How to Choose the Right Size Rug for Basement Living Space

Area rugs offer several benefits for any space, whether a snug wool rug for your bedroom, a Persian-style runner for your hallway, or a vintage rug for a traditional dining room.

When choosing a rug for a basement living space, there are some unique considerations, such as a lack of natural light, higher levels of moisture, and the space layout. Large rugs that gleam in a bright living room may not have the same effect in a darker or more confined space.

Although style is important to the room’s aesthetic, it’s also important not to overlook sizing. A small rug in a large room can appear lost, essentially eliminating its aesthetic appeal. Conversely, a larger rug can dwarf the room, making it look and feel smaller. The right size rug complements the room perfectly, accentuating the other design aspects and balancing the overall layout.

Choosing the right size rug for your basement isn’t as difficult as you think. It involves a handful of key steps you can complete in just a few hours with minimal equipment. The result will be a perfectly fitting rug that you and your guests can marvel at whenever you use the space.

Measure the Room’s Dimensions

Before you think about rug sizes, your first step should be to measure the room. Gauging the size of the room by eye and determining an appropriate rug size is extremely difficult, particularly in a basement where there is likely to be low ceilings and an absence of light.

Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of the room’s walls. It is also essential to consider all potential obstacles to measuring a room accurately.

Measure the length and width of the room from the farthest points in each direction. If there are any fixtures in the way, such as doors, columns, furniture, including back and front legs, or appliances, measure around them. Also, measure the room’s height from the floor to the ceiling.

If there are any stairs or other obstructions, measure those as well. With these measurements in hand, you can accurately calculate the room’s square footage and better understand what size rug will work well in the space.

Choose a Rug Proportionate to the Room Size

One advantage of an area rug over wall-to-wall carpet is that it can make your room feel and appear larger. Pairing a rug with hardwood flooring or brightly colored tiles creates a layered effect and helps divide the room into designated sections. However, to get the spacing right, you must choose a rug proportionate to the room size.

Consider a large rug that extends almost from wall to wall for an open-plan basement living room. Depending on the size of the room, leave one to two feet between each wall and the rug. The balance of this approach adds warmth and cohesiveness to the room, making it easier to style and decorate.

When choosing a rug for a furnished room, you can base the size of the rug on the furniture configuration—choosing an area rug that fits beneath the sofa, armchairs, and coffee table to create a designated relaxation space separate from the rest of the room. This approach often makes rooms feel more inviting, particularly living rooms.

If you’re struggling to visualize what size will work best, use masking tape to mark different sizes on the floor. Although it varies depending on the manufacturer, standard sizes for area rugs include:

• 2’ x 3’
• 2’6” x 8’
• 2’6” x 12’
• 3’9’’ square
• 4’ x 6’
• 5’ x 7’9”
• 8’ x 10’
• 9’ x 12’
• 10’ x 14’
• 12’ x 15’

Consider Layering Rugs

Placing rugs is a great option when considering how to best cover an oddly shaped basement. This can provide both functionality and style, and our rug customization service means that you can find the perfect rugs to suit your space.

Layering rugs is an easy way to add interest to your space, and it can also help to protect your floor from wear and tear. This is similar to layering blankets on a bed, and it can be used to add contrast to a brightly colored rug, accentuate a smaller rug, or give a base layer of neutral color to a cold concrete basement floor.

If you’re unsure where to start, our team of consultants is happy to assist you in finding the perfect rugs for your space.

We carry various rugs in different colors, patterns, and materials. Whether you’re looking for a plush rug to add a touch of luxury to your home or a durable rug that can stand up to heavy foot traffic, we have what you’re looking for.

Select a Color or Pattern That Optically Changes the Size of the Room

A rug’s color and pattern can significantly impact a room’s overall feel. For example, light-colored rugs tend to make a space feel larger, while dark-colored rugs like the Kaleen Montage Black Area Rug can give the illusion of a more cozy and intimate setting.

Tropical or floral rugs like the Kas Havana Grey/Blue Tropics Area Rug can also be used to create visual interest and break up the monotony of a large, open space. It is generally best to select a rug that complements the room’s color scheme.

With careful consideration, a rug can be an effective tool for optically changing any space’s size or feeling.

Consider the Material

The material you choose for your basement rugs is just as important as the size. You need durable rugs that are moisture resistant and easy to clean. Consider machine-woven synthetics like polypropylene, which are easier to clean than all-natural fabrics.

Area rug pads underneath prevent premature wear and tear on both the rug and floor. Basement floors are usually hard surfaces like concrete, and a rug pad prevents premature wear and tear on both the rug and floor.

Area rug pads come in various materials, including felt, rubber, and recycled plastics, and help protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and stains. Choose a rug pad that is specifically designed for use on hard floors.

These rug pads help to keep rugs in place, preventing them from shifting and bunching. When choosing a rug pad, select one that is the right size for your rug and has a non-slip surface.

Call Today

Rug Goddess is an online provider of high-quality rugs. We offer a virtually unlimited selection of options, including color, shape, size, and brands. If you prefer, we can assist you with any custom-designed rug you may desire.

We offer exceptional prices on any of our rugs, including Persian, Moroccan style, Jute, and any other type of rug you may desire.

Many of our rugs have sample sizes available if you want to try them before you buy. We offer free shipping within the continental United States on orders over $49 for deliveries.

Contact us today and let The Rug Goddess experts help you find and place an order for that perfect rug to complement your home or office decor.