How to Choose The Right Area Rug For Your Space
Project: Modern Lakehouse
Have you ever ordered a rug so big it swallowed your entire living room? Or so small it looked like a postage stamp? Don't worry, we've all been there. But with these go-to tips, you can choose the perfect rug size just like an interior designer.
“The biggest mistake people make when selecting a rug size is they go too small or sit the rug in front of the furniture. The rug is meant to encapsulate the whole arrangement.”
Living Room: 5 Tips for Choosing Your Area Rug
While every space is unique in terms of layout, there are some general rules that we follow for interior designers to ensure we get the right area rug size the first time for our clients.
While you might think you need a whole area rug size guide to get it right, there are just 5 you need to keep in mind when choosing an area rug for your living room
First things first, always have a basic floor plan with the room size and all the furniture pieces that will be utilized in the design.
For any space, you typically want all your furniture to fit on the rug (with exceptions, see rule 3). This will create a polished look for your finished space.
If your space does not allow your large upholstery piece fully on the rug, you can split the difference and have the front feet of your piece on the rug and the back half off. This only works with pieces that have legs and not a plinth base. Tables need to be all on or off the rug, or they will not be stable.
Knowing the typical stocked living room rug sizes will help you better determine what you need for your room. Most often you will find 8’x10’, 9’x12’, 10’x14’, and 12’x15’.
We recommend you always leave 16” to 18” between your large upholstery pieces and coffee table. Use this rule of thumb to help lay out the approximate rug size.
The orientation of the rug should align with the orientation of the seating arrangement.
Too Small!
Just Right!
Project: Modern Lakehouse
Just Right!
Project: Modern Lakehouse
Dining Room: 3 Tips for Choosing Your Area Rug
Choosing the right area rug for your dining room can be challenging, but it's essential to get it right. A well-chosen rug can add style and function to your space, while the wrong rug can make your dining room feel cramped or unwelcoming. By following these simple rules, you can choose the perfect area rug for your dining room.
An area rug for a dining room should be large enough to accommodate the dining table and all the chairs, even when pulled out. A good rule of thumb is to add 24 inches to all sides of the table.
Second, you want to choose an area rug that is made from durable materials. Dining rooms can be high-traffic areas, so you'll need a rug that can withstand spills and stains. We generally recommend wool as it naturally repels stains. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and nylon are good options to explore for indoor/outdoor settings.
If you need help deciding between two sizes, go with the larger size. It's easier to make a large rug look smaller than to make a small rug look larger.
Project: Modern Lakehouse
Credit: Vanguard Furniture
Bedroom: 4 Tips for Choosing Your Area Rug
A bedroom should feel warm, cozy, and inviting. A well-chosen rug can help anchor the bed, define the sleeping area, and add personal style to your space. These rules will help ensure you choose the perfect area rug for your bedroom.
A bedroom area rug should be large enough to anchor the bed and create a cozy focal point in the room. A good rule of thumb is the width of the overall rug should be the width of the bed plus the width of the nightstands. Ideally, your rug should align with the outside of your nightstands.
The rug should typically sit approximately 4” in front of the nightstands or 2’ - 4” from the wall.
Choose a soft and comfortable material. Bedrooms are meant to be relaxing spaces, so you want a rug that feels good underfoot.
Consider the traffic flow in the room when choosing an area rug. If you have a lot of foot traffic in your bedroom, you'll want to choose a durable rug that can withstand wear and tear.
Too Small!
Just Right!
Credit: Vanguard Furniture
Credit: Vanguard Furniture
Since area rugs can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, you need to consider your budget before shopping. Oversized rugs will always be more expensive, so you might have to compromise on pile height or material to find something that suits your space and budget.
If you are planning a renovation of your space, schedule a consultation with DucyDesign. We will walk you through the entire process, keeping your aesthetics and budget in mind. Choosing a rug is only one piece of the puzzle. Let us help you create a cohesive design you’ll love for years to come.
