How to Select the Right Rug Size for Your Living Room

The size of an area rug can dramatically alter the room's overall effect. A rug that is too small for your space can cause the room to feel uninviting. A rug that is too large for the room can, paradoxically, make the room feel smaller. The right-sized area rug will bring warmth and balance to the room, creating the perfect finishing touch.

Standard Sizes

When purchasing a pre-made patterned rug, such as an Oriental or Persian rug, start by considering the standard sizes available. Usually, area rugs are available in the following "standard" sizes. (Keep in mind that they may vary by several inches either bigger or smaller.):

• 3 feet by 5 feet
• 4 feet by 6 feet
• 5 feet by 8 feet (Note: This has replaced the 6 feet by 9 feet size that was formerly standard.)
• 8 feet by 10 feet
• 9 feet by 12 feet

Typically, the manufacturer will offer the rug in three or four of the standard sizes. Be sure to check on the sizes available when you look for rugs, to ensure that the rug you like is available in the size you want.

Of course, if you have your area rug custom-made, you have the luxury of having it made to whatever exact size you wish. This is a huge benefit to having your rug made out of broadloom, especially if your space would best suit a non-standard size.

General Rules for Determining Rug Size

The most common mistake people make when buying an area rug is choosing a size that is too small for their space. Here a few tips to consider:

• Determine rug size based on your furniture configuration, not room size. This "rule" is especially true for placing a rug in a living room, dining room, or bedroom.
• Match the orientation of the room. For example, a square rug in a square room or a longer rug in a long room.
• When in doubt, choose a slightly larger size.
• Don't be afraid to hide your hardwood or laminate flooring; an area rug will highlight and enhance its beauty.
• Use the 'tape trick' below to envision a potential rug before you buy.

Use the Tape Trick to 'See' the Area Rug

If you are having trouble visualizing how a rug size fits a specific room, here is a trick to help you. Before you go rug shopping, measure out a floor space based on the size you think you'd require, according to the standard sizes listed above. Then, using removable masking tape or something similar that will not damage your floor, tape off the area you just measured. You will be able to see the outline of where the rug would end, helping you to see how a rug of that size would fit into your space. Once you are satisfied with the size of your taped-off area, you are ready to go rug shopping!

Living Room Rug Layouts

There are multiple living room rug layouts to choose from when planning your living room.

All Legs On

In this configuration, all furniture is placed completely on the rug, with all legs of each item touching the rug. This requires the largest rug and is great for anchoring a space in a large room.

Half On, Half Off

Also referred to as "front legs on," furniture is placed half on, half off the rug, with their front legs on the rug and their back legs on the floor. This is a convenient option when some of the furniture is against the wall, because there's no need to cover hidden floor space with a rug.

No Legs On

This option is ideal for a small space or a small rug. Usually, a centered coffee table is placed on the rug, and the furniture around it is completely off the rug, with none of the legs touching it.

Multi-Layer

You can also create a personalized multi-layer look by layering multiple rugs in creative ways.

One Final Point

Finally, there is one last rule about determining the size of an area rug: rules are made to be broken. These are only guidelines, and only you can determine what is best for your home because you are the one who has to live in it. The main thing is to take your time with the decision and shop around, since investing in a quality area rug is a major expense. Your home should be a reflection of your taste, so if you feel like breaking any of the rules, go for it.