Area rugs are an essential component to creating a fully finished and styled space. They create an anchor point for the furniture so the grouping doesn’t look like it’s floating in the space (particularly important in open floor plans), they add texture/color, and they add warmth and softness. Area rugs can also help protect the flooring underneath - a huge benefit in a child’s bedroom or playroom.

When consulting with clients on their spaces, I have found that the most common mistake when selecting an area rug is selecting a rug in the correct size for the room. I would estimate that generally people underestimate how large an area rug should be almost 75% of the time.

So - how big is big enough? Ideally:

• In a living room/den, the front legs of each main piece of furniture should be able to rest comfortably on the rug. Unless you live in a very tiny home, typically the smallest size I would recommend for a living room is an 8’x10’ rug (and usually that is still too small).

• In a dining room, the rug should be large enough that the chairs can be pulled back from the table and still be on the rug (this is also a safety concern as you don’t want the chair to tip when the back legs are on and the front legs are off). A good rule of thumb it to take your table dimensions and add 4’ to the length and width, which will give you a starting point for the rug size.

• In a bedroom, it depends on the bed size and room layout, but typically you want the rug to extend 2’-0” to 3’-0” from the sides of the bed.

• When in doubt, size UP!

Now, for some FAQs:

1. I already bought a rug that is too small. Is there a way to make it work?

• Yes! If you already have a rug you love but it’s just not big enough, a great solution is to layer it over a larger, neutral rug (such as jute). Make sure the larger rug is the correct size for the space. Here is a great photo of a layered rug look:

2. Can you use a rug with carpet?

• Yes! Just follow the same rules for sizing as for any other flooring.

3. What if the bed has two sides against the wall?

• In this case, center the rug in the room and select a size that is large enough to go under one side of the bed. Here is a great example:

4. How far should the rug be from the wall?

• The rug should end at least 6” from the wall, otherwise it may end up looking like carpet.

Here is a handy reference guide for making sure you select the right size!

Still struggling to figure out the best size for your space? A design jumpstart would be a great way to get you off on the right foot and make sure that you are selecting pieces that are the right scale for your space!