Let’s Cut a Rug
A rug can make a room especially if you treat it as art for your floor; however, if the size of the rug is wrong, it can instantly break a room. We all want the appearance of more space and your rug defines that for you. It’s worth the extra investment to buy a bigger rug because feeling cramped is never inviting. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect size. I put the ones in bold that you need to remember for all rooms of your home. I underlined tips that you need to hone in on for that specific area.
o MEASURE MEASURE MEASURE - If needed, use painters’ tape to lay it out.
Measure the entire area where you plan to place a rug.
Leave 18-24 inches of exposed floor around the perimeter of your rug. I prefer 24 inches. If it is a walk-way area, I use the 3 feet rule. Not using this rule can limit your space.
Your Entry & Hallway
o The rug should take up 75% of the area (use the 18-24 inches rule above)
Your Family Room
With seating being your most important factor, you have to take the floor plan into consideration before choosing the rug size.
Space plan before you buy a rug keeping the perimeter rule in mind
Hands down, your rug has to be 1 to preferably 2 feet greater in width than your sofa.
For larger rooms, you can place all 4 legs of each piece of furniture on the rug.
For smaller rooms, you can place the front 2 legs of each piece of furniture on the rug.
Do you have to have your furniture legs on your rug? My personal answer is yes. If you choose not to, make sure the rug is the width of the sofa for balance.
Your Dining Room
I know this is not popular for me to say, but I’m not a, must have a rug under a table person. I’m practical. Maybe I feel this way because, as a child, I was the spiller of the family. I feel if you still have a formal dining room, this is where I do love a rug to bring the drama. For me personally, on our day-to-day schedule, we eat at the island.
Your table and the number of seats determines your rug size
I can’t stress this enough; chair legs should remain fully on the rug whether tucked in or pulled out.
Leave 18 to 36 inches (36 is my preference) of rug extending from each edge of the table. Also keep 18-36 inches of floor space between the rug and wall.
Reminder to follow our bolded rules and to account for any extendable leaves you may add when hosting.
Your Kitchen
Again, I’m practical, but also know that rugs in front of your prepping and cooking area help ease pain in your back, legs and feet. As an Italian, make sure if you spill your gravy, you picked a rug that will hide the stains.
o Make sure the rug is at minimum 6 inches away from cabinetry
Your Bedrooms
The size of your bed is the #1 factor of the size of the rug. This is one room where I love a rug, because it makes it feel so cozy.
Placement should be perpendicular to the bed with the front legs on top and 2+ feet of rug visible on all sides
The foot of the bed will reach about halfway across the rug
Don’t forget the bolded rules from above
Twin Bed - 5x7 or 6x9
Full or Queen - 8x10 or 9x12
King - 9x12 or larger
There are other placement options that look great as well
I hope this guide gives you confidence when choosing your rug size. If not, you know where to find us. Schedule your design consult today.
