How to Use Rugs to Define Rooms in an Open Floor Plan

Open Floor Plan Pros & Cons

It makes sense that people love the look of open floor plans. They often seem more spacious and relaxed than alternative designs. When the living room, dining area, and kitchen are all one large room, rugs are a great way to define different spaces. But there are many pros and cons to consider about open floor plans:

Open floor plan pros 

Flexibility. With an open floor plan, you are not locked into a single layout. How you arrange your furniture and rugs can create a few bigger spaces or multiple smaller spaces all within the same room. 

More natural light. Because open floor plans aren’t burdened by lots of walls, the natural light coming in through the windows permeates the entire space. 

Easier to be with family and friends. Fewer walls also make it easier for families to converse and avoid feeling cut off from those in other rooms. 

Better sightlines. For families with kids, the lack of walls means it’s a lot easier to keep an eye on the little ones no matter where in the space either of you are. 

Open floor plan cons 

Harder to define areas. When the kitchen, dining room, and living room are all one big area, it can be difficult to define which area is which. 

It can be noisy. If your open floor plan space doesn’t have plenty of sound-dampening materials on the walls—such as artwork or plants—and on the floors—such as rugs—the acoustics can be terrible. The large, flat surfaces of the floors and walls make voices, music, and any other sources of sound echo.

Lack of privacy. The flip side to parents being able to keep an eye on their children is that no matter where you are in the space, someone can probably see you. This makes privacy in an open floor plan space difficult to find. 

Harder to decorate. An open floor plan space is, by definition, quite large. That means the pieces you use to decorate the space need to be large as well. Smaller artwork on the walls can lose its impact the farther away you get, and you’ll need more pieces in general to many any decorative impact. 

It can be expensive. If you are considering creating an open floor plan in your home, you’ll likely have to remove some load-bearing walls. While this is certainly possible, it is also not cheap. When you have decided to make such an investment, it only makes sense to properly define the spaces in your newly created open floor plan, such as with furniture and rug placement. 

Styling Rugs in Open Floor Plans

Using rugs in an open floor plan helps give definition when there is no other separation between rooms. Large area rugs can help show exactly where one room ends, and another begins. They also anchor the furniture and prevent pieces from "floating." 

You can easily fit two area rugs in one room by choosing similar shades, textures, and materials. Two natural-fiber rugs, for example, can contribute to a cohesive look, all while separating areas to make defined rooms. If you feel similar rugs will look bland, consider layering one with colorful fabric. The layered-rug style works especially well in areas like the living room.

A Rug for Each Area

While rugs in an open floor plan work great, you’ll want to think about each area individually. Not only does each area see a different type of foot traffic, but you want all the rugs to fit the needs of the space, while still making sure the designs flow together. Here is some guidance when picking rugs in an open floor plan.

For the Living Room

It’s important to get the right fit when it comes to a living room rug. Factor in a rug that is big enough to fit under furniture and anchor it to the space. You can measure it out beforehand to get the best results.

Since the living room often has more furniture, opt for a rug that is on the more neutral side. These rugs in an open floor plan can pull this communal space together without being too distracting. Wool and sisal blends are excellent materials that help make a living room feel super cozy.

For the Dining Room

For a dining room rug in an open floor plan, you want something that is both soft and durable. Yes, this will be a place the family will gather together, but the rug needs to stand up to spills and longtime use. Pick a rug material you can spot-clean, like jute.

Once you pick your rug, don’t forget to make sure it’s the right size for our dining room. Measuring out the dimensions will ensure your dining room will still pop in your open floor plan.

For the Kitchen

When it comes to a rug in an open floor plan for your kitchen, it needs to be able to stand up to the most use. The kitchen is where we cook, wash, and probably spill the most. To pick the right area rug for your kitchen, you’ll want something that is non-slip, super durable, and the right size (are you spotting a theme here?) Consider polysilk, polypropylene, or sisal rugs for this part of your open floor plan. 

Get on the Floor!

You won’t regret integrating rugs into an open floor plan. Bring a more focused look to your open-floor home with a little help from Sisal Rugs Direct. Here you can find a wide selection of natural-fiber rugs in both custom sizes and shapes.