The Art of Selecting the Right Rug for Every Room
Finding the right rug size can be tricky, we totally get it. But don't worry, I've rounded up some interior designer’s tips to help you nail down the perfect size rug for any room in your new home. But it's not just about getting the right rug size; it's also crucial to place the rug correctly.
Picking the right size rug can make your room feel more spacious, more coordinated and more harmonious. Different “rules” apply for different spaces. The most common mistake we tend to see is a rug that's too small for the space. If your rug is too small, it can make the room feel cramped.
Designer: Jette Creative Photo: Amy Bartlam
A rug can act as a visual anchor in a room, to help define the space and create a boundary. Placing a rug under furniture, like a dining table or seating area, can ground the elements within the space and tie them together cohesively. Rugs can introduce color, pattern, and texture into a room, adding visual interest and personality. Especially in spaces with hard flooring surfaces like wood or tile, rugs can soften the space and create a comfortable, cozy feeling.
First things first, consider the size and shape of your room and furniture. Measure your room or space and see what rug size will compliment it best. A good rule of thumb is to leave 12”-24” of floor around the perimeter. Of course though, rug rules differ from room to room. Let me break it down for you...
Designer: Jette Creative Photo: Amy Bartlam
Bedroom
Designer: Moniker Design Studio Photo: Charlotte Lea
You can opt to place the rug under the front two-thirds of your bed or place it under the entire bed and nightstands.
Ideally, aim to have 2 to 3 feet on either side of your bed. This will give you a soft area for your feet to touch first thing in the morning.
The typical rug size for a queen bed is 8x10, and 9x 12 is typical for a king bed. But remember, every room is different so measure your space to see what size will feel the best.
Dining Room
Designer: Jette Creative Photo: Amy Bartlam
Measure your table and choose a rug that extends at least 24” beyond each side of your table. This will give you room to pull chairs out.
If your dining table extends, opt for a rug that accommodates its extended size to maintain balance in the room.
Living Room
Designer: Jette Creative Photo: Amy Bartlam
Place the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug
Depending on your room size, try to leave at least a 12” space between your rug and the walls.
In a big living room with a floating seating setup, the rug should contain all of the furniture, front and back legs, and leave some room around them.
Bonus Tip - Layering rugs has been trending, so let’s talk about it
The top rug should be at least ⅔ of the bottom rug size
Choose rugs that either contrast or complement each other in terms of color, pattern, or texture
Experiment with rugs of different textures to add dimension to the room and make the space feel very designed
