A properly-sized area rug is the anchor of any room, be it a living room or bedroom. It not only adds warmth, but also makes the room appear bigger (or smaller). However, homeowners often make mistakes when it comes to choosing the right rug. This is simply because picking an area rug seems simpler at first glance, but the reality is different.

Finding the perfect rug size can be tricky, especially when going custom isn’t the best option. It’s some sort of science that interior designers have perfected for years. Since choosing the accurate rug size is fundamental when designing a space, there are some crucial factors you’ll come across in your search, such as furniture arrangement. Let’s walk through these fundaments. Let’s begin!

Measure twice

One of the biggest decorating mistakes people make when looking for a rug is picking too-small rugs for the space. The solution is to measure the room you want to place the rug. In fact, measure it twice before you begin the search for the right area rug.

Consider any constraints like over-extending sideboards and doors that may affect the size of the area rug. If there is any furniture, as a general rule of thumb, make sure it fits comfortably on your rug. Once this is taken care of, you are ready to move on to the next step.

Bigger is better

When you are in doubt, it’s better to stick to the bigger rug. This is because a smaller rug can make your room look insignificant and disorganised. However, larger rugs act as a canvas and add depth to the room.

A few centimetres can make all the difference between the area rug pulling the room together or making it appear disorganised. So, this brings us to the conclusion that bigger rugs are usually better.

Follow the 18-inch rule

As recommended by most interior designers, is to leave approximately 18 inches of the bare floor around the rug you are installing. This would allow people to move around easily and keep the space open. You can tweak this rule for compact apartments or smaller rooms.

Since manufacturers offer floor rugs in three or four of the standard sizes, following the 18-inch rule will make your space more airy and breathable. Make sure you check on different sizes available when searching for the right rug size.

Consider the furniture

If your rug is going to have furniture atop it, you should make it fit around the perimeter of the room. No need to be strict with measurements as the rug will be doing less work to define that space.

Also, the rug shape should match your furniture shape, especially in the dining area. So, it’s better to choose a rug that complements the shape of the furniture. This rule can be broken if there is a round coffee table on a rectangular rug.

Visualise the final look

The right rug size can breathe life into your space and unify your decor, especially in open areas. Before you start shopping, visualise how an area rug will look in your room. You can use masking tape to create a border on the entire flooring. Again, 18 inches of the bare floor will help you frame the room’s layout and create pathways. You can leave 8 inches of space if the area is smaller.

Our takeaway

When it comes down to it, these area rug rules are pretty simple to follow. As long as your furniture fits nicely on top of it, your floor rugs will be aesthetically pleasing. The key thing is to take your time when deciding and shopping around. If you feel like breaking any of these rules, don’t be afraid to go for it.

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