Choosing the right area rug size can be the difference between a room that feels perfectly balanced and one that feels awkwardly cramped or empty. Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect rug size for your space:
General Guidlines
Measure Your Space: Before you start shopping, measure the area you want to cover with a rug. Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of the area, and mark it out on the floor with painter’s tape if necessary. This will give you a visual reference for the size of rug you need. After you tape off the area you would like the rug to cover, measure that. You can either order a custom size rug or round up to the nearest standard size, making sure that it won’t be in the way of any doors or furniture.
Consider Furniture Placement: Think about how your furniture will be arranged on the rug. With a few exceptions, you want your furniture to be all the way on or all the way off of your rug. We will talk about those guidelines for specific rooms a little bit later. Think of it as the anchor for a particular grouping of furniture.
Leave Space Around the Edges: It’s important to leave some space between the edge of the rug and the walls of the room. A good rule of thumb is to leave about anywhere between 6 and 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the walls. This helps to create a balanced look and prevents the rug from looking like it’s floating in the middle of the room.
Consider the Shape of the Room: The shape of your room can also influence the size and shape of the rug you choose. In a square room, a square or round rug can help to soften the angles, while in a long, narrow room, a rectangular rug can help to visually widen the space.
Layering Rugs: If you’re having trouble finding a rug that’s the right size for your space, consider layering rugs. You can layer a smaller rug on top of a larger one to create a more interesting look, or use multiple rugs of different sizes to define different zones within a larger space.
bedrooms
Your rug should be large enough that your feet touch it when you climb out of bed. I recommend that it extends 2 to 3 feet beyond both sides of the bed, giving you plenty of room to keep your feet protected from the cold bare floor. You can place your rug all the way under your bed or only about 2/3 of the way. However, you’ll want the rest of your furniture to either be completely on or completely off of the rug. Allow at least 2 to 3 inches of bare floor between your rug and your furniture so that it doesn’t push up against your pieces. Below is a chart with some standard size options:
Living Rooms
We all know that the larger the rug, the larger the price tag. In living areas I recommend that you buy the largest size your room and budget can accommodate. Ideally, all of your seating would be fully on your rug, but if you need a slightly smaller size it is ok for only the front two legs of any sofa or chair to be on top of the rug. Any other furniture, such as side tables, should be fully on or fully off of the rug. No one wants to set their drink down on an unstable table. If you find a smaller rug that you absolutely love, the living room is the perfect place for layering. Try placing the smaller rug over a larger plain rug like sisal or jute. Many companies offer custom sizing for patterned area rugs or you can order broadloom carpet and have it bound, this is a great option for large, open living rooms. Below is a chart with some standard size options:
Dining Rooms
In your dining room you’ll want to ensure that all of your dining chairs not only fit on your rug, but also when you pull them away from the table the legs remain on the rug. The best way to go about this is to measure your table, including any extensions that might be included and add at least 48 inches to the width and the length to find your minimum rug size. Another thing to consider is the shape of your rug, you cannot go wrong if the shape of your rug mimics the shape of your table. Below is a chart with some standard size options:
Hopefully these guidelines have you well on your way to picking the perfect rug for your space. With some thoughtful considerations, and a little planning finding the right size rug will be just a few clicks away!
