Time to ask the important questions and take some good measurements. As the old adage goes—measure twice, cut once. In this case,however, good measurements will mean only buying one rug that will fit perfectly in that space for years to come.
How do I know what size will fit?
Using a tape measure, measure the dimensions of the room. Make a note of windows, fireplaces, or vents that might be inadvertently covered. If there is an existing rug in the room with a size that works well, measure that. As a general guideline, a too-small rug can make the room appear incomplete or cramped, while a too-large rug can overwhelm or hide beautiful floors. It is recommended to leave at least 18-24 inches of floor space uncovered around the edges of the rug. If looking for a rug for the dining room table, add 24” to the table measurements to allow the chairs to be pulled out smoothly. These rules will help create a balanced and visually appealing look while also allowing the rug to be a focal point of the room. If the space has an open concept, consider the zones to break the space into. A rug will help each ‘zone’ feel more grounded, meaning the furniture in each area will feel more purposefully placed.
I can hear a chorus of, “but my room isn’t like that!” Unless we are working with a new build, we rarely see a room that can easily follow the 18-24 inch rule. But that’s okay!
If the standard guideline doesn’t work, then focus on the central function or furniture in the room—seating area, dining table or bed. Creating a balanced look in that area is most important, especially because your eye will be drawn to that space upon entering the room.
Generally, you will want any furnishings to touch the rug helping to create a sense of grounding. The sofa, for example, can be pulled all the way forward or simply have the front legs on the rug. A bed can be more creatively placed. By either placing the rug under the bed or using smaller rugs around the bed, you can easily find something that will create impact while fitting into your budget.
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Hot tip:
Painter’s tape is a great way to determine the right size rug for the space. By taping off the area you would like to be covered by a rug, you can see where it might awkwardly hit a traffic pattern or catch the legs of a dining room chair. Once you have an idea of the ideal size, compare the sizes of the rugs you love to see which of those styles fits best.
Living Room
When designing a living room, the size of the rug can have a big impact on how the space feels. A basic seating arrangement can help you determine the appropriate size for your rug. As a general rule, a small rug like a 5×8 may feel too cramped if you have a large, open-concept space but sometimes is the perfect solution to a small room. Even when using a smaller rug, it’s important to make sure that most of the furniture legs are on or very near the edge of the rug.
Bedroom
When it comes to choosing a rug for your bedroom, you have a few options to consider. If you opt for a larger rug, you can position it either all the way to the wall or partially pulled out to the front of your bedside tables. This will give you plenty of space to walk around the bed and provide a soft and cozy area for your feet to land when you get out of bed. On the other hand, if you prefer using smaller rugs, you can try placing two 3×5 rugs on either side of the bed or a 5×8 rug at the foot of the bed. Regardless of the option you choose, adding a rug to your bedroom will help create a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can relax and unwind.
Dining Room
Your dining room is a place where you can gather with your family and friends to share great meals and create unforgettable memories. Dining rooms come in different styles, from casual to formal, bright and expressive, or low-lit and intimate. Regardless of the style you choose, adding a rug can enhance the look and feel of the room. It is important to consider the size of your table when choosing a rug. For example, a smaller rug, such as the 5×8, may be suitable for a cozier room. However, keep in mind that the back legs of the chairs may come off the rug while guests are seated at the table, which may not be ideal. If your dining room has unique architecture, a round rug may be a great choice to blend the angles of the walls and table. Moreover, many people opt for custom-sized rugs that fit perfectly in their dining rooms.
Have more questions? Our customer care representatives can help answer all types of design dilemmas.
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