One of the things we always say here at Ballard is: when decorating a room, start with a rug. A rug provides the perfect foundation of color, texture and style on which to build your room’s design. Choosing the look is only part of the challenge, though – you also need to know how to choose the right size rug.
As a general rule, designers recommend that you leave at least 18”-24” of bare floor exposed around all sides of a rug. You can get away with a little less in a small room like an entryway or bathroom, but otherwise 18” is a good starting point. The maximum amount of exposed floor is largely up to personal preference. So whether you want to call attention to a beautiful wood floor or cover up flooring that has seen better days, you can select a rug perfectly sized for your needs.
Here are some other room-specific guidelines to consider when making your choice.
Living/Family Room
First, measure your room. Next, position your furniture the way you’d like it. This will help you figure out precisely where you want your rug and how large you’d like it to be. For a room-sized rug, simply take 18”-24” off the room’s measurements. Rugs typically come in standard sizes, up to a maximum of about 10’ x 14’ or so. If your room is significantly larger than that, consider dividing it into separate seating areas, each with its own rug. Or place two matching rugs side-by-side to achieve the size you need.
If you prefer a smaller area rug, use your sofa as a guide and make sure your rug is at least as long as the sofa. Furniture can be positioned with legs on or legs off the rug – whichever works best with your arrangement and is more pleasing to your eye. Still having trouble deciding? Use some painter’s tape to mark out different positions and sizes for your rug. That will help you visualize the rug in your space and feel confident before you buy.
Have you fallen in love with a rug that’s too small for your space or would be budget-busting in the right size? Layer it on top of a larger, less expensive rug! Natural fiber rugs like seagrasses and jutes make great neutral backgrounds for a colorful hand-knotted rug or eye-catching cowhide, and are wallet-friendly even in large sizes.
Dining Room
After you’ve measured your room and taken off 18”-24” for exposed floor, you’ll next need to measure your dining table. (If your table has extensions/leaves, put them in place before measuring.) Your rug should be at least 24”-30” larger than your table on all sides to allow chairs to be pulled out for seating without falling off the edge of the rug.
Bedroom
A rug in a bedroom should be large enough that one can climb out of bed without touching the bare floor. You can achieve that via one large rug that goes under the bed and covers roughly 24” of floor on both sides (12”-18” for twin- or full-size beds) or by placing smaller area rugs on each side of the bed.
Entryway
This is one of those rooms where you can cheat the 18” minimum of exposed floor rule a bit if need be. The most important factor to consider in this space is door clearance – make sure the rug you choose doesn’t have a thick pile that would prevent your door from opening properly.
Finally, keep traffic patterns in mind when determining entry rug placement. Constantly having to step on and off a rug as you move through a space can be annoying and even a trip hazard. Make sure the size and placement of your rug enhances your room’s comfort and style rather than distracting from it.
Related story: Guide to Rug Materials and Construction
Have other thoughts on how to choose the right size rug? Leave us a note in the comments below.
Fran
Entry is 8’6” x 10’3”. What size round rug would be appropriate.
Thank you.
Mallory Thomas
Fran,
As a general rule, designers recommend that you leave at least 18”-24” of bare floor exposed around all sides of a rug; however, you can get away with a little less in an entryway. I would suggest uploading a picture of your space and any questions here. One of our trained interior designers will help you find the perfect fit!
Happy Decorating,
Mallory
juanita
Incredible article!- I really loved it. When I saw your post, it was the first thing that came in to my mind. The work is really admirable. There are many unique rugs which will give some classy and different look to any area at https://therugmall.com/product/kaleen-natural-fiber-colinas-col02-103-area-rug-collection/
Diana
I am so pleased to find this article! I always struggle when I’m buying rugs….they always end up being too big or too small. These tips are very helpful for choosing right area rugs. Thanks.
Felicia Palazzo
I love the dining room table featured in this article. Could you tell me where to find it?
