How to Select The Correct Rug Size
Selecting the correct size rug for a setting requires balance. The purpose of the rug size is to create a visually comfortable setting that appears larger, without overpowering the setting.
Consider the rug a virtual stage for the furniture setting. The rug is meant to create a comprehensive space that is visually delineated from surrounding rooms.
The appropriate size rug will make the setting appear larger, while a rug that is too small will make the setting appear too small.
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The rug should not be so small that it appears like a postage stamp.
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The rug should not be so large that it leaves no exposed flooring or it extends in to another area, making the rug overpower the room.
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A border of exposed flooring surrounding the rug is visually necessary and will frame the rug nicely. In larger spaces, there is room to leave more exposed flooring between the rug and surrounding walls. In smaller spaces, approximately 6” – 24” of exposed flooring is needed between the rug and surrounding walls.
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A rug that is too small will be overpowered by the furniture and look out of place in the setting, making the setting appear bare, and the room appear small.
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In an open living or lounge area, the furniture should not be hanging off of the rug. Any furniture pieces that are not surrounded by a wall should fit on the rug, with some additional inches extending beyond all sides of the living or lounge area furniture.
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An exception to this rule is when the sofa, sectional, or accent chairs are placed against a wall. In this case, only the front legs of the furniture should be on the rug. This side of the rug should extend ¾ of the way past the furniture’s front legs, but stop some inches short of the wall, leaving a border of exposed flooring between the rug and the wall.
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The rug should not extend beyond the delineating walls/columns of the designated setting: in to hallways, walkways, passage ways, or doorways.
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In a dining area setting, the rug should extend past all of the dining chairs, when pulled out. The dining chairs should not come off and on the rug when in use.
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In a bedroom setting, the combined width of the night tables and bed dictate the length of the rug. The rug should extend 4” or more beyond each night table. The rug should likewise extend 12” or more inches beyond the length of the bed.
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In a bedroom setting, the rug should be placed about 2” – 4” in front of the night stands, which feels nice underfoot as opposed to bare floors. For larger bedrooms, the rug can extend respectively further on each side, to suit the size of the room. Accent furniture may also be placed on the rug in larger bedroom suites.
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An area rug, flush with the width of the bed, can alternatively be placed at the base of the bed. Small area rugs also suit baby rooms and foyers.
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As a rule 8’x10’ is the smallest rug size that suits a smaller living or lounge area.
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A dining room rug should accommodate all the legs of the chairs, even when they are pushed away from the table. At least 24 inches from the edge of the table to the edge of the rug will give you plenty of room and prevent chair legs from catching on the edge of the rug.
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In a bedroom setting, the combined width of the night tables and bed dictate the length of the rug. The rug should extend 4” or more beyond each night table. The rug should likewise extend 12” or more inches beyond the length of the bed.
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In a bedroom setting, the rug should be placed about 2” – 4” in front of the night stands, which feels nice underfoot as opposed to bare floors.
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For larger bedrooms, the rug can extend respectively further on each side, to suit the size of the room. Accent furniture may also be placed on the rug in larger bedroom suites.
-
An area rug, flush with the width of the bed, can alternatively be placed at the base of the bed. Small area rugs also suit baby rooms and foyers.
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As a rule 8’x10’ is the smallest rug size that suits a smaller living or lounge area.