If you have been looking for the perfect rug to complete your living room setup, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices and sizes. There are so many different kinds of rug sizes out there that it can be hard to find out which size will fit your space. One of the biggest mistakes most people make is getting a rug that is too small. However, I’m going to walk you through not only how to choose the best rug size for your living room but how to make sure it’s the perfect rug for your home too.
5 Tips for Choosing an Area Rug Size
Get a rug that is about 6-8” wider than your sofa
When measuring your space to see what size rug you should go for, look for a rug that will be at least six and up to eight” wider than your sofa. This should be on both sides of the couch. This is a good rule of thumb to help you choose a rug that fits nicely underneath your furniture and help make sure your rug isn’t too small. Give yourself plenty of walking space between large furniture pieces in your living room to help spread things out.
Use painter’s tape to measure your space
If you’re a visual person or just not sure what size you need, measure your living room area using the measurements above. Put down painter’s tape to make the space and get a sense of how the rug will feel. This can give you an idea of what size rugs you should be looking for and help you save some time! Taking a few extra minutes to measure your space first will keep you from getting a rug that is too small or won’t fit.
Tips for rug sizing your living room
Your living room shape and furniture will be two key factors in the size rug and how you should orient your rug. There are three main things you want to consider when choosing your rug size:
- All furniture legs should be resting on the rug: Buy a rug that allows for the front legs of each piece of furniture to be on the rug; the exception here will be the coffee table.
- If you are having trouble choosing the layout of your rug, it should extend at least 6” from all sides of your furthest furniture pieces: If you have a larger space, then this is a great way to set up a room. This will help your room have proper scale and look better.
- If you opt for a smaller rug, only the coffee table should be on the rug: If you have a small or narrow living room space, this will make the room feel larger. It will also fill any negative space that you may have from placing your furniture.
Tips for choosing smaller rugs
Large rugs can be expensive, and while they certainly can make your room look better by creating a natural border to your living room, they’re not the only type of rug you can get. Smaller rugs can still have a significant impact on your room and are usually cheaper. If you decide to choose a smaller rug for your space, here are some tips that will help make it look perfect!
- Make your rug the same length as your sofa, or just slightly longer.
- Have your rug cover the center of the room or underneath the coffee table and fill the negative space there.
What are the most common sizes for living room rugs?
The right size rug for your living space will depend on all the factors that I’ve listed above. Usually, your manufacturer will have a few different sizes for each type of rug. Unless you have your rug custom-made, you will have to choose from a set size list, so make sure to check the sizes available to ensure that the rug you want comes in the size you need. However, if you are looking for a place to start, here are three of the most common sizes and how to make them work in your space.
- 9×12: This size rug is perfect if you’re looking for more floor coverage and opting for all the legs on the rug rule.
- 8×10: If you have an open-concept living room or have multiple furniture grouping areas, this is a great way to ensure that the front legs are all on the rug.
- 6×9: This smaller rug is excellent if you try to space things out but have a more small intimate space.
It’s easy to simply say, “don’t get a rug that is too small,” and consider yourself informed about buying rugs. However, you can do so many things to choose a rug for your living room better. Hopefully, you found these tips helpful and are now on your way to buy that perfect rug for your space.