One of the main purposes of a rug is to help define a space. When choosing one, you will be considering the floor space you have, what furniture you want on and around it and the connection and balance between the two. Some typical rug sizes are: 4×6 or 5×7 ft. (standard), 6×9 ft. (large) and 8×10 or 9x12ft. (extra large), but often you can have a rug custom sized. Before you go shopping, use masking tape or newspaper to map out the ideal rug size on your floor and see how your furniture will fit. When in doubt, go slightly bigger- it’s always easier to tuck some of the rug under the furniture than it is to make a small rug fill a big space.
Here are some tips that you can follow to help you decide:
Measure the size of your seating area before shopping and get the closet size up from that. In general people buy rugs that are too small because they are less expensive but its often going to make the whole space look chopped up and out of proportion.
One of the main functions of a rug is to pull the room together, not chop it up.
Legs on or off? This is the question I get ALL the time and my best tip is
BE CONSISTENT. I prefer for the rug to be larger so the furniture can be evenly spaced on the rug which helps pull the room together.
If you have a smaller rug and cannot fit the furniture on it then stay consistent and keep all of the legs off of the rug.
Sofas
Ideally, all the legs of your sofa should be on top of the rug. However, I have seen and styled sofas, which were half on top. Each are a great look! If you have to choose which legs should be on top, then choose those that are the least obvious. For example, if your sofa is low and close to the wall then you are less likely to see under it and reveal the fact that it’s not fully sitting on top.
Square rugs are for square rooms! That is all! Round rugs are for foyers, entries or kid spaces that are more playful!
If you find a rug that is too small, but you love it, buy a large sisal rug that fits your whole seating area, and layer your favorite rug on top. I do this ALL THE TIME! Sisal, jutes and seagrass rugs are a cheaper alternative to an antique kilim.
Make sure that your rug is at least 6-10” on either side of the sofa. This is crucial! If the width of the rug is the same as the width of the sofa, you may be in trouble. It way look to small and create a bowling alley effect.
Dining Room Area
Dining room area rugs are great because they add a bit of drama, luxury and personality to all kinds of spaces. The rule here is clear: your table and chairs should be completely on the rug. The rug should extend 2 feet behind and be a minimum of 2 feet wider than the table on all sides. Your guest should be able to slide their chairs all the way out without catching the edge of the rug.
Your area rug should be proportional to your table. The size and shape of your table will determine the size of the right rug. Extra-large, round dining room table means an extra-large round area rug!
Remember when selecting this are rug that your table and chairs will cover the center of the rug. Be sure to choose a large enough rug size so that any pattern or texture will be visible on the outside edges.
Alison McKenzie, Medina Interiors
