By: Jacey Larsen

When purchasing the perfect sized rug for your home, there are many important factors to consider. Knowing the dimensions of your space and taking the time to map out placement ideas for your rug will help save time and money throughout the process. While a rug can be the finishing touch that brings a room together, it can also become a noticeable flaw to the design if not done properly.

RUG SIZING TIPS FOR YOUR KITCHEN

As far as placement and functionality goes, the best spot for a rug in your kitchen is in front of the sink. Smaller rugs, such as a 2’x3’ or a 3’x5’, work best in these spaces. Rugs should not extend fully to each side of your cabinets (Galley Kitchens and kitchens with a breakfast bar), or to the end of the kitchen area (U-Shaped Kitchens or One-Wall Kitchens). There should be at least 6” of space between all edges of the rug and the cabinets. Avoid placing rugs by or too close to your oven or refrigerator. In large kitchens or kitchens with large walking areas, floor runners are the most favorable option. They should run the full length of the cabinets they are placed adjacent to. Multiple runners may be placed throughout the kitchen but be careful to not crowd the area.

RUG SIZING TIPS FOR YOUR DINING ROOM

As a good rule of thumb, the rug you choose for your dining room should extend around 24” to 30” inches out from your dining room table. There should be space for your dining room chairs on the rug, both when pushed under the table and pulled out/in use. For a more proportional look, the shape of the rug should match the shape of the dining table. For a more abstract look, the shape of your rug should be different than the table to offset it. A table that seats 8 works best with a 9’x12’-8’x10’ rug; a table that seats 6 works best with a 8’x10’ rug; a table that seats 4 works best with a 6’x9’ rug.

RUG SIZING TIPS FOR YOUR LIVING ROOM

For a large living room space, your rug should fit all your furniture comfortably (i.e. couches, coffee table, chairs, etc.) on top of it, with about 8”-12” extending outside of the seating area. For small living room spaces, it is ok to go with a smaller rug to make the space seem less crowded. Your rug should either stop right after the front legs of each of your chairs and couches, or should be centered under your coffee table, extending about 8” on each side.

RUG SIZING TIPS FOR YOUR BEDROOM

Adding a rug to your bedroom can help create the feeling of warmth and comfort. There are many ways you can arrange a rug within a bedroom space. In larger bedrooms, your rug should be big enough to fit the bed and nightstands, extending 18”-24” beyond the end of the bed. If you prefer a smaller rug, you can purchase one that extends only 1/2-3/4 of the length of the bed. In rooms where the bed is not centered and instead placed against a wall, a 4”x6” or 3”x5” rug set in the middle of room helps to create interest in areas where there is not furniture.