There are plenty of reasons why it’s ideal to have an area rug in a living room, bedroom, or other living space. Area rugs provide comfort, warmth, and decorative interest (color, pattern, texture, etc.). And they can create a frame in which to place furniture and define spaces.
Area rugs are often advantageous over wall-to-wall carpeting because they are easier to clean. And if you get tired of the look, it’s easier to switch out an area rug and replace it with something new. While there are tons of options, there are certain rug rules to consider before buying an area rug.
Keep the following tips in mind regarding area rug size:
The most frequent mistake people make with area rugs is to get one that is too small. An area rug should fit under all of the key furniture pieces in a room. So think about your furniture arrangement before committing to a rug. For instance, a rug should go far enough under a couch that at least the couch's front legs—and preferably its back legs too—can be on the rug. The rug also should be at least 6 inches wider than the couch. For smaller furniture, the entire piece should be able to fit on the rug.
If you have a particularly large room, divide it into zones and use a different rug for each one. The rugs don’t have to match, but they should be tied together by color or pattern. For most average-size rooms, a rug should cover all but approximately 1 to 2 feet of bare floor between its edges and the walls. So that would mean at least a 10-foot square rug size for a 12x12 foot room. Make sure the rug is centered in the room and the distance between the rug and the wall is the same on all four sides. No matter what the size, make sure that in heavily trafficked areas there is enough room for people to walk on the rug. They shouldn’t have one foot on and one foot off.
Are you looking for a new area rug? The options can be overwhelming, with so many shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. If you're short on time and just want an idea of where to start, we've got your back. In this blog post we'll cover the basics of what makes up an area rug, how to find one that fits your needs and budget, plus some tips on how to make the most of it once you have one!
some handmade 9x12 area rugs are more expensive than machine-made rugs, but they are also more durable and last longer. They are also more luxurious and have a more intricate design, perfect for any space in your home.
Machine-made 9' x 12' area rugs are the least expensive option. They are made in factories, which allows for economies of scale and therefore lower prices, but at a cost to quality. Machine-made rugs are less durable than hand-knotted versions because they use a different weaving technique that does not hold as much tension on the fibers as hand-knotted rugs do.
The right area rug can do a lot for a room, and it's one of the easiest ways to make a space feel truly complete. A beautiful area rug adds color and texture to any room, but it can also be used to define spaces within the home. A rustic rug in front of your living room sofa will help define that space as the main seating area for family gatherings, while an elegant shag might provide comfort at the end of your bed or in front of your vanity mirror.
A well-chosen piece can help define a room's style and function (and even act as an anchor for furnishings), which is why we've put together this guide on how to pick out one that works best for you!
