A well-chosen rug transforms a room by adding warmth, texture, and a touch of personality. But with countless sizes and materials, choosing the best rug for your space can be overwhelming when considering how a rug interacts with your furniture and layout.
Don't worry though because we have a guide that can help you find the ideal rug for every space in your room.
Step 1: Consider the Room’s Purpose
Every room has a unique function and the ideal rug should complement that function.
Living Room: Living rooms are high-traffic areas, so prioritize durability. Opt for a low-profile rug made from wool, nylon, or a blend for easy cleaning. In terms of size, aim for a rug large enough to anchor your furniture grouping, ideally with the front-facing furniture legs of all your seating pieces resting on the rug.
Dining Room: Dining rooms are prone to spills, so choose a stain-resistant rug. Consider a rug at least three feet wider than your dining table on all sides to ensure chairs can be pushed back comfortably without going off the rug.
Bedroom: Bedrooms crave comfort. Deep-pile wool or synthetic rugs offer a luxurious feel underfoot. For size, a rug large enough to extend at least 18 inches past the foot of your bed is ideal.
Entryway: Entryways take the brunt of dirt and debris tracked in from outside. Go for a durable, easy-to-clean material like sisal or flatweave cotton rug. A runner or a smaller rectangular rug positioned near the doorway will do the trick.
Kitchen: Kitchens are another high-traffic zone. Choose a washable rug made from water-resistant materials like vinyl or synthetic fibers. Choose a smaller rug positioned strategically in front of the sink or stove.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Rug
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Whether you're looking for an area rug to anchor your living room, an accent rug to emphasize your meditation nook, or a runner to guide you down a hallway, it's important to consider the types that best suit your needs.
Area Rug
Designed to define a specific space, an area rug often serves as an anchor for furniture groupings. It’s usually positioned in the center of the room with furniture arranged on top like in the living room or partially on top like in the dining room. In an open-plan space, an area rug is particularly helpful in creating zones to encourage intimacy and conversation, highlight a specific spot, or simply add warmth and color to a large area.
Area rugs may come in these sizes:
- 5 x 8
- 6 x 9
- 8 x 10
- 9 x 12
- 12 x 15
Accent Rug
Typically smaller than an area rug, an accent rug primarily enhances the space's aesthetic rather than create zones like the area rug. They help highlight statement pieces and define smaller areas within a room or protect high-traffic areas such as doorways, under a coffee table, in front of a fireplace, and at the foot of the bed. They either stand alone or are used as a layer on top of an area rug.
Accent rugs may come in these sizes:
- 2 x 3
- 3 x 5
- 4 x 6
Runners
Long and narrow, runner rugs typically measure about 2 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 14 feet long. The elongated shape is perfect for defining hallways, staircases, or narrow entryways, as well as protecting these high-traffic areas from daily wear and tear.
Runner rugs may come in these sizes:
- 2 x 6
- 2 x 8
- 3 x 9
- 3 x 12
Step 3: Find the Right Material
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Rugs come in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique features and benefits. Finding the right material matters, depending on what you need like the quality of softness, ease of cleaning, and durability.
Natural Materials
Wool: Wool, the royalty of rug materials, brings unmatched luxury, softness, and natural stain resistance. It's very durable, with added fire-retardant properties. Plus, it offers exceptional insulation for a cozy warmth. However, wool rugs come at a premium price and require delicate cleaning care.
Cotton: A budget-friendly and breathable option, cotton rugs are known for their casual look and versatility. They can be flatwoven or have a plush pile, depending on the desired style. While comfortable underfoot, cotton rugs may show dirt more easily and can be prone to mildew in humid conditions.
Silk: Silk rugs provide a luxurious touch with their sheen, softness, and intricate designs. However, they are delicate, pricey, and need professional cleaning.
Sisal or Jute: These natural plant fibers add a rustic touch and earthy aesthetic to a room. They are durable, stain-resistant, and relatively affordable. However, sisal and jute rugs can be rough on bare feet and may not be ideal for high-traffic areas.
