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Writer's pictureAmanda Shields

RUG GUIDE: SIZE DOES MATTER

Updated: Oct 7



Today we are talking about rug size, yay! I sure do love a nice rug and will, more often then not, use a rug as a jumping off point when designing a lot of my rooms. Rugs are the best way to add pattern, texture, softness and pizzazz to any room. A rug can also help to clearly define and anchor a space, especially in an open concept layout. Choosing the right size rug is crucial - size does matter! There is nothing worse than a rug that’s too small or too big. Follow these guidelines to make sure your rug is making your space look it's best.

 

Living Room/Family Room:

A good rule of thumb is to find a rug that connects all your furniture. The front legs of all your seating should sit on top the rug. Don’t worry about the back legs, as long as the front legs are touching you are good. The one exception would be with a sectional. I tend to offset a rug underneath a sectional with only the front legs of the inside corner touching.



"The front legs of all your seating should sit on top the rug"

 

Dining Room:

All the legs of your furniture should sit on top of the rug when you are sitting at the table. I like to allow for around 2-1/2 feet of rug around the perimeter of the entire dining set.


Bedroom:

You should always make sure the front legs of your bed are touching the rug and you want to leave enough space on each side of the bed so that your feet have something soft to touch when you get out of bed. An alternative to one big rug is two small rugs or runners on each side of the bed.



Photo Credit: @Mike_Chajecki

"leave enough space on each side of the bed so that your

feet have something soft to touch when you get out of bed"


 

If you have a rug that’s a bit bigger that what is out lined above, this can be ok too, as long as you leave at least a foot of floor showing around the perimeter of the room. Anything more than this you might as well have got wall-to-wall carpeting.


 

Rugs come in standard sizes and sometimes they just won't work in your space. If you’re having trouble finding one, you have a few other options....


1. Trim and Bind

You can always purchase a larger rug and have it trimmed and bound to fit. Most carpet stores will offer this service for a small charge. Just be careful when trimming a patterned rug or a rug with a border. Sometimes you can you lose the detailing of the pattern that made you fall in love with the rug in the first place.


2. Go Custom

Having a custom rug made to size usually doesn’t cost as much as you would think. Again, most rug shops offer this but be warned it could take upwards of 14 weeks to complete.


3. Consider layering

If you have a rug you love but its not quite big enough, you can layer it on top of a larger rug to create a cool stylish look. Jute rugs are always a good option for the bottom layer. You can even try layering a cowhide rug overtop of a larger rug for a little extra texture.


Photo Credit: @Stefanibuchman

 

Like I said before I love a nice rug and strongly encourage them in almost every room. Maybe I'm a little rug crazy but they just warm up every space and make it feel so much cozier! I hope this guide helps, happy shopping and good luck.


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