Annika Dupree
Hi Felicia,
So glad to hear you love that dining room table! It’s our Andrews Pedestal Dining Table in whitewash color, which you can find here:
Lauren
Hi – I really like the curtains in the dining room, can you share where to find them? Thank you!
Regards – Lauren
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Lauren,
Thanks for your comment! Those are our Ballard Designs Firenze Panels in Gray.
The How to Decorate Team
Julie
I love the light in the dining room, can you tell me where to find it? Julie
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Julie,
It’s the Ballard Designs Orb Chandelier. You can find it here: https://www.ballarddesigns.com/orb-chandelier/292465
The How to Decorate Team
Rachel
Hi!
I currently have a very small guest bedroom with white walls. My bed linens are a mix of blues and the comforter has a paisley design with navy blue. I want pull out the navy blue and do an accent wall of navy blue. I am trying to decide on night stands and I love the silver painted side tables right now. To me this will just pop on a navy blue wall, but is this a trendy color or will this be a good investment?
Thank you!!
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Rachel,
We would love to help you with your guest bedroom. We actually have a design team that can create a detailed plan for you! It’s a free service where our designers will examine your space, and give you suggestions for pulling together a look. Simply complete this form, and we’ll reach out to you! And be sure to upload photos and include as much detail (measurements, colors, etc.) as you can so we can offer you a thorough plan and solution!
We look forward to hearing from you!
The How to Decorate Team
jan
Hello,
I have vaulted white washed wood ceilings and mindful grey (SW) painted walls with lots of natural light due to a wall of windows. What color and style of rug would you suggest. The style of our home is French Country with many pieces of furniture in that style-linens.Thank you for any suggestions.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Jan,
We would love to help you pick a rug for your space. We actually have a design team that can create a detailed plan for you! It’s a free service where our designers will examine your space, and give you suggestions for pulling together a look. Simply complete this form, and we’ll reach out to you! And be sure to upload photos and include as much detail (measurements, colors, etc.) as you can so we can offer you a thorough plan and solution!
We look forward to hearing from you!
The How to Decorate Team
Jane
Hello,
I have a living/dining room combination. The entire room is carpeted. My dining table is teak
and very heavy.
How can I put a rug under this teak table (on top of the existing carpet) without the rug
“buckling” under the weight of the table?
Appreciate any thoughts, ideas!!
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Jane,
We actually have a design team that can help you with your open space. It’s a free service that we offer to all of our customers. Use this form to submit some photos, and our design team will help you sort out your rug problem. We look forward to helping you with your space.
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Rita
I have a 16×16 enclosed porch. It has 11 windows and a sliding door. There is only one solid wall in the room I would like some ideas on furniture placement and area rug. Thank you, Rita
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Rita,
Thanks for your comment. It’s definitely perfect timing to begin whipping your porch into tip top shape! We would love to give you some guidance in regards to your space. Our design services team actually does just that, so they can create a full plan for you. You’ll need to submit your questions using this form and our team can get working on it. Usually there’s about a week turn around!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Christine Reinwald
I have an open family room/dining room/kitchen. I have a dark wood table with a medium gray rug with cream, beige and burgundy accents throughout. Sofa. Is light gray, with a dark gray and white paisley chair and ottoman and a black leather ottoman for coffee table with mixed dark wood end tables. I need a 9 by 13 rug and not sure what color. Kitchen. Has dark cherry cabinets and typhoon bourdeau granite.(white,gray,beige and burgundy )
Also, need help with paint color. All three rooms will have to be the same color. New construction white right now.
How to Decorate Team
Hi Christine,
We would love to help you with your decorating dilemma. If you submit your question to our design services team using this form, someone from our team will create a design plan for you!
We look forwarding to answering your questions!
Best,
The How to Decorate Team
shelly
Hello need ideas for livingroom rug. I have a 50″ round table that seats four. I want to place it in the corner of livingroom and I’m not sure if I should use a round rug or rectangular rug and what size. Would appreciate any advice.
Regards