A quality area rug should serve not only as a decorative piece but also as a focal point in your living room. Proper placement of the rug can significantly enhance the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your space. An area rug often acts as the statement piece that unifies all other room elements. It anchors furniture arrangements, providing both visual and tactile texture. Maximizing the impact of your area rug depends on selecting the appropriate size based on your living room dimensions and desired furniture placement.
Standard Rug Sizes for Living Rooms
Here are some standard rug sizes for your living room:
8X10, 9X12 AND LARGER
We can group all these sizes together into a single category because their setups are quite similar. The diagram below illustrates the standard setup for these sizes. It's important to note that these setups are considered standard. For additional ideas, please refer to the image slideshow below. In the standard setup, most, if not all, furniture legs are placed on the rug. This arrangement serves to define a specific area, creating a cohesive design that brings surrounding furniture together while separating the area from the rest of the room.
5X8 AND 6X9 RUGS
With the trend towards downsizing, 5x8 and 6x9 rugs are gaining popularity. These sizes are often used interchangeably, offering designers numerous creative possibilities. In a typical setup, furniture tends to gradually separate from the rug, particularly noticeable with 5x8 rugs. While 6x9 and 5x8 rugs are less commonly used in traditional dining arrangements, apartment living has revolutionized how we utilize space. Many preferred designs now position dining tables against windows or walls. This approach not only saves space but also maximizes natural light at the dining table.
4X6 AND SMALLER
These sizes are ideal for various unique areas in your home! They work well in kitchens, entryways, bathrooms, nooks, landings, and the list goes on! In some of these places, you might initially question whether a rug is necessary, but believe us, a rug can truly transform the space.
RUNNERS & ROUNDS
Round rugs are excellent for echoing the geometric shape of round tables, but they offer many dynamic features in a traditional living room setup as well. They are also well-suited for dining areas, provided they are large enough to accommodate all four legs of the chairs when pulled out for use.
General Rules for Determining Rug Size
One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing an area rug is selecting a size that is too small for their space. Here are few tips to consider:
- When choosing a rug size, base it on your furniture configuration rather than just the room size. This guideline is particularly important for living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.
- Align the rug's orientation with that of the room; for instance, opt for a square rug in a square room or a longer rug in a rectangular room.
- When uncertain, lean towards selecting a slightly larger size.
- Embrace the idea of covering your hardwood or laminate flooring; an area rug can accentuate and elevate its appeal.
- Utilize the 'tape trick' described below to visualize how a rug might look before making your purchase.
Use the Tape Trick to 'See' the Area Rug
If you are struggling to visualize how a rug size will fit in your room, here's a helpful trick: before you shop for rugs, measure out a floor space based on the standard sizes you're considering. Then, use removable masking tape or a similar material that won't damage your floor to outline the measured area. This taped-off section will show you exactly where the rug would lie, allowing you to assess how well a rug of that size fits your space. Once you're satisfied with the size of the taped-off area, you'll be well-prepared to find the perfect rug during your shopping trip!
Living Room Rug Layouts
There are multiple living area rug layouts that you can consider purchasing:
All Legs on
In this configuration, all furniture is positioned entirely on the rug, with all legs of each item touching the rug's surface. This setup necessitates the largest rug size and is ideal for anchoring a space within a large room.
Half on Half Off
This arrangement, known as "front legs on," involves placing furniture so that its front legs rest on the rug while the back legs remain on the floor. It's a practical choice, especially when furniture is positioned against the wall, as there's no necessity to cover hidden floor space with a rug.
No legs on
This option is well-suited for small spaces or smaller rugs. Typically, a centered coffee table is placed on the rug, while the surrounding furniture is positioned entirely off the rug, with none of its legs touching it.
Multi-Layer
You can achieve a personalized, multi-layered look by creatively layering multiple rugs.
One Final Point
Ultimately, when it comes to determining the size of an area rug, remember that rules are meant to be flexible. These guidelines are just suggestions, and what matters most is what feels right for your home, where you'll be living. Take your time with the decision, explore different options, and consider that investing in a quality area rug is a significant decision. Your home should reflect your personal taste and style, so if you feel like breaking any of these guidelines, feel free to do so confidently.
FAQs
What is a good rule for determining rug size?
A good rule for determining rug size is to base it on the size of your furniture and the intended layout rather than solely on the size of the room. This approach helps ensure that the rug complements and enhances the furniture arrangement in the space.
What is the most common rug size for a living room?
The most common rug size for a living room is typically 9 by 12 feet. However, living rooms come in various shapes and sizes, so the ideal rug size can vary based on the specific dimensions and layout of your living area.
How far should a rug go under a couch?
The extent to which a rug should go under a couch can vary based on style preferences. It can be placed completely under the couch, halfway under, or not under at all. This choice depends on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. For specific ideas and layouts, refer to the "Living Room Rug Layouts" section.
