How to Choose the Correct Area Rug Size
Selecting the right size for an area rug doesn’t have to be daunting. Amidst the plethora of advice available, I've simplified the process into straightforward options for each room. Whether you're arranging furniture in a living room, dining room, or bedroom, the same fundamental principles apply. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to choose the correct area rug size for any space, along with some of my favorite sources for exquisite yet affordable area rugs.
Before diving into rug shopping, it's essential to measure both the dimensions of your room and your furniture.
MEASURE ROOM DIMENSIONS
Start by determining the size of your room, ensuring an area rug maintains a minimum distance of 6’ (or 1.8m) from the wall on all sides to prevent overwhelming the space or obstructing floor vents. For instance, in a standard 10’x12′ (3m*3.6m) bedroom, the largest suitable rug size would be 8’x10’(2.4m*3m).
MEASURE FURNITURE
Next, measure your furniture to ensure a well-proportioned rug. Opt for a rug that accommodates either the entire furniture piece or, ideally, allows the placement of the front legs of each furniture item on it. Avoid rugs that appear floating and unanchored in the room, as they tend to appear undersized and awkward.
Living Room Area Rug Sizing
Consider these examples for properly sized living room area rugs. Personally, I prefer rugs that allow the front feet of the furniture to rest on them while leaving the back feet off the rug. If you're looking to cover flooring with an area rug, you could opt for a rug that the furniture can sit entirely on top of, provided there's a minimum of 6 inches of space between the edge of the rug and the wall.
For smaller spaces or apartment-sized furniture, an 8’x10’ (2.4m*3m) rug is generally suitable. However, it's essential to measure your room and furniture before making a purchase.
Similar guidelines apply for sectionals or larger furniture pieces. Ensure that the front feet of the furniture rest on the rug. In larger spaces, a 9’x12’ (2.7m*3.6m) or even 10’x14’ (3m*4.2m) rug typically works well.
Dining Room Area Rug Sizing
When it comes to dining spaces, it's essential to choose an area rug large enough to accommodate all the furniture, even when chairs are pulled out from the table and people are seated.
For a standard dining table seating 6-10 people, a 9’x12’ (2.7m*3.6m) rug typically provides adequate coverage. While an 8’x10’ (2.4m*3m) rug may suffice in some cases, it's crucial to measure before making a purchase.
Personally, I lean towards rectangular rugs, even under round tables, as circular rugs can appear outdated. However, if you prefer a circular rug, the same principles apply. Measure the width of your table and add enough space for a chair to be pulled out on either side. Generally, an 8’x10’ (2.4m*3m) rug will suffice for a smaller table, whether round or rectangular.
Bedroom Area Rug Sizing
When it comes to bedrooms, I prefer area rugs that cover the bottom 3/4 of the bed, leaving space at the head for bedside tables, as illustrated on the left-hand side of each image below. Opting for a smaller rug size is not only more budget-friendly but also aesthetically pleasing! However, for a more luxurious feel or to conceal flooring, a larger rug size that the entire bed can sit on may be preferable.
For King Size Beds, an 8’x10′ (2.4m*3m) rug provides ample coverage on either side of the bed. Alternatively, a 9’x12′ (2.7m*3.6m) rug can also fit underneath bedside tables and completely cover the floor under the bed.
A Queen size bed can make do with a 6’x9′ (1.8m*2.7m) rug in a pinch. However, for full coverage, an 8’x10′ (2.4m*3m) rug is ideal if space and budget allow.
In smaller bedrooms with twin-size beds, a 5’x8′ (1.5m*2.4m) rug offers the minimum coverage required. An 8’x10′ (2.4m*3m) rug is typically suitable for a standard 10’x12′ (3m*3.6m) bedroom.
Prioritize rug sizes that complement your room and furniture dimensions, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Even smaller rugs, such as 3'x5' (0.9m1.5m) or 2'x3' 0.6m*0.9m), can serve as budget-friendly alternatives, offering comfort and color to your space.
Where to Shop for Area Rugs
Loloi Amber Lewis x Loloi Georgie Collection
The Georgie Collection presents a vintage-inspired area rug featuring rich, vibrant colors and a timeless design suitable for various decor aesthetics. Designed by renowned interior designer Amber Lewis in partnership with Loloi, this rug effortlessly blends into any space.
With its low pile construction, the Georgie Collection is simple to maintain with spot cleaning and vacuuming, ensuring it remains family-friendly for use in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. Its printed design intricately captures the essence of antique carpets, offering exquisite detail at a fraction of the cost.
Loloi II Hathaway Collection
The Hathaway collection offers a blend of traditional, vintage, and modern design elements, seamlessly merging vintage, boho, and Persian styles with contemporary materials and color palettes. This low-profile rug boasts softness, durability, and easy maintenance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Suitable for various spaces including the living room, bedroom, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, home office, dorm room, or hallway, it effortlessly enhances the aesthetic of any room and decor scheme.
Loloi II Jocelyn Collection
Crafted in Turkey using polypropylene, the Jocelyn Collection showcases antique-inspired patterns revitalized with a vibrant color palette and a construction engineered to endure daily foot traffic. This budget-friendly area rug is an excellent option for diverse decor styles and busy households. With a range of sizes, patterns, and colors available, it provides versatile choices for living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, entries, stairways, hallways, bathrooms, and offices.
Loloi II Nadia
The Nadia collection features stylish pieces that seamlessly fuse traditional and contemporary design elements, emanating opulence and refined elegance. Crafted for durability, this collection is power-loomed from polypropylene, ensuring longevity and preserving its texture, color, and overall beauty over time. With its medium pile, the rug is well-suited for enduring moderate foot traffic while providing a cozy and comfortable feel.
Loloi II Rosette Denim
Each design from the Rosette collection epitomizes elegant traditional design, infusing your décor space with a warm and cozy ambiance. Built to last, the Rosette collection is power-loomed from polyester, ensuring durability and preserving its texture, color, and overall beauty for years to come. The high pile of these designs offers an incredibly soft, plush, cloud-like feel. Expertly crafted traditional patterns are seamlessly combined with a contemporary mindset, allowing them to transcend timeless motifs and blend exquisitely with a variety of décor spaces.
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