The Definitive Guide to Choosing the Right Rug Size for Any Room
The task of choosing an area rug for any space in your home or apartment can be daunting.
You need to decide on the type of rug - handmade and natural fiber, or machine-made and synthetic. And, if opting for a natural fiber rug, you must decide between bamboo, jute, sisal, seagrass, wool, cotton or silk.
You also have to determine the style or pattern that's right for your aesthetic - solid, striped, floral, Oriental, geometric, abstract, or something else entirely. And, of course, you have to select the right color or colors.
But the one detail that is less exciting - however at least as important as all the others - is selecting the correct size area rug for your space. And, while this decision may seem to be a no-brainer - or at least not that difficult to make - the wrong size rug in a space can do a serious disservice to your aesthetic and the rug's proper function.
First, Let's Talk Function
An area rug is much more than a pretty addition to your space. Besides providing warmth and softness underfoot, an area rug can:
- Help absorb sound
- Protect the floor beneath it
- Define an area in an open format setting
- Anchor a seating area
And, if the rug is made from natural, sustainable fibers, it can even:
- Improve air quality
- Resist allergens
- Regulate moisture
But, getting the size right can affect how well your rug works to achieve some these functions.
Let Furniture and Layout be Your Guides
If you're adding an area rug to an existing living room, family room, or other existing layout where there is seating, select an rug that can at least go beneath the front legs of all seating pieces.
If you'd like, all the legs of your seating pieces can be placed on the rug. In an open concept space where you'd like to define a particular area, having all furniture for that area sitting completely on the area rug is best to visually distinguish it.
But these area just general guidelines. Area rugs can be used differently in different rooms, and different "rules" apply. So, let's walk through them.
Bonus tip: No matter what room or area you're purchasing an area rug for, you'll need to get out your measuring tape. Guessing what size area rug you need - or retrofitting your layout to accommodate the "wrong" size rug - just won't do.
In the Living Room
We've already established that either the front legs or all legs of your seating should be on the rug, but there is more to consider.
When using an area rug with a couch, the rug should extend at least 6-8" on either side. And, when laying out your living room furniture on your area rug, make sure to leave ample space so people can comfortably walk between seating pieces and between seating and any tables, where necessary.
Remember, a rug that is too skimpy for your living room will make the room look small, rather than inviting and comfortable.
Bonus tip: If you simply fall in love with a beautiful area rug that you cannot get in a large enough size for your living room seating, consider layering it in the center of the space on top of an amply-sized area rug. A soft, natural jute rug is a perfect base for layering.
In the Dining Room
In a dining room, an area rug serves as visual interest, as well as a comfortable anchor for your table and chairs.
With that in mind, it's important that a dining room area rug be large enough so that all four legs of your dining chairs fit onto it, even when pulled out.
As with a living room area rug, a dining room area rug that is too small will make the room look small. And one that goes under the table only will simply look awkward.
Bonus tip: In a situation where your area rug is only large enough to go under the dining table legs, again, layering can be your solution. Just keep in mind that you'll want to be able to move chairs in and out easily and the rug on top should lay perfectly flat.
In the Bedroom
There are many options for using an area rug in your bedroom, and they all serve to add coziness, warmth and visual interest.
If your bedroom is large enough to have a seating area, select an area rug large enough so at least the front legs of the chairs can rest on it.
If using an area rug at the foot of a bed, the rug should be, at minimum, as wide as the bed or slightly wider.
There are several ways to use a rug under your bed, each with its own set of guidelines.
If you want an area rug completely under a bed, choose one large enough so it extends 18"-24" on either all four sides, or on either side and at the foot of the bed. Anything smaller will look skimpy and won't effectively serve as a soft landing spot for feet getting in and out of the bed. The chart below can serve as a guideline.
You can also place an area rug horizontally under the bottom two-thirds of the bed with several inches sticking out from both sides of the bed.
Bonus tip: If your bedroom is small, rather than opting for a traditional rectangular area rug, choose a round rug or square rug instead.
In the Kitchen
If chosen thoughtfully, area rugs can make a beautiful and highly functional addition to your kitchen.
Like in the dining room, if you have an eat-in kitchen, an area rug should be large enough so that it is beneath all four legs of all chairs when they are pulled out.
Depending on the size of your island you can complement it by placing a rectangular area rug or runner in front of or behind it. Just make sure the rug is long enough to extend beyond the island a few inches on each side.
Smaller area rugs can be used to define and add comfort to specific areas of the kitchen, like the sink, oven, or prep area. And using multiple rugs in this way is fine - just make sure there is some space between them and your cabinets or appliances.
Another option for in front of your sink area is a beautiful bamboo bath and kitchen mat.
In a galley kitchen, a runner is perfect to add visual interest and underfoot comfort. In this case, you may want to make sure your rug is several inches shorter than the kitchen area and that there is some space between the rug and either side of the cabinets, so the space doesn't appear even longer and narrower.
Bonus tip: Safety and maintenance are critical considerations when choosing an area rug for your kitchen.
Wool area rugs area fire-resistant, stain-resistant and durable. Just be sure to tend to stains promptly when they occur. Jute rugs are durable but should not get wet, so are best used under a table and chairs or away from cooking and dish cleaning areas. Cotton rugs are soft, absorbent and easy to clean (often washable even), but slightly less durable than wool or jute for high traffic areas.
In the Laundry Room
A runner placed in front of your side-by-side washer and dryer makes an attractive and comfortable addition in a laundry room. Of course, if you have a stacked washer and dryer, a smaller mat will do.
Jute , low pile wool, and bamboo area rugs or runners are good, durable choices that can withstand a moderate amount of humidity.
Cotton rugs can be a good choice for laundry rooms as well, especially washable options. Just be sure to have a backing or add a pad that will keep your cotton rug from sliding.
Bonus tip: If you have a small laundry room, consider placing a round or rectangular area rug in the middle of the room, making sure to all several inches between the rug and the walls.
In Entryways and Hallways
Whether you have an entryway with a single door or double doors, make sure you have 12"-24" of breathing room between the area rug and the walls. The smaller the area, the less space there needs to be.
A runner is ideal for a long, narrow entryway, again, with ample space between the rug and the walls.
If you have a beautiful hardwood or ceramic tile floor to highlight in your foyer but want to protect the floor (or hide the worn floor) just inside the door, opt for a smaller size area rug. If you want to make a statement with a beautiful area rug as you enter your home, opt for a larger version.
Runners are the obvious area rugs of choice for hallways. Be sure to leave 4"-6" of space between either side of the runner and the wall and be sure the runner is centered in the hallway.
For a runner that spans the length of your hallway, start it just inside the door frame or entrance to the space. Multiple runners can be used for a longer hallway, and a runner shorter than the length of the hall can be used to call attention to any furniture or other focal points.
Both entryways and hallways typically get a significant amount of foot traffic. Be sure to opt for a durable area rug or runner in a fiber like bamboo, jute or wool.
Bonus tip: Rotate your entryway or hallway runner from time to time. This helps to even out wear and any effects of direct sunlight.
A No-No for Bathrooms
As a final note, while it might be tempting to use a natural area rug in your bathroom to elevate it aesthetically, traditional area rugs area a no-no. Traditional area rugs retain moisture that can lead to mold and bacteria and they are challenging to keep clean in a bathroom environment.
Natural Rug Co. offers a wide array of handcrafted natural fiber area rugs for nearly every area of your home. Check out our selection of beautiful bamboo, jute, wool, cotton and silk area rugs and imagine how they could enhance and elevate your space.
Shop by Size:
5' x 7' and 5' x 8' Area Rugs >