Rugs can transform a room from a sparse living space to a harmonious haven, adding texture, color, and a coziness underfoot. But finding the right rug size is often akin to solving a puzzle—get it wrong, and the other pieces in your room just won’t fit quite right Whether you’re wading your way through a bunch of rug swatches or unrolling a plush area rug that seems to stretch way further than you thought it would, here’s your comprehensive guide to choosing a rug size that’s just right.
Assessing Your Space
Before you get caught up in the thrill of rug shopping, take a step back and assess your space. Is it a large room or a snug reading nook? Do you have cocktail parties or family movie nights? Understanding how you use your space is crucial to getting the rug size spot-on.
Measure Your Room
Measuring your room is a fundamental step—best not to eye this job up. Start with these four easy-to-follow guidelines:
- Room Width: The rug should be smaller than the shortest wall in the room to create a border of flooring around it.
- Room Length: Maintain a consistent floor gap of about 18 inches between the walls and the edge of your rug.
- Room Shape: Square rooms = square or round rugs. Rectangular rooms = rectangular rugs. It’s all about symmetry and flow.
- Furniture Placement: Can all the key furniture pieces sit on the rug with a buffer of around 6-8 inches? That’s the sweet spot.
Choosing the Right Rug Size
Be it a palatial palace or a pied-à-terre, any space can benefit from a well-chosen rug, and there are two key categories you’ll want to explore.
Room Size Rugs
These expansive beauties cover your room, unifying the space and creating an intimate touch for larger areas. If you can fit all your furniture on the rug, you’re good to go (and sit). Ideally, there should be a gap of 12-18 inches between the rug and the wall.
Area Rugs
The more versatile counterpart–area rugs–are designed to add pizzazz and purpose with their ability to define spaces. Area rugs pull together a room by anchoring couches, coffee tables, side tables and other furniture pieces to a specific area of a room. Consider an area rug when trying to artfully separate one large living area into a dining zone and an entertainment section.
Rug Placement Tips
So now that you’ve measured, chosen, and ordered, rug placement is the next step.
Living Room
In the living room, a rug should anchor the main seating area. Arrange furniture with the front legs on the rug, ensuring that it’s wide enough for traffic to flow smoothly. If your room is very large, consider layering two rugs for a cozy and stylish effect.
Bedroom
In the bedroom, start by placing the rug in front of your bedside tables. The rug should be wide enough to extend at least 18-24 inches from the sides and foot of the bed. In smaller rooms, a smaller area rug can add a pop of color and warmth without overwhelming the space.
Dining Room
A dining room rug should extend beyond your table to allow space for chairs, even when they’re pulled out for guests to have a seat. No one likes a half-on, half-off situation, especially during a dining experience. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect rug size for your space.
Additional Considerations
Pay attention to these often overlooked rug considerations to deliver the full design package.
Traffic Flow
A rug should guide, not interrupt, your flow. Ensure you have enough clearance between the edges of your rug and surrounding furniture to avoid a spatial bottleneck.
Visual Impact
The right rug can make a bold statement, but if it’s too small, that statement might be “I’m lost.” A rug should cater to your room’s proportions and design scheme to enhance the aesthetic, not dilute it. Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match rug sizes in open-concept spaces to define different areas.
Comfort
The final, and most satisfying, layer of the rug saga is comfort. Whether grounding a play area for the kids or creating a reading corner just for you, a rug should feel as good as it looks.
Washable Options
When it comes to maintenance, especially in high-traffic areas or homes bustling with kids and pets, washable rugs are nothing short of a game-changer. When it comes to price, there are various options and companies to choose from. Remember, rugs are an investment, so choose a quality texture, thickness, and complementary color that will stand the test of time and designs.
Budget-Friendly Rug Shopping Tips
Finding a beautiful rug doesn’t have to strain your finances. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stay on budget while hunting for that perfect piece of floor art.
- Shop Off-Season: Just like clothes, rugs can have seasonal sales. Keep an eye out for end-of-season clearance sales or holiday discounts. It’s a great opportunity to snag high-quality rugs at a fraction of the price. A great time to snag an outdoor rug, is off-season in the winter months when most people are concerned about refreshing indoor spaces.
- Consider Different Materials: While wool or silk rugs are luxurious, they also come with a higher price tag. Synthetic materials like polypropylene are stylish, affordable, and easy to clean.
- Explore Second-Hand Options: Don’t shy away from thrift stores, estate sales, or online marketplaces. You might find a unique, high-quality rug that adds character to your space without breaking the bank.
- Set Alerts for Deals: Many online retailers allow you to set price alerts for products. This way, you’ll be notified when the rug you’ve been eyeing drops in price.
- DIY Rug Makeover: If you’re crafty, consider giving a plain, inexpensive rug a personalized makeover. A little paint or dye can transform a budget-friendly rug into a custom piece that perfectly matches your decor.
- Look for Remnants: Carpet stores often sell remnants at significantly reduced prices. These pieces can be a great choice for smaller spaces or might even be bound to create custom area rugs.
By adopting these strategies, you can find rugs that fit your space and are within your budget, ensuring your wallet and home look fantastic.
Your Space Awaits the Perfect Fit
A well-chosen rug can tie a room together with texture, color, and function. We hope guide was helpful in selecting your next rug. Can’t decide if you’re ready to part with your old rugs? Check out CubeSmart for the perfect space to keep your rugs, furniture, and other seasonal décor pieces.
