The right area rug can transform any room. While the design and material certainly matter, size is also crucial. After all, an improperly sized rug detracts from the room’s aesthetic, undermining your interior design efforts. Use this guide to help you select the ideal rug size for every room.
Understanding Rug Sizing Basics
Before delving into the details, make sure you grasp the basic principles. For starters, rugs come in standard sizes, which you should keep in mind when measuring your rooms and furniture arrangements. The most common sizes include:
- 3’ x 5’
- 5’ x 8’
- 8’ x 10’
- 9’ x 12’
- 12’ x 15’
Rugs should also never butt up against the wall. Maintain at least 18 inches of bare floor around the edges; 8 inches if the room is small.
Pick the Perfect Rug Size for Your Living Room
You have a few options for placing a rug in the living room:
- An all-legs-on arrangement makes the room feel expansive and unified. It’s also helpful for grounding a furniture grouping in an open-plan layout.
- A front-legs-on arrangement still creates a cohesive look without the cost of a room-size area rug.
- An all-legs-off arrangement floats a rug in the center of your seating arrangement, typically grounding the coffee table or ottoman. This works well for smaller rooms.
- A round arrangement is less conventional, creating a distinctive sitting area using a round rug.
Select a Dining Room Rug
Your dining room rug should be large enough to accommodate the table and all the chairs, even when pulled out for sitting. To achieve this, find a rug that measures at least 24 inches larger than your dining table on all sides.
Consider the shape of your dining table as well. A rectangular or oval table usually harmonizes with a similarly shaped rug, while round or square tables can pair with round or square rugs.
Cozy Up with the Right Bedroom Rug Size
There are several ways to add a rug to the bedroom:
- For the grandest feel, consider a large rug encompassing the bed and all surrounding furniture, including nightstands or a bench at the foot of the bed.
- A slightly smaller rug that extends around your bed creates a plush border where it matters most.
- Lay runners on either side of the bed or an area rug under the foot of the bed if you don’t want to hide too much of your beautiful flooring.
Add an Entryway Rug
The appropriate size for an entryway rug depends on the foyer’s dimensions. However, the key is to choose a rug large enough to comfortably accommodate two stepping feet, creating a welcoming impression. Center the runner in front of the doorway to delineate a clear path into the home.
Visit Woodbridge Interiors
While these rug sizing guidelines can help you make informed choices, nothing compares to receiving professional, personalized advice. Woodbridge Interiors has over 40 years of experience helping customers curate luxurious home designs. Our dedicated consultants would be happy to assist you with selecting the ideal rug for your application, adding that perfect finishing touch to any room. To get started, please visit one of our locations in Arizona, California, or Pennsylvania. You can also contact us to schedule an in-home design consultation.