Guide
Most rooms need a rug – a room without a rug can appear unwelcoming and unfinished. It will transform a room, introducing a sense of luxury, particularly if it is of good quality and a high standard of craftsmanship. The colour, pattern and texture of the rug lend a feeling of comfort and personality to the room.
Don't be afraid of colour or pattern; choose a rug as you would a piece of art. Most of all, you must love the rug – unlike cushions, curtains or a sofa, it is something that should last forever so you must be happy to have it in any room or even a different house.
Before choosing a rug, you must first understand its purpose. Do you want a rug that will be a real statement piece, or a more neutral design which will blend seamlessly into the space, giving an overall tranquil appearance? Do you want it to unify a room or to define a space? If you are attempting to break up a room into different areas, a number of smaller rugs can do so beautifully.
Living Room
9'x12'
A 9'x12' rug fits perfectly in a 12'x18' living room or larger, or in an open-plan space. This rug should be large enough to accommodate most of your furniture, accessories, and decor elements, giving your space a more unified look.
8'x10'
An 8'x10' rug fits nicely in an 11'x13' room or slightly larger, or in an open plan living area. In a defined living area, the best layout leaves a 12"-18" border of flooring around your rug.
6'x9'
A 6'x9' rug works best in an 11'x13' or smaller-sized living room. This leaves about 2' of flooring bordering the rug on each side.
5'x7'
In a small living room, a 5'x7' rug will fit underneath the coffee table, as well as in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug.
3'x5'
A 3'x5' rug would be a nice accent to a landing place in a living room.Dining Room
Large Table (8 or more chairs)
A table for 8 or more chairs fits best on a 9'x12' rug offering enough room for all chairs to be on the rug even when pushed back.
Medium Table (6 Chairs)
A table for 6 fits best on an 8'x10' rug. This leaves you room on all sides for the dining chairs to be moved easily while staying on the rug.
Small Table (4 chairs)
A table for 4 fits best on a rug that is 8' round. You can also float the table and chairs in the center of a standard 8'x10' or 6'x9' rug.Bedroom
King
A 9'x12' rug works best in a bedroom with a king-size bed. The rug would sit almost completely under the bed and nightstands, and leave about 2' of soft rug underfoot around the bed.
Queen
An 8'x10' rug would cover the bed and nightstands, with 3 feet of rug on either side of the bed, while a 6'x9' rug would give an 18" border on each side.
Full
The 6'x9' rug would fit nicely, as well as two 3'x5' rugs on either side of the bed, creating ample cushioned area on both sides.
1 Twin
An 8'x10', 6'x9', or 5'x7' would fit nicely, leaving ample room all around the bed. Two 3'x5' rugs or smaller would also work perfectly on either side of the bed.
2 Twins
The best option is to place a 3'x5' rug between the beds. A 2.5'x7' or 2.5'x10' runner rug running across the middle or sides of two twin beds would also look great.Kitchen
Large(Over 200 square ft.)
A larger kitchen can most likely handle a 9'x12', 8'x10', or a 6'x9'. If you have a kitchen island, position a 5'x7', 3'x5', or a runner rug on either or both sides of the island.
Medium Kitchen(100-200 square ft.)
Depending on your layout, a smaller rug, like a 5'x7' or 3'x5', or a runner rug in front of the sink may work best, leaving the rest of the floor space open.
Small(70 square ft. or less)
A small kitchen can very easily feel cluttered, adding a rug and pattern will only add to that. Depending on your layout, opt for a small rug, like a 2'x3' rug or 3'x5', in front of the sink.
Long Layout(At least 10 ft. long)
A long galley-style kitchen can handle a runner rug along the sink side of the kitchen. If the galley is narrow, position the runner in the center of the kitchen.Outdoor Spaces
Medium to Large Spaces
For more spacious patios, decks, or balconies, opt for an area rug that’s large enough to frame the outdoor furniture you want to highlight, whether that’s a sitting area or a dining table. For this, a 5'x7', 6'x9', or even a 8'x10' or 9'x12' could work.