At the Furniture Mall, we understand that choosing the right rug size is a common concern for our shoppers. Rugs are more than just floor coverings; they're essential design elements that can elevate the aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to measure your rooms for rugs and provide expert recommendations on the most suitable rug sizes for various spaces in your home.
The Importance of Rug Size
Selecting the appropriate rug size is not just about aesthetics; it can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your rooms. Here's why it matters:
Defining Spaces: Rugs help define and separate different areas within a room, such as seating and dining areas, creating a sense of purpose and organization.
Adding Comfort: Rugs provide a soft and warm surface underfoot, making your living spaces more comfortable, especially on hard flooring surfaces.
Enhancing Style: The color, pattern, and texture of a rug can complement your decor, tie various design elements together, and make a style statement.
Noise Reduction: Rugs absorb sound, reducing echoes and creating a quieter and more inviting environment.
Now, let's delve into how to choose the perfect rug size for each room in your home.
Measuring Your Rooms for Rugs
Before you start shopping for rugs, it's essential to measure your rooms accurately to determine the appropriate rug size. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Tools you'll need:
Measuring tape
Paper and pencil
Step 1: Clear the Space
Begin by removing any furniture or obstacles from the room. This will provide a clear and accurate view of the available space.
Step 2: Measure the Room Dimensions
Measure the length of the room from one wall to the opposite wall and record this measurement.
Measure the width of the room from one wall to the opposite wall and note it down as well.
Step 3: Determine Clearance Space
To ensure that the rug fits seamlessly and provides a balanced look, allow for sufficient clearance around the rug. Here are some general guidelines:
Living Room: Leave at least 12 to 18 inches of rug extending beyond the edges of your furniture arrangement.
Dining Room: Ensure that the rug extends beyond the dining table and chairs, allowing ample space for chair movement.
Bedroom: For bedroom rugs, create a border of 18 to 24 inches around the bed.
Step 4: Measure Specific Areas
In some cases, you may want to measure specific areas within a room. For instance, if you're considering a runner rug for a hallway, measure the hallway's length and width, allowing for clearance on all sides.
Step 5: Sketch the Room Layout
Create a rough sketch of your room layout on paper, including the dimensions and the desired rug placement. This will help you visualize how the rug will fit within the space.
Step 6: Test the Layout
Before making a final decision, consider using masking tape or chalk to outline the rug's dimensions on the floor. This will give you a real-world sense of how the rug will fit in the room and whether it allows for easy movement and aesthetics.
Choosing the Right Rug Size for Each Room
Now that you've measured your rooms, let's explore expert recommendations on the most suitable rug sizes for different spaces in your home.
Living Room
The living room is often the central gathering place in a home, and the rug you choose should anchor the seating area. Here are expert suggestions on living room rug size:
Start with an 8' x 11' Rug: A common starting point for a standard-sized living room is an 8' x 11' or a similar-sized rug.
Furniture Placement: Arrange your area rug so that, at the very least, the front feet of your furniture, such as your sectional, sofa, loveseat, etc., are on the rug.
Extend Under Key Furniture: If your living room is spacious, consider opting for a larger rug that extends further under your key furniture pieces, ensuring that all front feet are on the rug.
Dining Room
Selecting the perfect rug size for your dining room is a relatively straightforward process, primarily because dining rooms are often rectangular, with one defining feature that guides your decision—the dining table.
Your dining table's size plays a pivotal role in determining the ideal rug dimensions for your dining room. If your table has extendable leaves, it's essential to consider the measurements when the table is fully extended. For a typical 6-seat dining table, it's recommended to go for an 8' x 10' or 8' x 11' rug. However, if you have an 8-seat dining table, a 9' x 12' rug or a larger size is the way to go.
One of the most critical considerations is ensuring that the rug's width accommodates all four legs of each dining chair, even when someone is seated. The only exception to this guideline is the host or hostess chairs positioned at the ends of the table. In this case, it's acceptable, and sometimes necessary, for the back legs of these chairs to extend beyond the rug's boundaries, particularly when the table's leaves are in use. This thoughtful arrangement not only defines the dining area but also adds warmth and style to your dining room, making it an inviting space for gatherings and meals.
Bedroom
For bedrooms, selecting the right rug size is essential to enhance the overall comfort and aesthetics of the space. The choice of rug size largely depends on the bed size, and this guide provides valuable insights.
King Bed: When it comes to a king-size bed, a 9' x 13' rug is the ideal choice. Placing the rug lengthwise beneath the bed ensures that it extends up to, but not beneath, the nightstands. In more compact bedrooms with king beds, you can consider an 8' x 10' or 8' x 11' rug, especially if space is limited.
Queen Bed: For queen beds, common rug sizes include 8' x 10' or 8' x 11' in larger bedrooms. In more space-restricted areas, a 6' x 9' rug might be a better fit. However, there are alternative arrangements. If the bed isn't centered in the room, you can opt for a smaller rug like a 5' x 8' or 6' x 9' and position it centered at the foot of the bed. A modern and trendy approach is to place a 4' x 6' or 5' x 8' rug diagonally underneath your queen bed.
Full Bed / Twin Bed: When it comes to bedrooms with twin or full beds, such as children's rooms or guest bedrooms, a 4' x 6' or 5' x 8' rug is recommended. These smaller sizes are well-suited for these bed types, especially when the beds are not centered in the room or are positioned against a wall. By placing the rug on the side where the sleeper is likely to get in and out of bed, you can create a cozy and practical setting.
Additional Room Considerations
For hallways, entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms, here are expert opinions on selecting the right rug size:
Hallway and Entryway: Runner rugs are often the preferred choice. Measure the available space and choose a runner that fits comfortably while allowing for clearance on all sides.
Kitchen: In the kitchen, rugs can be placed in front of the sink, stove, or island. Measure the space, ensuring that the rug covers the area where you stand most frequently.
Bathroom: Bathrooms benefit from small to medium-sized rugs that fit well in front of the sink, shower, or bathtub. Ensure that they provide ample coverage to prevent slipping on tiled surfaces.
The Right Rug
Derval Rug (left), Toro Fern Rug (middle), Joplin Indigo Rug (right) found at the Furniture Mall.
Choosing the right rug size for each room is a decision that combines practicality and aesthetics. Shoppers at the Furniture Mall frequently seek guidance on this topic because they understand that the right rug can completely transform a space. By measuring your rooms accurately, considering clearance space, and following expert recommendations for rug size in each specific space, you can confidently select the ideal rugs that tie your rooms together beautifully.
The Furniture Mall offers a wide selection of rugs in various sizes and styles to suit your needs and preferences, making it easier than ever to find the perfect rugs for your space. We have 4 store locations, come visit our showrooms! If you don't live near us, we have a great website where you can view our full selection.