Rug Sizes and Placement: Tips for Elevating and Balancing the Look of Your Space

Rugs are an essential part of home décor and additional comfort. However, to ensure that your space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, it’s necessary for you to choose the right rug size and place it correctly as well. Doing so helps create a cohesive, stylish, and inviting space.

In this article, we will briefly help you understand the types of rugs available, the important features they come with, and then we will shed light on the most crucial aspect – rug size and rug placement, and more.

This video is sourced from YouTube@Dear Modern

Table of Contents

• Types of Rugs Based on Use, Shape, and Style 

• Why Do Rug Size and Placement Matter?

• Recommended Rug Sizes for Different Rooms

• Choosing Different Rug Shapes

• Rug Placement Tips

• Measuring and Selecting the Right Rug Size

• Additional Tips

Types of Rugs Based on Use, Shape, and Style

Rugs are functional textile pieces that provide comfort, and elevate the look of your space. They can be categorized based on use, shape, and style.

By Use:

These include area rugs that are used particularly in bedrooms and living rooms. The standard sizes available for these are 9x12 area rugs. Then, you have bathroom rugs that are used in bathrooms and come with anti-slip and water-absorbing features. The kitchen rug comes with stain-resistant and anti-fatigue features. Outdoor rugs are designed for withstanding harsh weather conditions and come with waterproof, fade-resistant features, etc.

By Shape:

You have rectangular rugs that are most popularly used, round area rugs that are used to highlight certain furniture pieces, runner rugs that are narrow and long, etc. 

By Style: 

Rugs are available in various styles. You have modern rugs that come with sleek and minimal designs, boho rugs that come with interesting patterns and prints, vintage rugs that have intricate designs, transitional rugs that are a blend of both modern and traditional designs, etc. 
Here are a few rugs on GARVEE that you must take a look at.

• Check out the GARVEE 9x12 Area Rug Modern Moroccan Washable Rug 

• Check out the GARVEE Runner Rugs for Hallway 2x6 Kitchen Rugs

• Check out the GARVEE Machine Washable Boho Area Rug Blue Small Rug

• Check out the GARVEE Washable 4ft Round Rug Modern Solid Area Rug

Why Do Rug Size and Placement Matter?

The two main reasons as to why rug size and placement matter are:

Visual Impact

The correct rug size and rug placement play a crucial role in creating a balanced look for your space. Rugs help elevate a piece of furniture and tie together various elements of your home décor. Whether you choose standard 9x12 area rugs or 8x10 rugs, oversized rugs, small rugs, runner rugs, boho rugs, vintage rugs, modern rugs, wool rugs, jute rugs, shag rugs, etc., it’s important that you choose one that is suitable – in terms of size, shape, design – for your space so that it creates visual interest and enhances the aesthetics of your home.
  
Functionality

Rugs aren’t just to beautify your floor, they are absolutely functional and help in various ways, hence, it’s crucial to choose the right size and place them correctly. A few ways in which they are functional include: 

• Floor Protection: Rugs help keep your floor safe from scratches, stains, scuffs, and wear on your wooden and tile floors. 

• Noise Reduction: Rugs help absorb sound, thereby, helping create a quieter space for you.

• Extra Cushioning: Rugs add an additional layer of cushioning which provides comfort and warmth.

• Safety Purpose: Anti-slip features keep rugs in place securely, thereby, preventing slipping which otherwise could happen if there wasn’t any rug on the floor. 

Recommended Rug Sizes for Different Rooms

Below are some recommended rug sizes for different rooms. 

Living Room

The living room is that section of your home where you would place area rugs. Recommended sizes for living rooms are the standard 9x12 area rugs, 8x10 rugs, 6x9 rugs and 5x7 rugs. This also solely depends on the size of your living room as well as the number of furniture pieces you have. 

If you choose a large area rug such as a 9x12 or an 8x10 area rug, then place the furniture entirely on the rug for a unified look. If you have smaller rugs such as a 5x7 rug, then ensure the furniture is partially placed on the rug for a balanced appearance. 

Bedroom

Rugs in bedrooms add style, warmth, and comfort. You can use a 5x8 rug at the foot of your bed or you can go for larger area rugs that can be placed beneath the bed. Make sure to place the rug in the center if you are placing it under the bed. Also, ensure that the rug is visible equally on all sides for a cohesive look.
 
