In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of selecting the perfect area rug size for every room in your home. Whether you're looking to spruce up your living room, dining area, bedroom, hallway, kitchen, bathroom, or entryway, our expert advice will ensure that you find the ideal rug dimensions to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of your space.
Choosing the right area rug size is a crucial aspect of interior design that can significantly impact the overall look and feel of a room. A properly sized rug serves as the foundation of the room's design, anchoring furniture arrangements, adding comfort and warmth, and defining specific areas within an open floor plan.
Living Room Rug Size Guide
Let's start with the living room, as it's often the heart of the home. When it comes to rug placement, the most common approach is to center the rug under key furniture pieces, such as sofas or dining tables. This not only creates a visually pleasing look but also brings a sense of cohesion to the room.
For the best result, make sure that the two front legs of every piece of furniture are on the rug. This creates a cohesive and connected feel. Avoid leaving one chair completely off the rug in the corner, as it can look disjointed and out of place.
When selecting a rug size for your living room, consider both the dimensions of the room and the layout of the furniture. Choose a rug size that allows for ample coverage of the central seating area while leaving enough space around the edges for the room to breathe.
Dining Room Rug Size Guide
The dining room is another important space where the right rug size can make a significant difference. To achieve a visually appealing look, place a rug under your dining table, making it the main focus of the room. Make sure the rug is large enough to stick out from under the table and hold at least the front legs of all the dining chairs.
Give your chairs plenty of space to move without getting caught. The size of your dining table determines how big the rug should be, so everything looks just right and fits together nicely in your dining area.
Bedroom Rug Size Guide
When it comes to placing a rug in your bedroom, you have a few options to consider, each offering a different look and feel to the space.
Under the Bed
The most common placement is to put a rug under your bed. This option anchors the room, adds warmth and comfort underfoot, and creates a cohesive look. The rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, defining the sleeping area and providing a plush landing spot when getting in and out of bed.
In Front of the Bed
Alternatively, you can place a rug in front of your bed, acting as a stylish focal point for the room. This option works well in larger bedrooms or if you prefer a more open and airy feel. The size of the rug can vary, but remember that bigger is usually better than a small doormat size, which would look out of place compared to the bed.
Hallway Rug Size Guide
When selecting a rug size for your hallway, it's important to consider the flow of foot traffic. A narrow runner rug is often the best choice as it provides a clear path while adding style and texture to the space. The length of the rug should ideally extend the entire length of the hallway for a cohesive look.
Mind the doors along the hallway and ensure that the rug doesn't obstruct their opening and closing. Measure the clearance space required for doors to swing freely and choose a rug size that allows for unimpeded movement, maintaining functionality in the space.
Kitchen Rug Size Guide
Similar to hallway rugs, runner rugs work well in kitchens. They can be placed between the wall cabinets and the island, providing soft cushioning underfoot and defining the space. Consider the length of the area and choose a runner rug that extends the entire length for a visually pleasing look.
If you have a large open kitchen with no island, a rectangular rug sized to fit most of the middle area will look great. Alternatively, you can opt for a smaller kitchen sink rug, providing comfort under your feet while washing dishes.
Bathroom Rug Size Guide
When it comes to selecting the right size rug for your bathroom, consider the following guidelines:
Sink Area
For placing a rug in front of the sink, opt for a small runner rug or a standard rug such as 2'x3' or 3'x5'. This size provides comfort and protection for your feet while standing at the sink and prevents water from splashing onto the floor. If you have a double vanity, a long runner looks ideal here as it doesn't break up the design flow. However, you can also opt for two smaller standard size rugs.
Toilet Area
In the toilet area, you might have different preferences. However, it's generally recommended to avoid rugs that go around the toilet, as they can look outdated. A small rug measuring 2'x3' is a suitable choice if you prefer some cushioning under your feet.
