Rug Shapes: Which Is Right for You?

An area rug can either bring a room together or section a large space into parts, depending on what you want to do with your design. This flexibility is due to the many different patterns, colors, shapes, and sizes that rugs come in. Each choice you make when purchasing an area rug alters the purpose it’ll have in a room.

If you’re searching for a new rug for any room of your house, choose a rug with intention. Have a thoughtful reason for every element so that the rug enhances the space it occupies. By learning about rug shapes and finding out which is right for you, you’ll gain an eye for design when it comes to the floors of your home.

Begin By Sizing up the Room

The first step you’ll need to take when figuring out the shape of the rug you need is to step back and take in the design of your room. Note the spaces that the furniture placement creates. Also, think about the size of the room and its shape overall. All three factors in your already existing design will play a pivotal role in the rug that you choose, along with its dimensions.

Sometimes, you can determine which rug shape is best for you through this cursory glance alone. If you can visualize the shape and placement of a rug after studying your own interior design, you may be able to trust your gut and purchase one that matches the image you want. The same holds true if you’ve pictured the exact rug you’ve wanted for a while now.

Use Tape to Outline the Rug Placement

If you struggle with visualizing the rug, consider attempting to outline the area you’d like to place a rug with colorful tape that won’t hurt your flooring. Try different shapes and sizes to see if any call out to you immediately. It may help if you look at images of rugs that fit the shape you imagine to paint a better picture in your mind.

Choosing a Rug Shape

You may not be certain about exactly what you want when you start looking for a new rug, and that’s okay. It’s crucial to know your options before you finalize your decision. These common rug shapes each have different purposes in a room’s design and may add a unique flair to any rug style you choose:

Square Rugs

Four straight, even sides that are all the same length make up a square rug. Big or small, these square rugs are sure to define the spaces you set them in. Because the equal sides are so noticeable, they demand that the furniture placement around them is just right—otherwise, your arrangements may fall flat.

Large square rugs perfectly zone out areas of a large room to define spaces in living areas. Placing a smaller square underneath a coffee table in the middle of your living room seating area will create a space that looks organized, modern, and artsy. These rugs are also perfect for stacking. You can place a smaller square on another square or rectangle. Alternatively, you can place a circle on top of the square for some contrast.

Use square rugs for:

• Defining the zones in a room
• Creating modern designs
• Decorating entryways
• Stacking rugs

Rectangular Rugs

The most popular rug shape that people place in their homes is the rectangular rug. Rectangles allow for more flexibility in your interior design. You don’t need each side to be the same length, so using your own measurements for a custom cut that fits your furniture is easier. These rugs also look better than squares when you place them against a wall beneath furnishings.

Rectangles are the perfect shapes for hallways and long dining rooms as well. You can use a small rectangular rug near sinks, entrances, and patios. There are very few locations where you can go wrong with a rectangular-shaped rug. Even placing your bed’s front feet on the rug for a cozy bedroom look works effectively in a design.

Use rectangular rugs for:

• Decorating hallways, dining areas, and entrances
• Offsetting furniture
• Matching areas with custom dimensions

Circular Rugs

Round shapes always bring a hint of cuteness to a room’s design. If you’re looking for an adorable addition to your patio, playroom, or child’s bedroom, a circular rug may complete your design. Round shag rugs look and feel like clouds of comfort, providing the perfect spaces for children to relax and read. Once you accessorize a circular rug with a couple of bean bag chairs and pillows, you’ll have a low-effort, high-quality hangout space for your child in no time.

Additionally, large circular rugs can make bold statements in grand entryways—especially when they have luxurious materials and patterns. Whether you want a cute, grand, or quirky style, circular rugs have you covered.

Use circular rugs for:

• Creating cute designs in children’s spaces
• Decorating quirky café breakfast nooks and patios

Half-Circle Rugs

When a circular rug has one flat edge, it becomes a half-circle rug. These rugs have more specific purposes. They’re perfect for entryways, kitchen sinks, and some breakfast nooks. They’re also convenient for when you need to conserve floor space in a crowded area, such as a kitchen dining area or a small mudroom.

Use half-circle rugs for:

• Adorning entrances with welcome rugs
• Decorating kitchens, small rooms, and oddly-shaped rooms

Oval Rugs

Much like how rectangular rugs are longer versions of square rugs, oval rugs are extended forms of circle rugs. This allows them to fulfill more roles. The oval shape allows you to use them in more serious designs while still retaining a touch of cuteness—perfect for a cottagecore look, especially if you’re using a braided jute rug. They also work perfectly as doormats and entry rugs.

Use oval rugs for:

• Decorating long rooms, hallways, and doorways
• Creating cottagecore living room designs

After learning about the uses for all the most common rug shapes, figuring out which rug shape is right for you should be a breeze. Remember to measure the exact area you’d like to place your rug on and trust custom area rug experts to cut and bind the rugs to your taste. Koeckritz Rugs specializes in crafting odd-shaped area rugs for any area in your home. You can pick out your next rug style, shape, and color and specify your custom dimensions for a perfectly tailored, beautiful area rug.