Antique
- Geometric pattern
- Ethnic
- Abstract pattern
- Nature motifs
3 selection criteria:
- Size
- Form
- Function
Modern living room carpets are striking in their variety - now this is a real trend. To begin with, we will determine what is most fashionable at the moment, and then we will tell you how to choose the best option for your room.
Antique
The interior trend for vintage, unique and imperfect items in the spirit of wabi-sabi is also reflected in the design of carpets. At the peak of popularity, models with artificial scuffs, bleached and even burnt.
Photo: Instagram @laformahome
Photo: Instagram @kover_2019
Photo: Instagram @kover_2019
Photo: Instagram @kover_2019
are unusual in themselves. For this reason, they will take root in many interiors: from modern classics to brutal loft or minimalism - you just need to find a model in the right color.
Geometrical
Geometry is also in fashion, so it is reflected in almost all interior novelties. For your living room, you can choose a simpler pattern that will perfectly take root in a minimalist or Scandinavian interior. A more intricate repeating pattern would be appropriate in more classic rooms.
Photo: Instagram @tvoyakimnata
Photo: Instagram @blend_nijmegen
Photo: Instagram @rania.interior.desiger
Photo: Instagram @villapuomi
Photo: Instagram @kover_2019
Ethnic
Ethnicity is popular in details, so you can safely add such accents to the living room floor. You can do this in two ways: choose a traditional ethnic ornament or material - for example, jute.
Photo: Instagram @la_selection_boutique
Photo: La Redoute
Abstract pattern
Abstract models are like a work of art and serve as an accent in the design. If you need just such a detail, take a closer look at them.
Photo: Instagram @mebel.i.decor
Photo: Instagram @kovri_picasso
By the way, 3D abstractions, as in the photo, are also in fashion.
Photo: Instagram @kruchkovatextile
Photo: Instagram @kover_2019
With natural motifs
This trend is also associated with the global trend - eco-style. Natural colors, materials, textures and everything man-made, as natural as possible, are relevant.
We advise you to take a closer look at the carpets of sand and brown colors, these shades are now gaining popularity.
Photo: Instagram @freedom.ua
Photo: Instagram @n.prchk
Photo: Instagram @dolapo_fad
By the way, natural motifs will be appropriate not only in eco-interiors: minimalism, discreet classics, modern style - all these areas will be able to get along with them.
Before buying, pay attention to three important points - then you can get the most successful model.
Decide on the size
Usually a large or medium-sized carpet is taken on the floor of the living room and laid in the sofa area. Here you need to start from the dimensions of the room and the size of that very zone: large carpets will look good only in a spacious hall - for a regular living room, we recommend taking the option a little more or less than the area of \u200b\u200bthe sofa group (sofa and armchairs).
Do not buy a model the size of a room: such a "corner" option will look too deliberate, especially with an ornament. If you want a soft floor covering, just lay carpet.
Photo: Instagram @walterknollbybg
Photo: Instagram @ink_designstudio
Photo: Instagram @umi_fitri
You can go the other way and buy several small sizes. It will be convenient for them to zone a room, for example, a kitchen-living room. One rug can combine a soft zone, the second one can be placed in a relaxation corner by the armchair, and the third one can accent the dining area.
Choose the right shape
The classic is a rectangular shape, but in a narrow and elongated room it can draw attention to the shortcomings of the layout. In this case, it is better to look at square, oval and round models. The latter will look especially good if the shape of the circle is repeated in other interior items: the shape of the furniture, the print on the upholstery, the decor pattern.
Photo: Instagram @n.prchk
Photo: Instagram @sofacompanynl
Photo: Instagram @floorpassion
Photo: Instagram @reformhalimetrogarden
Decide on the function in the design
Carpets in the interior of the living room can act as an accent or background. In the first case, we advise you to choose models of bright colors, for example, in the color blocking style, which is now popular in interior design.
