March 3, 2025
Homebuyer’s Remorse: I Hate My House, Now What?
Buying a home is a huge milestone, but what happens when it doesn’t feel like the dream you imagined? If you’re experiencing homebuyer’s remorse...
We get it. Rug shopping can spiral into a sizing, styling, and placement vortex. Too big? Too small? Weird gap under the coffee table? We’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: with the right strategies (and outlet-priced finds), you can nail your rug game—no guesswork required.
And if you think you’re the only one struggling with rugs, think again: in a recent analysis of Reddit’s furniture_talk community, nearly 13% of all posts and 15% of comments mentioned rug-related challenges—everything from sizing and layering to color and texture. You’re in good company.
Let’s break down the biggest rug mistakes people make and how to avoid them like a pro.
Tiny rugs are confidence killers. They float awkwardly in the middle of the room, making your space feel smaller instead of bigger. Your rug should connect your furniture, not leave it stranded.
Reddit users agree: a rug that’s too small makes your furniture look like it’s floating in space. One user even called a tiny rug under a coffee table “just a coaster for your table.” Ouch.
Here’s how to fix it:
Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb? Your rug should be about 2 feet longer and 3 feet wider than your seating area, with at least a 1-foot border around it. But don’t go too far— an oversized rug can “consume the room” and make it feel visually heavy.
Need help picking the right size? Our guide to choosing the right rug for every room has you covered.
When bigger is indeed better for your space, you can find oversized rugs without oversized prices at CORT Furniture Outlet. Our new and gently-used pre-leased, CORT Certified pieces are cleaned, graded, and ready to anchor your space right.
If your rug blends into the floor, it’s not doing its job. Rugs are your chance to go bold: think color, pattern, or texture. Neutral furniture? Even more reason to bring in a bold statement rug.
Going bold with a rug is one of the most inexpensive ways to change your space by swapping out one piece. Instead of bland and basic beige, contrast a charcoal sofa with a distressed jewel-tone rug. Or add energy with a geometric print in navy or terracotta.
Design should never be dull. Here’s how to pick a rug that will enhance your space and get you the look you’re after:
One area of caution though is busy rugs and bold furniture can overwhelm a room. On the flip side, a bland rug in a neutral room can feel sterile and uninviting. The takeaway? Match your rug’s vibe to your room’s personality. If you’re not sure where to find a fun rug that tickles your fancy, we’ve got you covered with expertly curated pieces that will stun and make your room pop.
Layering rugs is an interior design cheat code. Layering rugs adds warmth, texture, and depth, especially in open-plan spaces or rentals with lackluster flooring.
Does one rug seem to be falling flat? You can fix it by stacking and layering it. Start with a large jute or sisal base, then layer a colorful 5×7 or cowhide on top.
Not only does it look curated, but it also helps stretch your budget by letting a smaller statement rug do the talking.
Forget the over-styled Instagram fluff. Here’s what layering looks like in real life–and that won’t trip you up, literally:
Pro Tip: Multiple small rugs that are too close together or disconnected can make a space feel cluttered or disjointed. Instead, use one large rug to anchor a space—or layer intentionally.
Even carpeted rooms or unexpected spaces can benefit from an area rug. Rugs define zones, soften acoustics, and add character that wall-to-wall carpet just can’t.
This is a simple enough fix. Use a bold rug under your bed to frame the space. Or add a runner in a hallway to bring energy and intention to a high-traffic area—especially smart when you’re not already using them in stair landings or overlooked nooks.
We’re all for saving money—but not if it means shedding fibers, odd smells (is that cat pee?!), or fading dyes. Skip the mystery thrift finds and horrors of secondhand, and shop where quality is vetted.
There’s a better way to get pieces at budget prices. CORT Furniture Outlet rugs are either new or gently used, professionally cleaned, and certified for durability. You get style and peace of mind—without the sticker shock.
It’s all about proportions. But if you’re in a pinch deciding how big an area rug should be, here’s your cheat sheet:
Need help? Measure twice, tape the layout, and bring your dimensions to CORT Outlet.
Forget the over-styled Instagram fluff. Here’s what layering looks like in real life:
From scale to placement, we’ve got the tips—and the pieces—that help your rug work with your room, not against it.
Whether you’re layering in a little color or sizing up to anchor a full seating area, CORT Furniture Outlet is your go-to for high-quality, budget-friendly rugs. Our ever-changing inventory includes new and gently used, CORT Certified area rugs in styles you actually want, so you can skip the guesswork and shop with confidence.
Stop by your local CORT Furniture Outlet or browse online to find rugs and furniture that actually fit your space—and your budget. Your next design win is waiting.
