How to Find the Right Size Rug for Every Room

One of the top requests we get from our clients is how to define a room with the perfect rug size. The right size should not only protect your floors and give you some warmth in the room but should also balance the room. Choose a rug too small and the room looks awkward. Choose one that’s too large and it could overwhelm your furniture – kind of like using a king comforter on a queen bed.

To help you “right-size” your room, we’ve come up with a quick and easy guide to choose the perfect rug:

LIVING ROOM

In a living room, you want to help define the seating area with a rug, so you need to choose a size based on the size of the room. In a very large space like the one below, use a rug that’s 11×14, 9×12, or even bigger. It will anchor the seating area and will keep the room from feeling cavernous.

In a smaller living room, the rug should be a bit longer than your sofa, and you want the front legs of all the nearby furniture to either touch or be on the edge of the rug. In this size room, consider an 8×10 or 6×9.

DINING ROOM

The key to selecting a rug in the dining room is actually the table. You want to be able to fit the table and all of the chairs on the rug because it defines that seating area, just like it does in the living room. And there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to scoot your chair up as you’re sitting and hitting the edge of the rug.

ENTRY AREAS AND HALLWAYS

In a home’s entry, let the shape of the space be your guide for the rug. You could choose a more rectangular shape in a longer open entry like the one below.

Or in a more open foyer, consider a round shape. We like how this shape works so well with the round light fixture in this entry.

In a hallway, select a runner that’s long enough to go from one end of the hall to the other, and be sure it’s wide enough to define the walking space. A rug in the hall is also a great way to bring in more pattern and visual interest!

BEDROOMS

The most important reason to have a rug in the bedroom is to have a warm place to step onto as you get out of bed in the morning. So select a rug that’s large enough to reach both sides of the bed with plenty of room to spare.

We like to select rugs that reach to the middle or end of the nightstands and to allow room at the end of the bed for a bench, too. Measure the space carefully from one side of your bed to the other to ensure you have a large enough rug for your room!

BONUS TIP!

In the photo below, we’re showing another of our rug design secrets – consider doubling your rugs to add more visual interest and space definition!

Use this easy guide to help you select the perfect rug for your spaces!