October 1, 2020, 3:04 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
When choosing a carpet, it’s important to consider not just the design but also the size and necessary dimensions. An incorrectly sized carpet can create a lot of discord in a room. myHOMEBOOK explains which carpet fits best in each room and what to keep in mind.
The right carpet depends heavily on the size of the room. A model that’s too small often looks lost in the space, while one that’s too large can overwhelm it. The room’s proportions then seem disproportionate and unbalanced. Often, the price, which varies significantly between different sizes and influences our choice, is also a factor. Sometimes, the desired carpet simply isn’t available in all sizes. This often leads to purchasing a carpet that’s much too large, bringing disharmony into the room. Whether too large or too small, both can negatively affect the room’s atmosphere. When in doubt, it’s always better to opt for a larger model. Why? We’ll explain here—and what else to consider when laying out the carpet.
Laying Out a Carpet in the Living Room and Using the Sofa as a Guide
Generally, the sofa serves as the ideal benchmark for choosing a carpet. Rule of thumb: Take the length of your couch and add about 12 inches on each side. But the shape of the sofa is also an important factor. A classic two-seater with two armchairs usually requires a rectangular carpet, while a corner sofa needs a square one.
Round carpets stand out due to their unusual shape. Here, the coffee table becomes the central component and should also be round and centrally positioned. Sofa and armchairs—possibly with only the front legs on the carpet—arranged around it create a harmonious picture.
In small rooms of about 160 to 215 square feet, it’s advisable to place the carpet in front of the sofa. Keep it otherwise minimal and only place small furniture like coffee tables and stools, as well as accessories like a magazine holder—nothing more is needed!
In medium-sized living rooms, about 320 square feet, larger carpets can be used. Place seating furniture with only the front legs on the textile surface, as this makes the arrangement appear less cramped and more airy. And for those who own a large living room, they can arrange it according to the island principle. Seating furniture, coffee table, and accessories can easily find a place on the carpet here.
However, shelves, dressers, sideboards, and cabinets do not belong on the carpet. Depending on the carpet’s height, there’s an increased risk of tipping. It’s better to place shelving and cabinet furniture against the wall on a secure surface, where they can also be mounted if necessary.
Also interesting: Tips for cleaning and maintaining carpet flooring
Properly Placing a Carpet in the Dining Room
In the dining room, carpet placement often leads to mistakes. Often, only two instead of four legs fit on the carpet in case of a wrong purchase—this is not only wobbly but also looks very restless. The focal point here is the entire dining set. Many buyers often consider only the size of the dining table, not the chairs—especially when they are in use.
Also interesting: 4 tricks to make a small dining room look larger
The carpet should measure at least 28 inches more on all sides than the table. When the chairs are moved, they still won’t be on the edge. And in this room, too, the shape of the table is crucial for the carpet’s shape: round to round, rectangular to rectangular. And don’t forget: especially with extendable tables, the carpet size should not be calculated too narrowly.
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Where Does the Carpet Go in the Bedroom?
The first step after waking up is preferably taken on a soft, warm surface. Who likes stepping on cold tiles or laminate? There are also various options for carpet placement in the bedroom.
In the bedroom, everything is oriented around the bed, but the carpet doesn’t necessarily have to be completely covered by it. Most of the area wouldn’t be used anyway. However, there’s nothing against placing the carpet this way. If available, both nightstands ideally find their place here as well.
Also interesting: How to clean a carpet yourself—here’s how!
Alternatively, on wooden floors, which are naturally much less cold than tiles, the carpet can also lie under the last third at the foot of the bed. This visually extends the bed and simultaneously insulates the room more against sound and cold. For those who prefer a cheaper alternative or have less space available, runners placed on the left and right of the bed are the optimal choice. This frames the bed visually and creates a harmonious room image. Depending on space and need, a third runner can be added at the foot of the bed.
Laying Out a Carpet in the Hallway
The hallway is an ideal place for a long runner. There are also various ways to lay out the carpet here. Often, the hallway area runs lengthwise and requires a correspondingly long carpet. Keep about 6 to 8 inches free from the wall when laying it out.
It’s also common to use several small runners here. And if you choose a high-pile carpet in the hallway, make sure the front door can still open easily.