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Office Rug Placement: 12 Pro Tips & 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Updated: Jan 28


Elegant home office with strategic rug placement under desk area, complemented by built-in shelving and modern chandelier.

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The office is a space for hustle, a place where teams come together to meet goals, and individuals make their run towards success. 


Safe to say, you must do everything you can to make up for a splendid aesthetic in such a space, one that is going to make you want to stay and complete your tasks in style and comfort.


An addition that may seem minor but has several benefits in your office is a nice, warm rug. Making sure your rug placement is perfect can enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your office


Rugs can tie together the design elements of your space and define specific areas within an open office layout, providing visual cues for seating arrangements or traffic flow. Functionally, rugs can also absorb sound, reducing noise levels and creating a more conducive work environment for you. 


Let us give you an overture of rugs - how to choose the right one and tips for perfect rug placement in the office. Come along!


5 Unique Office Rug Placement Ideas


Strategic rug placement in office featuring striped pattern under wooden desk, complementing dark walls and built-in shelving.

The best kind of work-attitude is thinking out of the box, and it’s a good idea to bring the same flair to your decor. Wondering where to start? 


Let us spark some ideas for you with these suggestions:


  1. Choose Layered Rugs for Dimension


The only thing better than a rug is more rugs! Experiment with layering rugs to add depth and dimension to your offices. Place a large neutral-colored rug as a base layer, and then layer a smaller rug with a contrasting pattern, popping color, or texture on top. 


And, that’s one way to make a stunning statement!


Also, focus on practical combinations that enhance both style and function. A durable sisal or jute rug as the base provides stability and texture, while a smaller geometric or vintage-style rug on top creates visual interest. 


Keep the top layer secured with non-slip padding to prevent shifting. This technique works particularly well in larger offices or meeting areas where you want to define specific zones while maintaining a cohesive look.


  1. Try Out Rug Wall Art


This idea is specially tailored for office cabins or home office rug placement. Spruce up plain walls into head-turner focal points by hanging rugs as wall art. Choose vintage or handwoven rugs with intricate designs or tapestries that reflect the office's aesthetic. 


This unique approach adds warmth with texture, color, and a touch of culture in office spaces.


  1. Add Appeal with Rug Runners on Staircases


Enhance the visual appeal and safety of staircases by installing rug runners along the steps. Choose durable, slip-resistant runners that complement the office decor while providing traction and comfort underfoot. 


This practical solution also helps dampen noise in high-traffic areas.


  1. Create a Focal Point with Statement Rug Pieces


Opt for a bold and eclectic rug to serve as a striking focal point. Settle for colors and patterns that resonate with either your personal style or align with the brand identity of the company, adding a touch of personality and visual flair to the space.


This statement piece will offer a cohesive, seamless integration of style and corporate character, creating a visually dynamic and inviting environment for everyone.


  1. Define Zones Using Color-Coded Rugs 


Wondering what the most creative rug placement in a professional workspace could be?  Place rugs in distinct hues to designate specific functional areas. For example, designate collaborative spaces with a blue rug, opt for a green rug in quiet work zones, and introduce a red rug to delineate break or socializing areas.


Create a sophisticated office decor with ALI & SHEA DESIGN’S interior design services for commercial spaces. Let’s discuss your requirements.

Check out our commercial portfolio!


Choosing the Right Rug Size for Workspace


Home office rug ideas showcased in modern space with large herringbone pattern rug defining seating area beneath a chandelier.

To start with, measure your office space. Your rug size should be chosen according to the layout of your furniture to make sure that you are leaving enough floor space. 


Consider the following 4 tips based on your office plan and where you want to place your rug:


  1. Under a desk or workstation


For individual workspaces or home offices, your best option is rug placement under the desk. Opt for a smaller rug that fits neatly under the desk and chair. Consider extending the rug slightly beyond the desk area to provide extra comfort underfoot - cause working gets that much easier when you are feeling comfy.


  1. Seating area or lounge space


In meeting areas or lounge spaces, we advise opting for a larger rug that accommodates all the seating furniture. In such rooms, the rug should act as an anchor to the furniture groupings.


  1. Hallways or walkways


In narrow office hallways or walkways, consider using a narrow runner rug that runs along the length of the space. Ensure that the rug is proportional to the width of the area, or else it tends to irk the minds.


  1. Open plan offices


In open-plan office layouts, large area rugs can help define different zones or departments within the space. For such a space, measure the dimensions of each zone separately and choose multiple rugs that fit accordingly.


Office Rug Maintenance Tips


Home office rug placement showcasing a light neutral area rug under desk and seating, with proper spacing for chair movement.

