A guide to custom rug sizing
Rugs are a fantastic way to refresh your space. A pattern or color might catch your eye right away, but you may still be unsure about picking the right size. The perfect rug size will complement your furniture and make the most of your room's layout. While this seems straightforward, it can sometimes feel tricky. That's why we've put together a simple, expert-designed rug size guide to help you find the ideal fit for any area in your home.
Sizing your Rugcraft rug
When in doubt, go for a larger rug. One of the most common mistakes is selecting a rug that's too small for the space. The key is to find proportions that are visually balanced. A rug that's too small can make a room feel cramped, while one that's too large might overpower the furniture instead of complementing it.
To choose the best size, start by imagining how the rug will look in the area. A good rule of thumb is to fit all or most of your furniture on the rug. Rather than focusing solely on room dimensions, think about how the rug will interact with your furniture to create a cohesive design. The same applies for rectangular and round rugs.
"A good rule of thumb is to fit all or most of your furniture on the rug."
Living room
What size rug works best for your living room? Regardless of your room's size, you can determine the ideal rug size by considering how your furniture is arranged. Choose one of these options to create a warm and welcoming space.
Option 1: rug beneath furniture
In this layout, all furniture legs rest on the rug, creating a cohesive look that works well for medium to large spaces or open-concept designs. It can also be a great choice for smaller rooms. Arrange your furniture in a way that fits your style and the room's layout, then measure around the outer edges. Be sure to leave about 6-18 inches of space between the rug and the walls or other boundaries to maintain balance.
Option 2: rug beneath front legs of the furniture
In this setup, the front legs of your chairs and sofa rest on the rug, while the back legs remain on the bare floor. Accent pieces don't need to be on the rug. This arrangement works well in smaller spaces or rooms with furniture placed against the wall. Select a rug size that extends under the front legs of your larger seating pieces, ensuring there's enough space between the rug and the walls or other edges.
Bedroom
Rugs bring a cozy touch to the bedroom, and the bed serves as the main guide for rug placement. Whether you have a queen or king bed, choose a rug size that extends 1824 inches beyond the sides and foot of the bed. This arrangement frames the bed beautifully, reduces tripping hazards, and provides a soft spot for your feet when you wake up. Depending on your style, we suggest two elegant layout options to suit your space.
Option 1: rug beneath entire bed area
In this arrangement, the rug extends under the entire bed and nightstands, ensuring all legs are on the rug. This setup prevents any wobbling and creates a polished, cohesive look for your bedroom.
Option 2: avoid the nightstands
In this layout, the bed and nightstands stay directly on the floor, while the rug begins at the base of the nightstands and extends toward the foot of the bed. This creates a stylish look while keeping the rug focused on the lower part of the bed.
Dining room
Rugs add style and warmth to any dining room. To create a balanced look, center the dining table on the rug and ensure all chairs fit comfortably within the rug's boundaries, even when pulled out.
When deciding how far the rug should extend, make sure there's enough space for chairs to slide in and out easily. This prevents tripping over the rug's edge and protects your floors from damage. To get the right fit, measure 3-4 feet outward from the edge of your table. For better accuracy, pull out your chairs while measuring to visualize how the setup will look.
Hallways and corridors
Hallway rugs add comfort and can make narrow spaces feel wider. Leave at least 6 inches of space between the rug and the walls for a balanced look. Since hallways are high-traffic areas, choose a rug that stays securely in place to minimize tripping hazards.
Avoid placing furniture legs on the rug in hallways or corridors. This keeps the space safe and ensures the area feels open and uncluttered.
Outdoors
Outdoor rugs bring texture and comfort to your outdoor spaces. The ideal rug size depends on the setup. For seating areas, choose a rug large enough to fit all furniture or at least the front legs of the seating pieces. For outdoor dining areas, make sure the rug accommodates all chair legs, even when pulled out. Similar to indoor dining spaces, allow 2-3 feet of extra space around the table to ensure chairs can move freely without catching on the rug.
Other things to consider
Doors
Make sure each door has enough clearance to swing open over the rug without catching. If there isn't enough space, opt for a smaller rug or one with a lower pile height to avoid any issues.
Floor grates
To ensure safety, make sure your rug doesn't cover any floor grates. Leave at least 1 inch of space around grates and radiators to allow proper airflow and avoid potential hazards.
Pathways
Pay attention to common pathways in your home and ensure rug edges don't create tripping hazards. Position rugs securely and keep edges out of hightraffic areas for added safety.
Walls
For a clean and open look, leave some space between the rug and the walls. No matter the room, aim for at least 6 inches of clearance around the edges of the rug.
How to measure
Measuring your space is a must before choosing a rug size-it's worth the extra effort! Here's how to get started:
What you'll need:
- Steel measuring tape (more accurate than plastic)
- Blue painter's tape
- Pencil and paper
Steps:
- Finalize the placement of your furniture.
- Choose the rug placement according to this guide and use painter's tape to outline the rug's location. This helps you visualize how it will look from all angles.
- Have questions or need help? Contact our Customer Care team at help@rugcraft.com—we're here to assist!
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