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Guide on How to Decorate with Area Rugs

A good area rug adds warmth to hard floors, anchors your furniture, and can pull a whole room together, all without a major investment. But beyond color and pattern, getting the size and placement right is what makes a rug actually work in a room. Here's a practical guide to choosing and styling area rugs in your apartment, as well as where to shop for them in Minot, ND.  


What Are Standard Area Rug Sizes?  

The most common rectangular sizes are 5'x8', 6'x9', 8'x10', and 9'x12'. Smaller accent rugs in 3'x5' or 4'x6' work well in entryways, kitchens, and otherwise bare areas of your apartment. Runner rugs are long and narrow, typically coming in 2'x6' or 2'x8', and round rugs are usually available in 4', 6', and 8' diameters.  


If you're not sure which size to go with, lay down painter's tape to outline the dimensions on your floor before you buy. It takes only five minutes and can potentially save you a return trip.  

A man and woman are doing push-ups on a mat in a living room.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Space  

The most common mistake with area rugs is going too small. An undersized rug looks like it's floating and won't do much to anchor your furniture. Here's what works in each room.  


What Size Rug for a Living Room?  

For most living rooms, an 8'x10' or 9'x12' rug works best. You want at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sitting on the rug so the seating area feels connected. For open-concept or larger rooms, step up to a 9'x12' or 10'x14'. In a smaller apartment living room, a 5'x7' or 5'x8' works as long as it's centered under or in front of the sofa.  

A living room with a grey couch, a white coffee table, and a large window.

What Size Rug for a Queen Bed?  

An 8'x10' rug is the standard pick for a queen bed. Place it so it extends about 2 to 3 feet out from the sides and foot of the bed. That gives you a soft landing when you step out of bed in the morning (which is almost the whole point of a bedroom rug) and frames the bed nicely. You can also skip the full rug and place two runners on either side (roughly 2'x6' or 2.5'x8') for a cleaner look that still adds warmth where you need it.  


What Size Rug for a King Bed?  

With a king bed, go with a 9'x12' if the room allows for it. Position it the same way, extending out from the bottom two-thirds of the bed with 18 to 24 inches on each side. A 10'x14' works well in a larger bedroom if you want more floor coverage.  



How to Decorate with Area Rugs  


Once you've nailed the size, a few placement and styling basics will help the rug work with the rest of your space.  

  • Work around your furniture, not the other way around: Pick a rug that fits the layout you already have rather than rearranging the room around it.  
  • Use rugs to define zones: In open floor plans or studio apartments, two separate rugs can visually divide a living area from a dining area without moving any furniture.  
  • Leave some floor showing: Aim for 12 to 18 inches of bare floor between the rug's edge and the walls. A rug that runs wall-to-wall just looks like carpet that doesn't fit.  
  • Always use a rug pad: A good pad keeps the rug from sliding, reduces wear, adds cushion underfoot, and protects your flooring. Most pads cost under $30 and are cut to fit.  
A bed with a blue and grey comforter and a striped pillow.

Where to Find Area Rugs in Minot, ND  

If you want to see and feel the rugs in person before buying, and you're shopping locally, Minot has several good options.  

  • Tollefson's Carpetland: Family-owned and operating in Minot since 1925, Tollefson's carries a full range of flooring products, including area rugs.  
  • Carpet Garage: In business since 1973 with a dedicated area rug section that includes hundreds of styles, sizes, and price points.  
  • iKeating Furniture: A regional furniture retailer with a Minot location that carries over 200 area rugs from brands like Signature Design by Ashley.  
  • HomeGoods and TJ Maxx: Located inside Dakota Square Mall and right next door to each other, both carry area rugs at discounted, off-retail prices.  
  • Target (900 S Broadway): Convenient for picking up a budget-friendly rug alongside everything else on your list.  

   


Make Your Space Feel Like Home at South Pointe Apartments  

A well-chosen rug is one of the easiest ways to make an apartment feel like yours. If you're looking for apartments in Minot with room to put your style on display, check out South Pointe Apartments. With 1, 2, and 3-bedroom open-concept floor plans and modern finishes, it's a great place to start. Schedule a tour today and see the space for yourself. 

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