Hemp: An eco-friendly choice, hemp rugs are known for their strength, durability, and natural resistance to mold and mildew. They offer a similar look to sisal but tend to be softer underfoot.
Synthetic Materials
Nylon: Nylon rugs are known for their exceptional durability, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, making them versatile for many styles. However, nylon rugs may not feel as luxurious as natural fibers.
Polyester: A budget-friendly option, polyester rugs offer good stain resistance and easy cleaning. They can mimic the look of more expensive materials like wool or silk at a fraction of the cost. However, polyester rugs may not be as durable as nylon and can sometimes feel stiff underfoot.
Polypropylene: The most affordable of the synthetic options, polypropylene rugs are known for their stain and water resistance. They are a good choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces. However, polypropylene rugs can be scratchy underfoot and may show fading over time.
Blends: Many rugs are made from blends of natural and synthetic fibers. These blends can combine the best qualities of both materials, offering affordability, durability, and a softer feel.
Step 4: Figure Out the Layout and Measure Up
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A rug, sized just right can truly tie a room together. It grounds furniture arrangement and defines areas within a space–so, don’t eyeball it. Consider the layout of your furniture and how the rug interacts with it. Measure the designated rug area before shopping. Use painter’s tape or newspaper to mark out the desired size on the floor to visualize the final look.
Living Room
The Anchor
For a classic look, go for a rug large enough to anchor your living room furniture. Ideally, the front legs of your sofa and armchairs rest on the rug, with at least 18 to 24 inches of space between the rug’s edge and the wall. This creates a visually defined conversation space.
All Aboard
If you have a spacious living room, you can consider a rug that extends underneath all your furniture. This creates a more unified and luxurious feel.
The Island
This layout can work to create the illusion of having more space in a room that’s smaller or narrower than standard. This layout allows for a rug small enough to carry only one furniture piece, with the rug’s edges brushing close enough to the edge of the sofa and the chairs.
Dining Area
Ensure the rug is large enough to comfortably accommodate the table and dining chairs. A good rule of thumb is to have about 36 inches of space, at the very least 24 inches, around the table on all sides. This allows chairs to be pushed comfortably without going off the rug.
Bedroom
Under the Bed
A classic choice, this placement adds warmth and comfort to the space, with only the front legs of the bed sitting on the rug. The rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond the foot of the bed for a balanced look.
Around the Bed
For a more luxurious feel, opt for a larger rug that extends at least 18 inches beyond the sides of the bed, including the foot. This layout creates a cozy oasis.
The Foot of the Bed
A smaller rug placed at the foot of the bed can add a pop of color or texture without overwhelming the space.
Accent Chair
If you have an accent chair in your bedroom, consider placing it partially on an accent rug outside the area rug to create a defined seating area.
Entryway
Entryways are all about functionality. A runner rug positioned strategically near the doorway will trap dirt and debris before it gets tracked into the house.
- Position the runner rug 12 to 18 inches from the front door if possible. This allows the door to open and close smoothly without disturbing the rug. Adjust as needed if your door can’t clear the distance.
- Standard runners are 2 to 3 feet. Aim for a runner that is 4 to inches narrower than the total width of your hallway.
- For narrow hallways, leave about 6 inches of space between the walls and the edges of the rug.
Kitchen
Kitchens are high-traffic areas, so go for a runner rug made from water-resistant fabric. Place it in key areas like in front of the sink, stove, and along the kitchen island.
Takeaway
Choosing the right rug size doesn’t have to be a complicated matter. The secret here is to measure your room and furniture. Use painter’s tape and make a mock layout of the rug on your floor so you can visualize the size.
For areas with a lot of furniture, like the living room, dining area, and bedroom, make sure that the key pieces fit comfortably on the rug. Allow your floor to shine through as well, and leave some parts exposed, especially in enclosed spaces.
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Featured image by John Photography