The Foundation of Style: How to Choose and Position Area Rugs

When it comes to interior design in West Michigan, we often focus on the “bones” of the home—the hardwood floors, the cabinetry, and the wall colors. But there is one element that holds the power to completely transform a room in an instant: the area rug.

At DeGraff Interiors, we’ve helped homeowners from the historic streets of Grand Rapids to the beautiful new builds in Hudsonville find the perfect foundation for their spaces. Whether you are looking to add a layer of warmth to your living room or a pop of personality to your dining area, styling a rug is an art form.

Here is our guide to mastering the art of the area rug in 2026.

Tips on Finding & Styling the Perfect Area Rugs for Your Grand Rapids, MI Home

1. Size Matters: The “All Legs On” Rule

The most common mistake we see in West Michigan homes isn’t the color or the pattern of a rug—it’s the size. A rug that is too small can make a large Grand Rapids living room feel disjointed and “floating.”

• The Living Room: Ideally, you want all the legs of your furniture (sofa, chairs, and coffee table) to sit on the rug. If your space is too large for that, at least ensure the front legs of every piece are resting on the rug. This creates a “defined zone” that anchors the room.

• The Dining Room: Your rug should be large enough that when guests pull their chairs out to sit down, the back legs stay on the rug. Usually, this means choosing a rug that is at least 24 to 30 inches wider than the table on all sides.

2. Texture and Material: Matching Your Lifestyle

In Hudsonville, we know life gets busy. When choosing a rug, you have to balance aesthetics with the reality of your household.

• High-Traffic Areas: For hallways and entryways, look for low-pile synthetic blends or durable wool. These materials are easier to clean and won’t show “crushing” from heavy foot traffic.

• The Cozy Retreat: For bedrooms or dens, 2026 is all about high-texture shags and “cloud-like” soft fibers. A plush rug under your bed provides that essential warm landing for your feet during those chilly Michigan winters.

3. The Power of Layering

A major trend we are seeing this year is rug layering. This involves placing a smaller, decorative rug (like a patterned Persian or a faux cowhide) on top of a larger, neutral base rug (like a flat-weave sisal or jute).

This technique adds incredible depth and visual interest to a room. It’s also a practical way to use a high-end designer rug that might be too small for the room on its own. By “framing” it with a larger, affordable natural fiber rug, you get the luxury look without the luxury price tag for a 10×14 footprint.

4. Color and Pattern: Bold vs. Neutral

Are your floors the star of the show, or is your furniture?

• The Neutral Anchor: If you have bold, colorful furniture or busy wallpaper, choose a rug in a solid “greige,” cream, or soft blue. This allows the eye to rest and makes the room feel balanced.

• The Statement Piece: If your room feels a bit flat, a geometric or vintage-distressed rug can act as “floor art.” In 2026, we are seeing a move toward deep earth tones—think terracotta, forest green, and mustard—that bring a sense of the Michigan outdoors inside.

5. Don’t Forget the Pad

It’s the part of the rug you never see, but it’s the most important for the longevity of your floors.

A high-quality rug pad prevents the rug from “creeping,” adds a layer of cushioning, and—most importantly—protects your hardwood or laminate from the abrasive backing of the rug.

At DeGraff Interiors, we always recommend a pad tailored to your specific hard-surface flooring to prevent any discoloration or scratching.

Tie Your Home Together Perfectly with Area Rugs from DeGraff Interiors in Grand Rapids, MI

An area rug is more than just a floor covering; it is the “glue” that pulls your design elements into a cohesive story. It defines your space, dampens sound, and provides the comfort that turns a house into a home. Whether you are going for a minimalist Hudsonville aesthetic or a sophisticated Grand Rapids vibe, the right rug is the final piece of the puzzle.

Visit DeGraff Interiors Today. Ready to find your perfect match? We invite you to visit our showrooms in Grand Rapids and Hudsonville to browse our extensive collection of area rugs. From hand-knotted classics to the latest 2026 trends, our design consultants are here to help you measure, style, and select the rug that fits your life.

Call DeGraff Interiors today to schedule a design consultation or stop by to see our latest arrivals in person. Let’s find the rug that makes your room pop!