area rug size

How to Choose the Right Size Area Rug for your Home or Office

living room area rug

Area rugs bring warmth and style to a living space. How do we pick the right size for your home or office? There are many factors to consider. Area rugs range in quality and price from domestic machine made rugs to imported hand knotted wool, but all invite thoughtful decision making before investing in the purchase. Area rugs are the best alternative to carpeting if a person has allergies or asthma.

Consider the purpose of the rug. Is it a decorative rug, a hearth rug, or a large floor rug to center a room? Will you need to wash it or shake it out, such as a kitchen, bath, or entryway rug? Rugs absorb sound, add warmth to your feet, and protect your floors in high traffic areas. Area rugs become a beautiful focal point and add style to your home décor.

Consider the cost of the area rug. Sometimes two smaller rugs of high quality or exceptional beauty can be a better choice than one large rug. Divide a large room, like an L shape or long rectangle, into smaller paces with an area rug and thoughtful furniture placement. A well-placed rug defines a sitting area, dining area, play space or office. Smaller rugs are easier to move for cleaning as well.

hallway runner rug

hand knotted wool rug

washable entry rug

cotton chennile rugs

bedroom area rug

flat cotton rugs

office area rug

Measure your space. Chain stores and internet shops sell rugs in standard sizes of approximately 2x3, 3x5, 5x7, 6x9, 8x10, 8x11, and 11 x14. (Give or take a few inches) Sizes include the fringe. Round rugs come in standard sizes approximately 6 foot and 8 foot. Special order sizes are an option, but be prepared to pay a lot more. Pictured here is a runner rug purchased from a home improvement store. These inexpensive runners are sold by the inch, easily cut with scissors, and finished off with special edging tape. This runner was measured to go several inches into the adjoining hardwood floor bedrooms to reduce echo in the hallway.

A large area rug will show off your flooring on the edges. Plan on a foot or more, scaled to your space. Large items like couches or furniture do not need to be on the rug, but right next to them for foot comfort and warmth. Area rugs will also protect your flooring in heavy traffic areas. Center the rug on the open floor space, not the room dimension.

Rugs for an entry should cover as much floor space as possible. If your entry is an odd shape, consider two rugs. The main consideration is catching the dirt and protecting your floor. Entry rugs need to be shook out or washed on a regular basis so this is not the best space for an expensive hand knotted wool rug.

For a bedroom, scatter rugs are easy to clean and can be placed in front of dressers or in the place you dress. For folks with allergies, these washable rugs are lightweight and easy to care for. These cotton chenille rugs are tumbled on air dry for 20 minutes every week to remove dust and will last for years.

If slipping is a concern, measure a rug to fit slightly under bed frames or other furniture. Cleaning this rug takes a little more effort, as the furniture needs to be moved.

Bathroom area rugs come in a variety of sizes. Think of where your feet will be as you use the space. The doors need to clear the rugs as well. Pictured here are two flat cotton rugs chosen specifically to avoid having to cut off the bottom of the door.

In this office, the area rug was sized to fit in the high traffic area by the door and helps to dampen sound. Always place an area rug so a chair will not be half on and half off. This is especially true if an area rug is placed under a dining table. The chairs need to be fully on the rug when pushed back for stability and safety.

Once you decide the purpose of your area rug, shop around. Furniture stores, department stores, and home improvement stores carry a variety of choices in every price range. Furniture stores that carry high quality rugs often allow you to try out the rug for a day or two before you commit to the investment. Enjoy the process of choosing an area rug for your home or office.

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