Rug Guide: Essential Tips for Each Room

Rugs possess an undeniable charm. They elevate a room's ambiance, infuse warmth, and act as the canvas upon which our furniture comes to life. Yet, the art of rug placement can sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle. How big? How small? Under the furniture or just in front? With years of hands-on experience with rugs in various room types, we're excited to share our insights.

Living Room

• Always ensure the front legs of sofas and chairs are on the rug.

• ​Leave about 6” of rug on each side beyond the furniture for the best visual appeal.

• ​Common sizes here include 8×10, 9×12, or 10×14. Depending on the size of your room.

• ​Tip: Never let the rug float! If it's too small, it can disrupt the room's harmony and make the room feel smaller.

• ​A general rule we swear by is ensuring the front legs of main furniture sit on the rug.

Image Source: Potter & Wilson

Dining Room

• Dining chairs should completely fit on the rug, even when pulled out.

• The rug should extend at least 8” beyond the table's dimensions.

• ​Aim to keep 12-18 inches of bare floor visible around the room's edges.
  Typically, sizes like 6×9, 8×10, or 9×12 work well.

• Tip: Strike a balance between the rug and exposed flooring.

• ​Keeping a consistent border of exposed floor ensures the rug complements rather than overpowers.

Image source: Clare Kennedy

Bedroom

For a King Bed:

• ​Maintain an 8” space between the nightstands and the rug's starting point.

• The rug should be about 12” longer than the bed's dimensions on all sides.

• ​9x12 is a frequently chosen size.

For A Queen Bed:

• ​The rug shouldn't extend beyond the nightstands.

• Allow an 8” buffer on both sides of the bed.

• ​An 8x10 size is usually ideal.

• ​Tip: A rug pad is invaluable! It prolongs the rug's life, ensures comfort, and keeps the rug in position. If the pad size isn't a perfect fit, trimming it can work wonders.

Image source: Paulina Carcach Studio + FAR + Chango & Co

Hallway

• The ideal hallway rug, often referred to as a runner, should leave a few inches of floor space on either side. This border frames the rug and ensures it doesn’t look oversized for the space.

• Hallways often face a lot of foot traffic, so consider rugs made of durable materials. Wool and polypropylene are popular choices due to their long-lasting nature.

• ​Tip: Since hallways connect different rooms in the home, choose a rug that complements the color schemes of adjacent rooms. It creates a cohesive look and eases the transition from one space to another. And if your hallway isn't naturally lit, a lighter colored rug can brighten up the space.

Image Source: Templeton Architecture + Paulina Carcach Studio + Clare Kennedy

Kitchen

• Kitchen rugs should be functional, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. Flat-weave or low-pile rugs are excellent choices as they don’t trap crumbs and are easy to vacuum or shake out.

• Consider placing a rug in front of the sink. Not only does it provide a soft cushion for your feet, but it also protects the floor from water and food spills.

• ​Tip: Don’t shy away from bold patterns or colors! The kitchen is a space where you can have a little fun. A vibrant rug can add a touch of warmth and personality to a room that is often seen as purely functional. But if your kitchen already has a lot going on in terms of design, a neutral rug can bring balance and subtlety.

Image Source: KWD +Paulina Carcach Studio + Chango & Co

xx Paulina

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