Hand tufted rugs are more than just floor coverings. They can change the look, feel and functionality of your room. If you choose the wrong size for your room, it can make it look unfinished or disjointed. It can make even the smallest room look stylish and inviting. Home decor enthusiasts know that a good rug can anchor a space, delineate zones and add warmth. The right size can make all the difference.
This guide will walk you through the process of choosing the right size hand tufted rugs. It covers everything from measuring your space to understanding how to place it, to dealing with floor plans that are unusual, to shopping online. Read on if you want to know how to make the most of your existing rugs or if you are looking to purchase rugs online.
What Rug Size Really Matters
The first step to making your room look polished and intentional is choosing the right hand-tufted rug size. The size of the rug will determine how furniture is positioned, how traffic flows and how large or small a room appears. Color and pattern are important but size is the most immediate.
A rug too small can make an area look disorganized and unsized. A rug that is too large can overpower your space or cause it to clash with the layout. Understanding rug size is important whether you live in an apartment or a large home. It will help you create a space that suits your lifestyle, regardless of the size.
Understanding Your Space
Measure first
Grab your tape measure before you purchase rugs online. You can use a tape measure to determine the length and width of your room. Keep these measurements handy and write them down.
Quick Tip: Mark your ideal rug size with painterβs tape or newspaper. This visual aid helps you determine how much space a rug will cover.
Consider the placement of furniture
Think about how the furniture will fit in the space. You can choose to have the rug “float” or cover the entire space. The answer will depend on your personal style and the proportions of your room.
- Living Rooms look best when the rug anchors the main furniture grouping.
- Dining Rooms The rug must be large enough to fit both the table as well as the chairs (even if the chairs are pushed back).
- Bedrooms can benefit from rugs that extend past the edge of the bed so your feet will land on something soft every morning.
Find Your focal point
A rug can draw attention to an area in a room. You may want to draw attention to your dining table, bed or coffee table. Decide on the space that you would like to highlight. It will also help you determine the size and shape of your rug.
The Common Rug Sizes & Their Uses
Hand-tufted rugs are available in a variety of sizes that fit different types and layouts.
5×8 feet
- Ideal for: In small living rooms or under coffee tables.
- Placement: You can place the rug under the legs of your chairs and sofa to create a cohesive seating group. It works well at the foot or side of a twin bed or full-size bed.
8×10 feet
- Ideal for: Standard sized living rooms and bedroom
- Placement: The majority of your seating space will fit on the carpet, and the legs of the sofas and chairs should be anchored. In bedrooms, a rug 8×10 can be placed under a queen size bed.
9×12 Feet
- Ideal for: Open-plan spaces, large living rooms and master bedrooms.
- Placement: All furniture legs should be placed on the rug to create a uniform look. It looks great under king size beds, with lots of coverage at the foot and sides.
Runners and Small Rugs
- Best suited for: Hallways and entryways.
- Placement: Use of a runner carpet (often 2.5 by 8 feet) in long, narrow areas to soften the bare floor.
Rug Placement Guides
It’s not enough to simply roll out the rug and hope for the best. These guidelines will help you get it right each time.
Living Room
Option 1. All Legs on
All the legs from your chairs and sofas should be placed on the rug. This works best in large spaces, and it creates a cohesive area of seating.
Option 2: Front Legs On
The most common placement is on the floor. Only place the front legs of sofas and chairs onto the rug. The back legs should remain on the ground. This anchors furniture without the need for a large rug.
Option 3. Floating
The rug will “float” at the center with the furniture legs removed. This is best for small rooms or when the rug will be a focal point under a coffeetable.
Dining Room
Choose a rug that is large enough so that the legs of the chairs will stay on it when the chairs are pushed out. A rug should extend at least 24-30″ beyond the sides of your dining table. A hand-tufted rug beneath the dining table will also catch spills and define your eating area.
The Bedroom
To achieve a balanced appearance, place your rug under the two-thirds bottom of the bed and extend it out 18-24 inches either side. You will always have a soft surface under your feet whenever you get up.
Alternative option: Place runners either side of your bed, or a small rug under the feet for a layered look.
How to deal with tricky spaces
Not all rooms are designed according to the standard layout. How to style up a tricky space.
Strangely Shaped Rooms
If you have a long, narrow room, use a large rug with rounded corners or multiple runners to create flow. If you have multiple zones in your living space (such as a dining area and seating area), use separate rugs to define each zone or a large hand-tufted rug that covers the two zones.
Hallways & Entryways
In these areas, runner rugs can be your best friend. For a tailored look, choose a runner with a margin of 2 to 3 inches on either side. Consider layering a small rug accent over a neutral base for wider entrances.
Layering Rugs
Hand tufted rugs can be layered to solve odd floor plans or if your perfect rug is too small. Layer a smaller, patterned rug or color on top of a large neutral rug to add visual interest. You can also experiment with color and texture without having to commit to a single bold rug for the entire room.
Rugs: Shop Online with Confidence
It can be difficult to visualize and measure the rug correctly. Buy rugs online gives you more options in terms of styles, sizes and prices. Here are some quick tips for making your online purchase a success:
- Check the rug size guide at your local store.
- You can get an idea of the look and feel of rugs in a real home by reading reviews that include photos.
- Check your room measurements before ordering.
- You should look for sites that have a generous return policy in case you don’t like the fit.
These steps will make buying rugs online less risky, and more rewarding.
Completing Your Space Confidently
Hand tufted rugs can transform a room into a place you’ll want to be. You can choose the rug size to fit your lifestyle and space by measuring, considering furniture placement and following guidelines.
Don’t forget to pay attention to awkward or tricky rooms and donβt be afraid of layering if flexibility is needed. The right rug will support your furniture as well as your lifestyle.
If you’re looking to purchase rugs online, use your measurements and review the sizing chart. Look for hand-tufted rugs in both styles and sizes. Planning can make a big difference to how inviting and polished your room looks.
