The most common mistake homeowners make is using a rug that is too small for the space. Area rugs are meant to ground the seating area and anchor all the major components in the room, if the rug is too small it makes the living room feel disjointed and awkward.

 

Living Room 

 

Most "standard" size living rooms can handle either an 8'x10' or 9'x12' area rug to allow for the below area rug guidelines to be followed.

 

Your rug should be big enough for the front two legs of all your furniture to be on it, ideally all 4 (but we know that is asking a lot for some spaces). It's important to have consistency, do not have the entire sectional on the rug and the accent chairs completely off; it creates a better visual aesthetic for them to be distributed equally.
The main reason homeowners choose smaller rugs is that large rugs can be quite expensive. Check out all of the options we have for less than $600. If you have a gorgeous rug that is small (6'x9' or smaller) but it is perfect for the room try layering it with a larger simple sisal rug to enlarge the impact. 

 

Dining Room

 

There are 2 main factors that determine the size and shape of an area rug in the dining room. The shape of the room and table dictates whether you want a rectangular or round area rug. In this space, all furniture legs should be safely on the rug with the rug extending between 24" to 36" wider than the table in all directions to ensure the chairs can be firmly on the rug even when guests are seated at the table. If you have an expandable table that makes this rule a but trickier, the rule of thumb is to plan for day-to-day use of the space and not the occasional large dinner party make the rug much larger than necessary.

 

 

Bedroom

 

In the bedroom, the bed takes center stage, and the area rug helps to anchor the entire space. There are 2 options you can go with for rug placement in the bedroom, either the "All On" method or the 2/3 method.
The "All On" method is self-explanatory. The entire bed as well as the accompanying pieces, i.e. nightstands,  and bed bench, are completely on the area rug with the rug extending 18"-24" out past each side and the end of the bed.  The 2/3 method is probably the most common method where the rug is placed 2/3 of the way up the bed but the nightstands remain on the hardwood. This option still allows for a soft place for your feet to land in the morning without investing a large sum into a larger rug. 

 

Are you curious about what NOT to do with your rug?! Our design team gave us a few quick tips on what not to do with your new area rug. Hint: tiny rugs under coffee tables are a NO NO! 

 

1. Do not use a small 4'x6' or 5'x8' in your main living space just to anchor the cocktail table. It can make the room feel small and disjointed. You also can not appreciate the rug when most of it is covered by the cocktail table.
2. A lot of people think a 5'x8' or 6'x9' rug in the dining room is big enough because it fits the table only but you want to make sure the rug accommodates the table and chairs so that when the chairs are in use you can safely slide them in and out without them teetering half on and half off the rug. 
3. In your bedroom do not use small hallway runner-sized rugs flanking the bed. This creates the feeling of an awkward hallway on each side as opposed to one cohesive space. Instead, use on large 8'x10' or 9'x12' to anchor the entire bed wall together. 

 

 

Now that you found the perfect size, it's time to think about style! Not sure what style you are or what styles you like the best? Start your style journey by visiting our Rug Guide: Rugs to Riches where we make it easier for you by explaining a few of the most common rug styles. We also shared 6 easy rug care tips to help you keep your new rug looking new for as long as possible! Feel lost + you're not sure where to start?! Let our team of  Interior Designers take over! - Contributed by the Old Brick Design Studio Team