AREA RUG SIZING CHEAT SHEET + linked favorites!
WHY CHOOSING THE RIGHT AREA RUG IS IMPORTANT.
Area rugs provide color, pattern, texture, and warmth to a space but most importantly, they define zones and unify furniture. Choosing the correct size may seem daunting, but in reality, there are just a few guidelines to keep in mind. Today, I’m bringing you my Cheat Sheet on Area Rug Sizing, complete with visual examples for your living room, bedroom, and dining room, and a few of my favorites to inspire creativity.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
AREA RUGS TIPS & TRICKS
EXAMINE YOUR SPACE
Think about your space in terms of function, flooring, furniture, and flow.
Avoid covering floor vents.
Always place rugs 6” from the wall to avoid making the room look cramped – double the length for larger rooms.
Start with the rug if designing from scratch and build your color palette around it.
SIZING
My general rule for sizing rugs for the bedroom and living room is to ensure at least the front two legs of your major furniture pieces are on the rug to ensure your room is anchored and you don’t end up with floating furniture. When it comes to the dining room, you’ll want enough room to pull out/push in all the chairs without leaving the rug’s edge.
While the smaller rug will be cheaper, it can actually make your room appear smaller. Go for the correct size rug on the first purchase to save money in the long run.
Photo Credit: Barrie Benson
RUG LAYERING
If there is a statement or vintage rug that you have to have but it’s too small and because of its rareness, there isn’t a long list of sizes to choose from, consider layering it with a more cost-effective rug (jute is a fan favorite) to create extra interest, depth, and texture without minimizing the appearance of the room.
AREA RUG SIZING INTERIOR DESIGN CHEAT SHEET
LIVING ROOM AREA RUG DESIGN TIPS
SHOP AREA RUGS
I’ve curated a list of area rugs to get your sourcing off to a strong start (as well as a full shop of curated products sorted by category).
If you’d like additional help with product sourcing, schedule a quick design chat to share the details, and I’ll help you find your perfect piece!
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve suggested, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
ELEVATE YOUR SPACE
My Cheat Sheets are designed to help you elevate your space with confidence. If you want personalized help creating your dream home, click here to learn more about my virtual design services.