Mark and I were lounging in our living room the other day when something extraordinary happened. Despite his previous skepticism about my furniture-hunting adventures, he glanced around and said, "The living room feels really nice. It’s really pulled together - you did a good job."
Hold. The. Phone.
Can I get that on tape?
Naturally, I took this as a sign to immediately start revamping our neglected bedroom, which currently resembles a frat house. Our furniture doesn't match, the walls are blindingly white, and our rug is stained and too small. It's not exactly Instagram-worthy, to say the least.
So, as I delved into the realm of rugs, a burning question arose: What is the right size rug for our bedroom? Does it even exist for a single gal in New York City? (Sorry, just having a Carrie Bradshaw moment here.)
Luckily, I've done the internet crawling for you, my dear friend. Here's what I discovered:
Rug Size Do’s and Don’ts
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of measurements, let's go over some general rules about area rugs:
- DO pick a rug that feels good on your feet. You start your day by stepping onto it, so comfort is key.
- DON'T go too small. Many people tend to choose rugs that are too small for their space. A larger area rug can make the room feel bigger and more put together.
- DON'T let the rug touch the walls or butt up against furniture. Leave some space between the rug and the wall, typically around 8-20 inches, depending on the room size. The rug should either go under the furniture or leave a few inches of floor space showing.
- DO consider your lifestyle when choosing a rug. For instance, if you have pets, a shaggy rug might be a nightmare to clean.
- DO make sure the rug is not too high-pile for areas where doors need to open over it.
Now let's talk about specific rug sizes for different bed types.
Area Rug Sizing for King or Queen Beds
If you have a king or queen bed, here are the general guidelines for rug sizes:
- The rug should extend at least 18 inches from the sides and foot of the bed.
- For a queen bed, an 8' x 10' rug can hold the entire bed, nightstands, and even a bench or chairs at the foot of the bed.
- For a king bed, a 9' x 12' rug is ideal for holding the entire bed, nightstands, and a bench or chairs.
- If you have a smaller space, an 8' x 10' rug can still hold the entire bed and nightstands, but without the additional bench or chairs.
- Alternatively, a 6' x 9' rug can hold the bottom two-thirds of the bed without a bench.
Please note that these are just general guidelines. For instance, if you have a smaller bedroom, you might opt for an 8' x 10' rug instead of a 9' x 12'. To be sure, you can measure out different options and mark where the rug will go with painter's tape to visualize before making a purchase.
And here's a handy tip: If you want to showcase your beautiful flooring or have a limited budget, you can use runners on either side of the bed or at the foot of the bed. Choose a runner that matches the length of your bed while leaving ample space between the furniture and the rug and between the rug and the walls. Standard sizes for runners are 2'6" x 8', 2' x 3', or 3' x 5'.
If you're dealing with an oddly shaped or sized space, or if you simply can't decide on a single style, try layering rugs. You can mix different sizes, colors, textures, and patterns to create a luxurious, lived-in look. Below is an example of a stunning room that uses layered rugs.
Remember, these guidelines are not set in stone. Trust your instincts and create a space that reflects your personal style and comfort.
Feel free to explore different options and get creative with your rug choices. After all, your bedroom should be a sanctuary that brings you joy and peace every time you step in.
Image Sources: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
Xx, Caitlin
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