Choosing the Right Rug for Your Space
Selecting the Right Area Rug Size for Your Space
Area rugs can dramatically elevate your interior, infusing it with warmth, texture, and a sense of unity. They anchor furniture and define areas and can support the functionality of a space. But getting the size right is just as important for achieving that balanced put-together aesthetic. Here's a comprehensive guide to measuring your rooms effectively, I’ll also provide you with my top room choices for rugs along with some tips for these spaces. Let’s dive in!
Tips for Measurement the Room:
Before you hit the stores for that perfect rug, it’s essential to measure your space accurately. Here are my top tips for how best to do it:
Define the Room's Function - What’s the main purpose of the room? Is it seating, walking, or maybe a cozy nook?
Measure your Space - Measure the length and width of the area where you want to place your rug. Pay attention to any architectural features like fireplaces or built-in shelving that could impact the placement of the rug. If you’ve got specific furniture in mind, don’t forget to measure those too!
Consider Traffic Flow - Make sure the rug doesn’t block any pathways. Leave enough space for people to walk comfortably around it.
Visualize with Tape - If you struggle with picturing it, use painter's tape to outline the dimensions of the rug on the floor. This little trick gives you a clearer picture of how much space it’ll take up.
Living Rooms:
In a living room, an area rug can anchor the seating arrangement. A common rule is that at minimum, the front legs of all major furniture pieces should sit on the rug. A layout suggestion would be to place a large, rectangular rug beneath a coffee table, with sofas on two sides. Ensure there’s at least 18 inches of uncovered floor around the rug for balance. Here’s how to measure and place:
For Spacious Living Rooms - Aim for a rug that’s at least 8x10 feet or 9x12 feet, if space permits (minimum a 12x15 foot room). This way, all your furniture can comfortably and fully sit on the rug, creating a cohesive look.
For Cozy Spaces - If your living room is on the smaller side, a 5x8 foot rug works well. Just position the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug, leaving the back legs off for a more open feel.
Hallways:
Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to rugs, but they can significantly enhance the aesthetic and create a feeling of continuity as you move through the space. This may seem obvious, but I’ll mention it anyways - center the runner in the hallway and make sure it’s straight! Leave a few inches of exposed floor on either side for a balanced look. This is one area you’ll have to watch for shifting - because there is no furniture to hold it in place like in a living room, hallway rugs can tend to shift over time. Every once in a while, take the time to adjust and realign the rug so it’s perfectly straight to maintain that polished aesthetic.
Ideal Rug Size - For narrow hallways, a runner rug (2 to 3 feet wide) is perfect. The length should be about 2 to 3 feet shorter than the total length of the hallway.
Photo Credit: Becki Owens @beckiowens, Instagram
Kitchens:
Kitchens can be a great spot for rugs, adding comfort and style, especially near sinks or islands. They can provide a visual softness amongst the naturally hard materials and surfaces found in kitchens. Because most time in the kitchen is spent standing, a kitchen rug can also provide comfort under foot. Ensure the rug is positioned where you stand most often while cooking or prepping. Washable rugs are especially recommended in this area for easy maintenance.
Recommended Sizes - Think about a smaller rug (2x3 feet) in front of the sink, or a runner (2x6 feet) in front of a kitchen island.
Photo Credit: Design Shop Interiors, Pinterest
Bathrooms:
Area rugs in bathrooms, similar to kitchens, can offer a soft touch amongst the hard surfaces. A nicely sized rug can elevate the bathroom’s look providing a layered aesthetic to your flooring materials. For those of us who don’t have the luxury of in-floor heated tiles, a rug can also serve a function, offering warmth against chilly tiles – is there anything worse than popping out of a hot shower and stepping onto cold tiles? Position the mat where it can catch water from the sink or shower, and be sure it’s washable or quick drying.
Appropriate Sizes - A small bath mat (2x3 feet) is perfect in front of the sink or shower. For larger and wider spaces, such as ensuites, a rug measuring 3x5 foot is nice. In a longer space a 2x6 foot length in front of a dual sink vanity works well.
Photo Credit: Amber Lewis @amberinteriors, Instagram
Bedrooms:
In bedrooms, area rugs can create a cozy atmosphere and help define the space. Choosing a rug for the bedroom requires considering the bed size. For a queen-sized bed choose a rug size ranging from 6x9 foot to 8x10 foot, and for a king-sized bed choose an 8x10 foot or 9x12 foot rug. This ensures that when you step out of bed, your feet land on something soft. For a larger rug, position it so that the front legs of the nightstands and bed are on it. This creates a unified look and adds a nice soft touch underfoot when you get out of bed. For a smaller rug, you can place it at the foot of the bed or beside it on one side.
Ideal Rug Sizes - A 5x8 foot rug is great for smaller bedrooms, while bigger rooms benefit from a 9x12 foot rug that fits under the bed. Refer to the measuring tips to ensure you’re buying appropriately.
Photo Credit: My Elegant Home, Pinterest
Additional Tips
Layering Techniques - Don’t hesitate to layer rugs for added texture. A larger, neutral rug can serve as a base, complemented by smaller, patterned rugs on top. It’s a fun way to mix things up!
Colour and Pattern Coordination - Make sure the rug fits in with your existing color scheme and furniture style. A bold rug can really pop as a statement piece, while neutral shades offer that subtle elegance.
Maintenance - Think about the material and maintenance needs. High-traffic areas might need durable, easy-to-clean rugs, so keep that in mind when buying.
Photo Credit: Mindful Hues, Pinterest
Whether it’s the warmth in a living room, the comfort in the bathroom, or the balance in the bedroom, the right area rug can serve as the perfect finishing touch to your interior design vision. Choosing the right area rug is all about careful measurement, thoughtful placement and being willing to try shuffling your furniture around to get it just right. Have fun with it and enjoy creating a well-balanced, anchored and inviting atmosphere in any room of your home.
Click here for more of Julia’s top 10 rugs for your home.
“I believe that if you are true to expressing yourself, coupled with the right amount of discipline and routine, your space can reflect your personality, and you can turn your home into your haven.”
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