Area rugs. We love them! Not only does a well-positioned rug tie together a space, it can also offer comfort for your family – possibly even providing a cozy spot to nap for a family pet. However, deciding on the size and type of rug for each room – or outdoor space – can be daunting. Large or small? Square or round? To help with this dilemma, we’ve put together some tips to consider when making your choice, as well as suggestions for each standard rug size.
Basics to Keep in Mind
Consider the room size and type.
Ensure the rug is proportional to your space. In any defined living area, the best layout leaves a 12”-18” border of flooring around your rug. For open floor plans, consider a larger sized rug that will anchor the space you’re designing.
Easy Does It
When deciding on a rug for your dining space, you want to leave enough room for chairs to be pulled out and in easily, without hitting the edge of the carpet.
Consistency or Contrast?
Square or round is all up to you and your aesthetic, but if you have an abundance of square-shaped furniture you may want to opt for a contrasting round rug to add interest – or vice versa.
Add padding!
When choosing the right size rug pad, leave 1″ of rug overhang on all sides of the pad. This means that the ideal rug pad will be 2″ shorter and narrower than your area rug.
Seeing is Believing
To make a final determination, put down painters’ tape to mock the size of the rug you’re considering. This way you can make sure it will fit your space and overall aesthetic
Suggestions Based on Rug Size:
9×12 Area Rugs
- Ideal for a Living Room measuring 12’x18’ or larger.
- Dining room with a large table. We’re talking 8 (or more!) chairs.
- Bedroom with a King-sized bed.
- Basement or Playroom area measuring 12’x18’ or larger with multiple pieces of furniture – or lots of toys and storage.
- An outdoor space with a large patio or desk and multiple pieces of outdoor furniture and décor.
8×10 Area Rugs
- Ideal for a living room measuring 11’x13’.
- Small to medium-sized dining room table with 4-6 chairs.
- A full or queen-sized bed with nightstands. An 8’ round area rug would also allow for cushion on both sides of the bed.
- Large kitchen without an island.
- A medium to large outdoor space. An 8’ round rug could also work in this case.
6×9 Area Rugs
- Works well in an 11’x 13’ or smaller-sized living room.
- A small kitchen or dining room table with 4 chairs.
- A medium to large kitchen without an island
- A bedroom with a full or twin-sized bed. Two 3’x5’ runners on each side of the bed would also work in this type of space.
5×7 Area Rugs
- Works well in a small living room area.
- A bedroom with a full or twin bed.
- A medium-sized kitchen (100-200 square feet) with no island.
- A medium-sized outdoor space, or a large outdoor space with a sitting area you want to highlight.
3×5 Area Rugs or Runners
- Works well placed between two twin sized beds
- Placed on either side of a twin of full sized bed
- A small kitchen, in front of the sink
- Hallways, large and small!
- Entryways and small outdoor spaces