It can be difficult to know what size of rug is best suited to the space in your home.
Though there are rules, I would say they are more like guidelines when it comes to choosing a rug.
One of the more popular rules is that the rug should be large enough to slide under the front legs of your couch and chairs in a seating arrangement. This is thought to unify the furniture within the room. However, I have also seen many beautiful furniture settings where all the legs of the furniture are situated upon the rug.
In the end, I have found that when it comes to choosing the size of rug, one of the most useful tools is a measuring tape. These allow you to map out two to three different variations that may appeal to you.
Think of three basic rug arrangements. The first is where the area rug is simply placed under the coffee table. Typically a smaller rug, such as a five-by-eight-foot rug, is used in this situation. The rug is placed directly under the coffee table with the rest of the furniture placed off the rug. In some situations the front legs of the couch can rest on the area rug.
The second very popular arrangement is to have the front legs of the furniture placed on the rug and the back legs off. The rug appears to connect the various pieces of furniture together while reaching far enough into the room to really add a sense of proportion.
The third arrangement is to have all the legs of the furniture upon the rug. Designers often believe that a large rug can really pull the room together and at times make the room appear larger. But make sure there is 15 to 18 inches of exposed flooring around the edges of the rug to achieve this result.
It is generally agreed that in a dining room all legs of the chairs should fit comfortably on the rug. Even when they are pulled out to let your guests sit down.
For bedrooms, popular rug arrangements include a full size rug under the entire bed or a smaller rug that sits horizontally at the end of the bed with areas of the rug protruding out on each side.
It's important to note that these are all guidelines and rugs will fit and look differently in various sized and shaped rooms. Be sure to measure with tape and really have a good look at what will work for the room.
Remember, as much as you may love the appearance of the rug you have chosen, the rug size is equally as important.
Sizing the rug properly will pull the room together and define the space. If you are unsure, ask an expert for advice and have your room and furniture measurements handy when you visit your rug supplier.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. lunter.ca
