Use This Rug Size Chart to Choose the Right Area Rug for Each Room

Are you looking to update a room with an area rug but don't know what kind to choose? One common mistake people make is selecting rugs that are the wrong size or too small for the room. We are here to help! In this guide, we will provide you with tips on how to choose the right kind of rug for your living room, dining room, or bedroom. We will also offer advice on selecting the appropriate size and texture. Lastly, you can save or print our rug chart for future reference.

How to Choose the Right Area Rug: The Basics

When choosing an area rug for a room, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the size of the room and the size of the rug you will need. Make sure the rug is large enough to anchor the space and create a cohesive look. Choosing a rug that is too small is a common mistake.

Next, consider the style of the room and the color palette. You can choose a rug that complements the existing décor or adds a pop of color and interest to the space. If you have patterned furniture or wallpaper, you might want to choose a solid-colored rug to balance the look.

The material of the rug is also important. Wool rugs are durable and long-lasting, while synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are more affordable and easy to clean. If you have pets or children, you may want a stain-resistant rug that is quick and effortless to clean.

Finally, think about the texture of the rug. A plush, shaggy rug can add a cozy feel to a room, while a flat-weave rug can create a more modern look. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a rug that fits your style and makes you feel happy and comfortable in your space.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Area Rug

Selecting the perfect area rug can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can also be an exciting and easy process. Here are some things to consider when choosing your rugs and arranging them in your home.

• Consider the placement of the rug in the room. When you choose an area rug for a room, make sure that it compliments the overall aesthetic of the space while also serving a functional purpose. Remember that the rug should act as a focal point of the room, so you need to center it properly. To achieve this, consider the shape and size of the room, as well as the furniture placement.
• When choosing a rug for a room, it is important to not only consider the size of the room but also how the furniture will be arranged around the rug. To avoid any confusion, we recommend that you use tape to outline the area where the rug will be placed before moving the furniture.
• A larger area rug can create an illusion of a larger space, particularly in the living room. However, it is crucial to measure the area to ensure that the rug size is appropriate for the room. An oversized rug can dominate the space, while a small one can look out of place.
• When selecting the location for your area rug, make sure that you have an equal amount of floor space on all sides of the rug. Doing so will help to create a balanced look, with the rug appearing centered in the room. Ideally, you should aim for around eighteen inches of clearance, although this may vary depending on the size of the room. In general, anywhere between eight to twenty-four inches of clearance should be sufficient to achieve a centered appearance.
• Make sure the area rugs you place in high-traffic areas are sturdy and easy to clean. If you select a rug that cannot be easily cleaned, you might have to replace the entire rug, which can be costly. Furthermore, avoid placing expensive or fragile area rugs in places where they can become easily stained or damaged by wear.
• When choosing an area rug pad, consider both the cushioning and floor protection. A rug pad can help prevent rugs from slipping and provide some needed cushion on hardwood floors. We recommend purchasing a rug pad that is slightly larger than your area rug and then trimming it down to ensure a perfect fit.

How to Choose the Right Size Area Rug for Each Room

When choosing rugs for a room, the first thing to consider is how many you need. For small rooms, one rug may be sufficient, but for larger rooms, multiple rugs can be beneficial. This is especially true for open space homes where using multiple rugs can help define the different areas. For example, a large area may benefit from using rugs to differentiate the living room from the dining area. Moreover, rugs can make a room feel more comfortable and less bare.

When selecting a rug, it is important to consider the size. One of the most common mistakes people make is choosing a rug that is too small for their room. It is advisable to invest in a good quality, larger rug rather than a smaller, cheaper one.

Here are the common sizes of standard area rugs in feet.

• 3×5
• 4×6
• 5×8
• 6×9 (formerly 8×10)
• 9×12

Our rug chart can help you choose the best size area rug for your space, based on your décor and the available space.

Choosing the Best Area Rug for Each Room

Here are some additional expert tips for decorating each room with the perfect area rug.

• Living room – It is ideal to place furniture on top of area rugs, especially in bigger rooms. However, this may not always be feasible. It is generally better to have the rug slightly under the furniture than to have it barely touching it. The doors in the room should also be taken into account while selecting the thickness of the rug.
• Dining Room – Choose a rug for the dining room that fits the table and chairs. The rug should be large enough to accommodate the table and allow for chairs to be pulled out. One common rule followed by decorators is to add twenty-four inches to all sides of the dining room table, as this typically results in the ideal rug size for the space.
• Bedroom – For the bedroom, go as large as your space and budget allow while maintaining a foot between the rug and the wall. If the rug doesn't cover the entire floor, make sure that it extends far enough out along the sides and at the end of the bed. Additionally, consider the furniture proportions. Experts advise that your rug should be larger than your largest piece of furniture by six inches. Additionally, the longer side of a bedroom area rug should be parallel with the headboard and footboard of the bed.

In Summary

When it comes to area rugs, usually bigger is better than smaller. It is also important to consider both the size of your room and furniture when choosing the right area rug. You should also think about the amount of traffic and wear and tear the rug will endure, as this will help you select the best quality rug that will work well in your space.

Since area rugs come in standard sizes, our guide can assist you in selecting the best size for your living room, dining room, or bedroom. Make sure to save or print the guide to help you on your next rug-shopping trip. Happy decorating!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©New Africa/Shutterstock.com.