Can You Put an Oval Rug Under a Rectangle Coffee Table?

An area rug defines a space within a large area. Other than aesthetics alone, the functions of the area rug include tying diverse elements of the room decor together and enhancing a decor style. The coffee or dining table is part of this style and should follow the same guidelines. Does this Spark an idea?

A Square Space

If the space the rug is to occupy is a square shape, the area rug should be either square or round. A square rug suggests a more contemporary decor style while a round rug suggests a more traditional style.

A Rectangular Space

If the space the rug is to occupy is a rectangular shape, the area rug should be either rectangular or oval; the rectangular shape is more suited to a modern style than an oval, which suggests a classic style.

The Design Guideline

The design guideline that pertains to area rugs is that the shape of the space determines the shape of the area rug, and the coffee table or dining table should follow this shape. You always have exceptions to guidelines, and the mood and functionality of the coffee table or dining table can be as important as the shape alone.

An Example of the Exception

Oval braided rugs are a mainstay of country decor, and as such they transcend the rule of space shape to rug shape because they are such a strong design element. The coffee or dining table that sits on an oval braided rug would follow the country decor style which traditionally would be rectangular, but the style is rounded with soft edges and therefore is more in keeping with the decor style than a hard-edged table.