Dining Room

For your dining space, the rug you choose should provide coverage and comfort. You will need a rug large enough to cover the table and all the chairs even when you pull them out. This would mean that a 6x9 rug, 8x10 rug or 9x12 area rug would be ideal. Also, ensure that there is at least 24-30 inches of rug space left beyond the tables and chairs. 

Hallway

Runner rugs are perfect for hallways. The standard recommended size would be 2x6 or 2x8 inch rugs. For a symmetrical look, leave at least 4-6 inches of exposed floor on each side.
 
Small Seating Area

For small seating areas, round rugs, 5x7 rugs, or 3x5 rugs would be ideal. These rugs can be placed under a coffee table with two chairs on either side.

Choosing Different Rug Shapes

Let’s take a look at the different rug shapes that are used in households.

Rectangular Rugs: Rectangular rugs are very versatile and are most commonly used in homes. These rugs are ideal for various room layouts and furniture arrangements. Besides, they complement both traditional and modern interior designs. 

Round Rugs: Round rugs are the most ideal for small spaces and under round furniture pieces such as round dining tables, coffee tables, etc. They also make for the perfect nursery rugs as they add a touch of warmth and coziness to any space.

Unusual-Shaped Rugs: Unusual-shaped rugs are perfect for creating those unique focal points and adding some character to your home decoration.

Here are a few rugs on GARVEE that you must check out: 

• Check out the GARVEE 3ft Boho Round Geometric Rug

• Check out the GARVEE Shag Rug Plush Small Shaggy Rug

• Check out the GARVEE Large Area Rug 8x10 Vintage Rug 

Rug Placement Tips

When your rug is placed correctly, it brings about a balanced look, enhances the functionality of the room, makes the room look very organized, and adds to the aesthetics of your home. 

• To achieve this balance, you first have to make sure the rug complements the room’s proportion. The rug should ideally be big or small, depending on the size of the room, and furniture to avoid an overcrowded or undersized look. 

• When placing a rug in the living room, make sure to place the rug fully under the furniture or partially to give some definition to your seating section. Now this will also depend on the size of the rug that you have chosen. If you have chosen a standard 9x12 area rug or 8x10 rug, then you might be able to place the furniture fully, but if you have a 6x9 rug or a 5x7 rug, then most likely you will be able to place the furniture partially. 

• Rugs in bedrooms can either be placed completely under the bed or at the foot of the bed. If the rug is placed under the bed, then make sure that the rug is extended 18-24 inches beyond the bed on all sides (foot and the sides) for a balanced look. You can also just place a soft and comfortable runner rug at the foot of the bed if you do not want it under. You can also place round area rugs, however, for a more balanced look, consider placing it just under the foot of the bed instead of placing it completely. This way you have a little of the rug under the bed and the rest extending outside, creating a stylish and cozy look and feel. 

• For your dining space, the rug should cover the all furniture. This means it should be placed under the table as well as under chairs, even when pulled out. Doing so not only provides stability but also protects the floors when pulling the chairs in and out.

Measuring and Selecting the Right Rug Size

Here are some tips to help you measure and select the right rug size. 

• Visualize how you would want your rug to be placed on the floor and then using a measuring tape outline your desired rug dimensions. 

• Measure your space accurately by taking into account both the size of your space and the layout of your furniture.
 
• The rug size that you choose should be proportionate to your space for an organized look.

Additional Tips

Some additional tips.

• When selecting rugs for your rooms ensure that the color and material you choose match or complement the style and décor of your space. 

• For enhanced safety and extension of your rug’s life, use rug pads. 

• You can layer smaller rugs over large ones to add some depth and texture. 

• For the busy areas of your home, use darker-colored rugs and low-pile rugs.

• You can experiment with unusual shapes for an added touch of style and uniqueness. 

• Rotate rugs periodically to prevent uneven wear or fading.

• Choose thicker material rugs for larger rooms as they can reduce echo or noise.

• Vacuum and spot-clean rugs regularly to keep them clean. 

For ensuring a perfectly functional and stylish space, the right rug size and rug placement are essential. Doing so helps you achieve a cohesive and unified look. Whether you choose a standard 9x12 area rug, a smaller 5x7 rug, a boho rug, a round rug, etc., it’s important to choose rugs that suit your space and complement your home décor. 
Explore a collection of rugs at great deals on GARVEE here!