6 Rug Mistakes That Make Your Room Look Off (and How to Fix Them)

Rugs are more than just floor coverings—they’re essential design elements that add warmth, style, and personality to your home. However, misusing rugs can disrupt the flow of your space and reduce the longevity of your rug. From choosing the wrong size to neglecting rug maintenance, even seasoned decorators fall victim to common rug blunders. Consider these insights to design a space that feels perfectly proportionate and functional.

1. Picking a Rug That’s Too Small

“The most common mistake I see is picking a rug that is too small for the space or furniture layout,” says Rosa Glenn, chief merchandising officer at Ernesta Rug Company. “The biggest culprit is what we lovingly refer to as the ‘coffee table island’—a rug placed directly underneath a coffee table, not touching, but surrounded by the legs of armchairs and sofas.”

Small rugs can make furniture look huddled and crowded, creating an unbalanced room. Instead, opt for larger rugs that provide a solid foundation, seamlessly tying together the separate elements in your space for a polished look. While the furniture does not have to sit entirely on the rug, Glenn advises placing the front legs of the furniture on the rug to anchor the furniture layout and make the room feel more expansive.

To visualize the fit before buying, use painter’s tape to mark out the rug’s dimensions. “When in doubt, bigger is usually better,” Glenn says. “A large rug will create a feeling of openness and will give you more options for placing your furniture and balancing the room.”

2. Choosing the Wrong Fibers

Rug material matters—especially in busy households with kids or pets. “Synthetic yarns such as polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are high-performance fibers that do a great job at standing up to pets, spills, and general wear and tear,” says Neil Hegwood of Rugs USA. This makes them an excellent low-maintenance option for high-traffic and messy areas.

Natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, and jute, are less durable and stain more easily, making them best suited for spaces with low activity, like bedrooms or formal living rooms.

“A beautiful wool rug is my go-to easy-care option because they are naturally resilient and stay looking the newest for the longest (the fibers bounce back and are difficult to crush),” Glenn says. “With the right supplies, spot cleaning is quick and easy—you just can’t throw everything under your kitchen sink at them. Wool is hair, after all, so if you wouldn’t put it on your head, you shouldn’t put it on your rug.”

3. Ignoring Door Clearance

Few things are more frustrating than laying down a gorgeous new rug only to discover your door scrapes against it. To prevent this mishap, Glenn suggests checking your door swing radius and any architectural features, such as vents, uneven walls, and floorboards, that might cause an issue later on. “If you are unsure if the door will clear the rug easily, I always recommend placing a rug sample on the floor and just trying it out,” she says. Don’t forget that a rug pad can add height, so factor that in, too.

4. Layering Too Many Rugs

Layering rugs has become a popular decorating trend, but sometimes less is more. “While layering works well in some scenarios, avoid layering rugs in every area of your space as this will look cluttered and busy,” Glenn says.

A single, well-chosen rug can elongate a space in smaller rooms and create a cleaner, more sophisticated aesthetic. Limit the layered look to open-plan areas or define multifunctional zones, like a living room and playroom combo. “When layering rugs, always begin with a larger low-profile base rug that is flatwoven, not cut pile,” Hegwood adds. This ensures the top rug stays secure and reduces tripping hazards.

5. Skipping the Rug Pad

Using a rug pad is one of Hegwood’s favorite hacks for extending the lifespan of a rug—but surprisingly, many people skip this step. “Rug pads act as a protective layer between the rug and floor, reducing wear, absorbing shock, and preventing slips,” Hegwood says. This simple addition also feels softer underfoot, dampens sound, and keeps your rug firmly in place for easier cleaning and added safety.

6. Neglecting Rug Maintenance

Even the most beautiful and high-quality rug can lose its luster without proper care. One of the most essential rug maintenance rituals is vacuuming high-traffic areas twice a week and using repetitive, slow, and deliberate passes to keep the fibers fresh. “A suction-only canister vacuum is best to prevent excess pilling, fuzzing, and pulls,” says Glenn. “If this type is not available, set the vacuum so that the brush is furthest away from the surface of the carpet.”

For cut-pile wool products, she suggests using a dual-motor vacuum with brush rolls, and a suction-only vacuum for loop-pile wool products. “A lint roller is handy for quick cleaning or to capture those last remaining crumbs, hairs, and particles.” Stain care is equally critical. Tackle spills immediately and steer clear of silicone-based repellents, as they can accelerate the soiling process.

Glenn also recommends regularly rotating rugs to help mitigate the impact of traffic and sunlight, ensuring they wear evenly. Her trick for reviving fibers? “Spray a mix of equal parts vinegar and water over the rug. Let it absorb, then run a spoon sideways along the carpet to loosen and lift the fibers,” she says.