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Originally Posted On: https://qali.art/2023/10/18/how-big-should-area-rug-be-best-tips-for-choosing-the-right-size/
Rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are design elements that can transform your living room’s ambiance. The thing is that design and look is not enough to think about before choosing a rug for your living room. Size and position are important; we talked about rug positioning in living room in our previous article, which you can read here. In this article, we will give you the right understanding to pick the right size for an area rug; hence, we answer: how big should area rug be.
In this article, we will talk about choosing the right size rug, which may seem easy but can actually be difficult. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you make the right choice.
How Big Should Area Rug Be: Finding the Perfect Rug Size
Selecting the perfect rug size involves a thoughtful consideration of your living room’s layout, furniture arrangement, and the visual impact you desire. You want to create a cozy and inviting space, but you also don’t want to overwhelm the room with too much fabric or leave it feeling bare and cold. It’s about creating a harmonious and balanced space.
How to Choose Rug Size For Living Room
To measure rug size, you need to know the dimensions of your living room and the furniture you have. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid buying a rug that is too big or too small for your space. We will explain a step by step blueprint now:
- Measure the dimensions of your living room and the area where you want the rug to go. Take into account the seating arrangement and the space you want the rug to cover.
- Take into account the 18-inch rule around the rugs and walls. Read more about this rule here.
- A helpful tip is to have 20 inches of empty floor space around the rug so that the furniture have space to breathe. Make sure the rug is large enough to go under the front legs of your sofa and chairs. This is the recommended position, but if you prefer other options, you can find more ideas here.
- Consider the shape and layout of your room. The shape and layout of your living room can also influence the size and shape of the rug you choose.
If your room is rectangular, choose a rug that is also rectangular and has the same proportions. For a square or round room, choose a square or round rug to create a focal point in the center. Notice that rugs can be used to separate areas in your living room, like seating, dining, or reading spaces.
The round Persian rug in this square living room created a chic focal point.
3. Optimal Rug Sizes for Your Living Room
- Large Living Rooms: In spacious areas, a large rug that accommodates all the furniture is ideal. This helps unify the space.
- Compact Living Rooms: In smaller spaces, you can opt for a smaller rug, but ensure at least the front legs of your furniture rest on it for a connected feel.
This room has a perfect 20-inch of empty floor space around the rug.
4. A Guide to Selecting the Ideal Area Rug Size
Before picking a rug size for your living space, remember that it’s not just about the size of the room. There are also some general rules in interior design that you should consider:
- For a classic look, interior designers suggest to consider a rug that extends 6-12 inches beyond the seating area.
- People usually ask: how big should my living room rug be? We think that this point specially matters: For a more spacious and luxurious feel, select a rug that covers the entire sitting area, leaving a border.
In this fantastic living room, the Persian rug extends 12 inches beyond the siting area.
5. Rug Sizing Tips for a Cozy Living Room
- A rug that’s too small can make your room feel disjointed. It’s better to err on the side of larger rugs for a more cohesive look.
- If you have an open floor plan, use different rugs to define separate areas within the living room.
6. Determining the Right Size Rug for Your Space
- Consider the orientation of your furniture. Rectangular rugs generally work well with rectangular furniture arrangements, while square rugs suit square rooms or seating areas.
- Round rugs can be an excellent choice for circular or central seating arrangements.
7. Choosing the Perfect Living Room Rug Size
- Remember, the perfect rug size isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about function. Your rug should accommodate your lifestyle and needs.
- Don’t be afraid to explore custom-sized rugs to get the precise fit for your space.
8. What Size Rug For Room: Understanding Rug Dimensions for Your Home
Consider what we’ve explained and follow this one rule to determine rug size for your room. Remember that rugs come in different sizes like 5×7, 8×10, and 9×12 feet. Consider the size of your living room when choosing a rug. What we can advise based on our experience for best rug size for living room is:
Small room (10×10 and less)= 5×7 rug
Medium room (15×15 and less)= 8×10 rug
Large room (more than 15×15)= 9×12 rug
For houses with open concept plan, there would be massive spaces. For these bigger rooms (bigger than 15×15), use a 9×12 rug to cover furniture. Add another rug, like a runner rug, to cover the rest.
On a 9×12 rug, you can put a coffee table and furniture. On another rug, you can put a dining table. Remember, as we mentioned above, each rug means one section; in other words, with different rugs you can create different territories.
Three vital rules before choosing an area rug size:
20 inches: Empty floor space around the rug so that the furniture have space to breathe.
6-12 inches: A rug should extends 6-12 inches beyond the seating area.
18 inches: The perfect distance between rug and walls.
In conclusion, choosing the perfect rug size for your living room is a blend of science and art. It’s about balancing aesthetics, function, and the specific layout of your space. Consider the space and distance between the rug, wall, and room when measuring an area rug. With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently select the ideal rug size to elevate the beauty and comfort of your living room.
