Bigger is Better
A few inches can make all the difference between the rug pulling the room together or making it feel disjointed. Opting for the larger option, especially if you're choosing between sizes, will prove that it is worth the extra expense every time. Too small is just wrong in this case!
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Read the Room
When choosing rug size and orientation, make sure it is proportional to the space (large rooms = large rugs), and placed to echo its dimensions (long room = orient lengthwise).
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Visualize the Final Look
If you can, get the advice of an interior designer. If you are into doing it yourself, use painter's tape to mock the rug placement before you buy. This trade secret is an easy way to check that you have the right fit from every vantage point. If you happen to use tape to lay out a circular rug like the one below, please send pics!!!
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Rug Sizing by Room
To find the right rug sizes for your home, consider the size of each room and the room's furniture groupings – measuring the room and the furniture as a first step. Then choose a rug layout from the common options below.
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Living Room
Your living room shape, not just the furniture, should dictate the rug size and orientation to make the space look larger and feel connected. There are three main layouts: all furniture legs resting on the rug, just the front legs on the rug, or all furniture – except for the coffee table – off the rug. If you choose a layout with the sofa on the rug, the rug should extend at least 6" on each side for proper scale. Learn more about these layouts below.
Loveseat
Illustrations feature a 72" loveseat.
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Standard Sofa
Illustrations feature a 80” full-size sofa.
Chaise Sectional
Illustrations feature a 108” chaise sectional.
L-Sectional
Illustrations feature a 107.5” L-sectional.
Design Tips:
- Choose a rug that extends at least 2’ on each side of your table, so there’s room to pull out chairs. Most tables need a rug that’s at least 8’ wide.
- If your dining table is expandable, choose a rug that will still fit beneath the table when it’s extended.
- Have a round table? You can use a rectangular rug or order one of our custom-sized rugs in a square shape (or be bold and consider a round rug!)
Design Tips:
- Depending on the size of the rug, bed and room, place the rug under the front two-thirds of your bed, or under the entire bed and nightstands.
- Allow 2' to 3’ on each side of the bed to have a soft, warm place for your feet to land when you get out of bed.
- Alternatively, place a runner on each side of the bed, or a single runner at the foot of your bed.
Queen Size Bed
King Size Bed
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I hope that you enjoyed reading these area rug tips for your home in Philadelphia, the main line and the Tri-State area. The biggest take away should be to relax and have fun with it. Also, remember that area rugs provide artistic value to a room's interior design. They should not only be considered functional and comfortable, but artwork for the floor. That being said, here is no right way to implement interior design in your home! Please leave me a comment below and let me know what space you are looking for an area rug in!
In addition to being a Philadelphia residential Interior Designer, I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, multi family development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area. We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally! If you enjoyed reading this piece please leave a comment and let us know. AND, let's get social. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and connect on LinkedIn!
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About the Interior Designer
Tina Delia, a native of Ocean County, NJ, current resident of Philadelphia, is the Founder and Principal Interior Designer of Delia Designs. For the past twelve years, Tina has been steadfast in her vision and continues to develop herself personally and professionally. She is dedicated to excellence and insistence on forward thinking design. At the forefront of her designs is the idea that our spaces have the ability to transform our lives. She is looking to move us, inspire us to see, think and create freely. After all, it's not only about creating beautiful spaces.
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2 Comments
Jun 2, 2021, 7:41:21 AM
Tina Delia - Thank you Naheed.
Jun 2, 2021, 6:27:20 AM
Naheed Mir - This is the first time I have come across the tip about how to choose the perfect rug size. I will definitely try that. I have followed some suggestions from https://www.rugknots.com/ but they are not practically possible.