It's quite common for homeowners to be overwhelmed when it comes time to choose the right rug to suit their space. Lucky for you, there's an expert in town (me!) and I'm happy to share my expertise. Each scenario is unique, but there are some style & design basics to keep in mind for choosing rugs for each room of the house.
Living Room
Area rugs in living rooms or family rooms provide comfort and traction as well as serve as a major design element - they define and/or accent the main seating area.
So how large should this rug be? Too small of a rug can seemingly shrink the space.
A good rule of thumb is to make sure the rug is at least 8-12 inches longer than the sofa on either side. You want a wide and solid foundation to support the largest furniture elements.
It's important to be able to anchor the front legs of the sofa & chairs on the rug with a few inches going underneath the furniture. OR, if it's possible, find a rug large enough to stage all 4 feet of the large pieces of furniture.
Area rugs generally come in sizes of 8x10, 9x12, or sometimes up to 12x15.
However, every home and design situation is unique and keep in mind that you're not limited to these standard rectangles. If you call Creative Edge Carpet Binding, you can request any size or shape rug to be created for you by a local craftsperson.
You may want a larger than average rug if you have a large sectional to accommodate; or maybe you have an open floor plan and want to have a rug that encompasses the extra large seating area. Other room designs may include atypical angles or perhaps a fireplace and hearth that extends to take up floor space. In these instances, you should not be stuck with a smaller rug that takes away from the overall aesthetic of the room. You can choose a larger rug and have your local carpet binding company alter it to fit perfectly.
Dining room
Dining room spaces and furniture can also vary greatly, so choosing the right rug can be confusing. Obviously you will want to be able to fit the entire table and all chairs on the rug. It's ideal to use a size that's wide enough for the chairs to remain on the rug when pulled out to sit(two feet or so,)however this is not required and sometimes isn't possible.
You will want to choose a low pile or flat-weave rug to prevent the chairs from tripping up when sliding in and out-and be sure to have a gripping pad to keep it in place. This will also make clean up easier in an area that's prone to see spillage. A good rug pad will help protect the floor underneath as well.
Bedroom
If you have hard flooring in the bedroom, you'll definitely want to add some comfort and softness to the space with rugs. The size rug you need will depend on the size of your bed and the size of the room overall. If you choose to center the bed on the rug, you'll want it to be large enough to have 1-2 feet of carpet exposed around it. OR you need it large enough to fully fit the side tables so that they are anchored and level.
If you choose a rug that is too small to center under the bed, then you have the option of placing a smaller rug towards the foot of the bed. This is a good idea if you want to showcase more of the rug. If you tuck it at least half way under the bed it will ground the furniture to the space. For a queen mattress, a 5x8 will do the trick.
Another alternative option is to choose two runners to place on either side of the bed to add balance to the space. It may also be a bit more economical as smaller rugs cost less money. However, you'll want to employ a good rug pad so they don't slide around.
Bonus Tips
Don't forget- too small of a rug will make a room feel small!
If you are unsure which size to buy - go larger! It's always possible to have it cut down and the edges sewn. We can help with that!
If the manufacturer doesn’t offer a rug you like in the size you need, customization is an option!
In areas without furniture- I suggest leaving 1-2 feet between the edge of the rug and the wall.
In small areas like entryways or hallways: 6-8 inches.
Use paint or masking tape to help you visualize rug placement
Don't forget the dang rug pad to protect your rug, your floor, and yourself from slips and falls! You'll usually want to cut the padding to be two inches smaller in width and length than the rug, so that one inch of rug extends over the pad on all 4 sides.
Don't hesitate to call me or send me an email if you have any questions about rug sizing, customization, and padding. I'd love to help!
Much Love,
Alexis Buchanan
Founder of Creative Edge
(904)553-7523
creativeedgecarpet@gmail.com