How to Choose the Right Size Area Rug for Any Room

The Golden Rule of Rug Sizing

As a general rule, interior designers recommend leaving at least 18 to 24 inches of bare floor exposed around all sides of a rug. A rug in a small room, like an entryway or bathroom, is fine with less exposed space, but 18 inches is a great starting point. The maximum amount of exposed floor is largely up to personal preference, allowing you to show off beautiful hardwood or cover up older flooring.

Choosing a Rug for the Living Room

First, measure your room and position your furniture. Subtract 18 to 24 inches from the length and width of the room to determine your maximum rug size. Standard area rugs typically max out around 10' x 14'. If your room is larger, consider dividing it into separate seating areas.

• Sofa Placement: Your rug should be at least as long as your sofa. You can place the front legs of the furniture on the rug, or have all legs sitting entirely on it.
• The Painter's Tape Trick: Having trouble visualizing the size? Use painter's tape to map out the rug's dimensions on your floor before you buy!
• Layering: If you love a colorful hand-knotted piece but it is too small (or out of budget) for your massive living room, layer it on top of a larger, inexpensive natural fiber rug! Just make sure you utilize our custom rug pads underneath to prevent slipping and protect your floors.

Choosing a Rug for the Dining Room

Measuring for a dining room rug requires accounting for chairs. Once you have left 18 to 24 inches for the exposed floor, measure your dining table (with all extensions/leaves in place).

Your rug should extend at least 24 to 30 inches beyond the table on all sides. This allows chairs to be pulled out and pushed in without the back legs catching on the edge of the rug. Dining rooms are prone to spills, so if your rug suffers a food or wine accident, schedule a professional rug cleaning immediately to prevent the stains from setting.

Using a Rug in the Bedroom

A bedroom rug should be large enough that you can climb out of bed without your feet touching the cold floor. Place a large rug horizontally under the bed, ensuring it extends roughly 24 inches on both sides and at the foot of the bed (12 to 18 inches is sufficient for twin or full-size beds).

Sizing an Entryway Rug

You can cheat the 18-inch exposed floor rule in a foyer. The most critical factor here is door clearance. Ensure the rug you choose has a low enough pile that your front door can open smoothly over it without catching.

Entryway rugs endure the highest foot traffic in your home, acting as a filter for dirt and a popular resting spot for dogs. Because of this, they are prone to frayed edges and odors. Be sure to keep up with routine rug repair and pet odor removal to keep your home's first impression looking pristine. When it's time for maintenance, simply use our convenient pickup and delivery service!