How to Use Rugs to Make Your Room Look Bigger

Looking for the right rug for a tiny room can take a little time and effort. You need something that matches your space and style without overwhelming the whole room. When we decorate a room, the key is to make the most of the space. That’s why many of us like to use a trendy rug to make our smaller rooms look bigger. But transforming your room into something amazing doesn’t just happen randomly; it requires having a good sense of style and choosing the perfect rug.

If you’re clueless about where to begin, don’t worry—this is the best spot to discover cool ways to decorate your home using a rug as a centrepiece. Get ready to learn some awesome tips from Des Kelly Interiors on picking the ideal rug that will amp up the space and make it super cosy!

Why Should Add a Rug To Your Home:

Adding rugs to your home completes the overall look and brings a touch of class, making your home feel more put-together. Rugs can make a room feel bigger and cosier but also have other advantages.

Chill and comfort

 If you’re a fan of hardwood floors, adding a rug to your home can bring in a cosy and warm feel. This is especially the case in a common hangout area or bedrooms. If you have a little space where you entertain guests, having a rug that creates the illusion of a bigger room can be really helpful.

They’re Quiet

Tile or hardwood floors make all the sounds in a busy home stand out, whereas carpets and rugs soak up noise and make the surroundings more chill and peaceful.

They’re Healthier

Carpets usually capture allergens floating in the air of your house, so if you hoover often, people with allergies or breathing issues can breathe easier in a room with a rug.

Rugs are super comfy, fluffy, and timeless flooring choices that can totally spruce up any room, particularly a small one.

Make Sure to Choose a Large Area Rug

The trick to making a room appear bigger with rugs usually boils down to their size. Having the right-sized rug can make your room seem larger than it actually is, but other things also play a part in creating that effect. Most people usually go for small area rugs, which make the room look smaller and disjointed. Some people attempt to use bunches of little rugs to cover more space, but that will make the room seem tinier and divided.

Instead, go for a large area rug that ties the room together and makes it feel like one cohesive area. You could also go for a “big” rug, as long as it doesn’t take up too much space in the room. To prevent it from looking too crowded, make sure to keep the rug at least a foot away from each wall. And then there’s the furniture, you can have some furniture overlapping or just put the rug right in the middle of the room with a little space all around it.

It might be smarter to get your rug once you’ve figured out the room layout and furniture because the rug size relies on the furniture you have in the room. Don’t worry about placing your furniture on top of the rug instead of outside of it if it suits your room better. Some people think this makes the space look smaller, but that’s not true. You can even place only the front two legs of a furniture piece on the rug and still make the overall setup look good.

Choose a Minimal Style Rug

Just so you know, tiny spaces fill up fast, so there’s no need to add a bunch of stuff to make them look and feel finished. It’s totally normal to want decor that reflects your personality and gives off a fun vibe. However, having too many textures can be visually captivating, but it might make your small space feel cramped and chaotic rather than cosy and inviting. We really like a rug with a lot of texture, but it’s better to use it in bigger rooms with enough space for eye-catching rugs.

A lighter, modern rug can still be super cosy and comfy, without becoming a major focus in the room. These rugs will be way easier to clean, so if you’ve got a busy area, ditch the fancy texture, and go for a short- to medium-pile rug instead.

Consider Which Colour to Choose

Many folks are curious about which carpet colour can make a room appear larger because colour is such a powerful factor in design that catches our eyes. If there’s an awesome rug with vibrant colours that you totally love, here is a tip that pretty much works for a smaller room: stick to lighter shades. Darker shades soak up much of the light in the room and catch your attention, while lighter shades bounce off that light and brighten up the room. So, using light-coloured rugs in your small room will make the space feel airier and appear bigger.

The smartest move is to go for soft shades, earthy tones, and a hint of off-white to make the room pop. Neutrals are great for a sleek, minimalistic vibe and they’ll totally stay in style for years to come. If you’ll splurge on a big, fancy rug, choose a neutral one that matches many different styles, even as your taste evolves. If you find neutrals to be a bit boring, you can liven up the entire room with a soft pastel shade that adds a touch of colour. Either way, using light colours will make your small space feel more airy.

The Do’s & Dont’s for Patterned Rugs

Patterned rugs are a cool way to jazz up your room, but like colour and texture, not all patterns will make your space look brighter and more spacious. If you want to put a cool design on your rug, make sure the pattern size matches the room size.

For instance, if you want to make a small area appear bigger, we recommend using a bigger pattern that isn’t overly crowded. But if you have a lot of furniture taking up most of the room, you can opt for a smaller design to even things out. If you’re unsure which pattern to choose, we suggest going for thin strips and lines. These will give your space a classic and timeless look without making it feel too crowded.

Choose the Right Rug with Des Kelly Interiors

Choosing the right rug for a smaller room involves more than just picking out a colour or pattern—it's about making a deliberate choice that enhances your room's space, comfort, and overall aesthetic. From the importance of selecting a large area rug that can visually expand your space to opting for minimal styles and light colours that create an air of openness and brightness, every decision plays a crucial role in transforming your room. Additionally, understanding patterned rugs' do's and don'ts helps achieve that perfect balance between style and spaciousness. With over 50 years of experience, Des Kelly can assist you in choosing your next Rug. Contact us today or pop in for an in-store consultation in one of our showrooms.