Bathtub or Shower Area
Consider placing a larger rug or bath mat outside the bathtub or shower to absorb water and prevent slipping. A rug size of around 2'x4' or 3'x5' provides ample coverage and comfort for stepping out of the tub or shower.
Overall Bathroom Size
For larger bathrooms with ample floor space, you may want to consider a larger rug or runner rug to add warmth and style. A rug size around 5'x7' can work well, providing a central focal point and enhancing the overall design.
Entryway Area Rug Size Guide
If you have an open entryway space, floating a rug is a fantastic way to further define the area. Floating means that the rug sits on the floor without any furniture on it, creating a sense of openness and freedom in the space. Common area rug sizes for entryways are 5'x7', 6'x9', or 8'x10'.
Alternatively, you can place a rug right by the front door, ensuring it matches the size of your front door or is larger. Avoid going smaller, as it can make the space feel cramped. For double front doors, opt for an even larger area rug to fill the space adequately.
Common Area Rug Sizes
When it comes to area rug sizes, you can find rugs in almost any size if you search hard enough. However, it's much easier to plan out a room using common, easy-to-find rug sizes that are sold at various retailers. Here's a brief overview of common rug sizes, ranging from rectangular to runner to round shape rugs.
Small Sizes:
- 2'x3': Ideal for entryways, small accent areas, or bedside rugs.
- 3'x5': Suitable for compact living rooms, under coffee tables, or as accent rugs in bedrooms.
- 4'x6': Versatile size for small to medium-sized rooms, commonly used in living rooms or dining areas.
Medium Sizes:
- 5'x7': Popular choice for medium-sized rooms, works well under dining tables or as a central focal point in living rooms.
- 6'x9': Slightly larger option for medium-sized rooms, providing more coverage and space definition.
Large Sizes:
- 8'x10': Standard size for larger living rooms or dining areas, provides generous coverage while allowing furniture to sit partially on the rug.
- 9'x12': Ideal for spacious living rooms or dining areas, offering ample room for furniture arrangement and visual balance.
- 10'x14': Suitable for grand living rooms or expansive dining areas, provides extensive coverage for large spaces.
Runner Sizes:
- Narrow and elongated, commonly found in sizes like 2'x6', 2'x8', 2'x10', and 2'x12'.
- Used for hallways, entryways, or alongside beds.
Round Sizes:
- Available in diameters ranging from 4' to 10' or more.
- Adds visual interest and softens angular spaces, commonly used under round dining tables or in entryways.
More Tips and Tricks for Determining the Right Rug Size
Here are a few additional tips to help you determine the right rug size for your room:
How to Measure Your Space
Start by measuring your room accurately. Use a measuring tape to jot down the dimensions, including the length and width of the room. Measure the furniture you plan to place on or around the rug, such as your sofa, dining table, or bed. These measurements will give you a clear idea of the rug size you need to ensure everything fits comfortably.
Visualize it with Painter's Tape
If you're having trouble visualizing how a rug will look in your space, use painter's tape to outline the proposed rug size on your floor. This mimics the dimensions of the rug you're considering and allows you to see how it fits in your room before making a purchase.
Consider the Room Shape
The shape of your room can influence the size and placement of your rug. In square or rectangular rooms, a similarly shaped rug often works best, creating a balanced and cohesive look. For rooms with unique shapes, such as L-shaped or irregular layouts, consider using multiple smaller rugs to define different areas within the room or opt for a custom-sized rug that fits your space perfectly.
Leave A Border around the Outside
To avoid wall-to-wall carpeting with your area rugs, aim to leave a border of at least 18 to 24 inches between the edge of the rug and the walls of the room. This creates a sense of balance, allowing the rug to breathe within the space. Leaving some floor space exposed around the edges of the rug visually expands the room and prevents it from feeling overcrowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this area rug size guide has provided valuable insights and practical tips to help you choose the perfect area rug size for your home. If you have any questions, thoughts, or experiences you'd like to share, please leave a comment below. We look forward to continuing the conversation on creating beautiful and functional living spaces together!
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