Just rug placement isn’t enough; you also need to maintain it over a period of time to keep up the aesthetic of your office space. Here are 3 ideas to achieve it:


  1. Timely Cleaning 


Vacuum your office rugs at least once a week to keep a check on accumulated dirt, dust, debris, and the shedded fur of your pets (if any). Vacuuming regularly will increase the longevity of your rugs. Plus, regular cleaning also means less frequent dry-cleaning, saving you some precious bucks. 


  1. Handling Spills and Stains


In case of a spill or stain on your office rug/ carpet, remember not to make the mistake of rubbing the stain. Instead, blot them with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Use mild detergent or carpet cleaner specifically formulated for the type of rug material, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for spot cleaning. 


  1. Regular Rotation


Rotate your rugs every 12-18 months and send them for dry cleaning to both freshen up your space and give a break to your rugs. 


Office-friendly Rug Materials - Which Ones to Avoid?


Your office rug’s longevity and functionality hinge on selecting the right material. Low-pile wool rugs offer excellent durability and natural stain resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. 


Synthetic materials like nylon or polypropylene provide similar benefits at a more accessible price point. Look for tightly woven, flat-weave rugs that allow office chairs to roll smoothly while resisting wear and tear from daily use.


That being said, certain styles can create more challenges than solutions. Here's a detailed look at rug types that may not be suitable for office environments:


  1. High-Pile and Shag Rugs


These plush rugs, while comfortable underfoot, present several challenges in an office setting. The long fibers become matted and compressed under rolling chairs, creating uneven surfaces and worn paths. Daily foot traffic further compounds this issue, leading to permanent indentations and an unkempt appearance. The deep pile also makes cleaning difficult, as debris settles deep within the fibers.


  1. Sheepskin and Ultra-Plush Materials


Natural sheepskin and similar ultra-plush materials may add luxury to living spaces, but they're impractical for office use. These materials tend to shed, requiring constant maintenance. They also create resistance against rolling chairs, making movement difficult and potentially causing strain. The delicate nature of these materials means they quickly show wear in high-traffic areas.


  1. Loosely Woven or Handknotted Rugs


Rugs with loose weaves or exposed knots can catch on chair wheels and furniture legs. This not only damages the rug but also creates safety hazards. The open structure of these rugs makes them prone to snagging and unraveling, particularly under the stress of regular office use. Their irregular surface can also make chair movement unpredictable and potentially unsafe.


  1. Delicate or Antique Rugs


While beautiful and valuable, delicate or antique rugs aren't suited for office environments. These rugs often lack the durability needed for daily commercial use. Their age and construction make them susceptible to damage from rolling chairs, and their irreplaceable nature makes them too risky for high-traffic office areas.


Want expert advice on creating a luxury home office? Read our blog on “Essential Elements for a luxury Office Makeover.


Invest in Smart Office Rugs


Whatever your design language, a rug is always going to fit in your vision to keep your luxury home office furniture always à la mode. All you need to take care of is making sure you select the right size and material, and place it strategically. And that’s it, really.


For professional assistance with interior design and rug selection, ALI & SHEA DESIGN offers full-service solutions tailored to individual needs and preferences. 


Let us step into your office and make it uniquely your own with our ideas and expertise.

Contact us today!


FAQs


What are the rules for office rugs?


First, your office rugs should be appropriately sized to fit the workspace without overcrowding the floor space or obstructing pathways. Secondly, they should complement the office decor and provide comfort without being a trip hazard.


How to place an office rug with a desk?


For desk rug placement in the office, keep in mind that the rug should extend beyond the desk and chair area.


Should you put a rug under the office chair?


That’s a no-no! We advise avoiding placing a rug directly under an office chair to prevent unnecessary wear and tear, and ensure smooth movement. Instead, opt for a chair mat designed specifically for office chairs to protect both the rug and the floor.


Can I use an area rug under the office chair?


Well, that depends. While using an area rug under an office chair is possible, it's essential to consider durability and functionality. Consider opting for a low-pile rug or a chair mat to prevent damage and maintain ease of movement in the workspace.

 

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Alison Agley

Alison Agley, AIA, is a third-generation Californian turned Aspen resident. With a degree in architecture from USC and an MBA from the University of Denver, Alison brings 30 years of diverse experience to her role as partner and lead architect at ALI & SHEA DESIGN.

Alison's articles on architectural innovation and interior design solutions reflect her commitment to blending aesthetics with practicality, while maintaining creativity and functionality.

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Carrera Shea

Carrera Shea is a founding partner and lead interior designer at ALI & SHEA DESIGN. With roots in Southern California and a deep connection to Aspen, Carrera brings a unique blend of coastal and mountain aesthetics to her designs.

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the Interior Design Institute, she honed her skills in luxury design and retail before co-founding ALI & SHEA DESIGN. Carrera's articles on client-focused designs are also a testament of her expertise in creating personalized, customized spaces.

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