Aimee beatty an in house stylist for pier 1 imports says to be sure to choose a rug that extends beyond the coffee table and at least under the first set of legs on sofas or chairs.
How to pick living room rug size. 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. If you need a new area rug for your living room watch this video to learn how to choose the right size color and material that complements your home decor and grounds the whole space. For most average sized rooms there should be about 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the edges of the rug and the walls of the room. To do so measure your room and select a size that allows for 2 feet of floor space around the rug s perimeter.
Use carpet tape to keep the rug safely in place. The right sized area rug will bring warmth and balance to the room creating the perfect finishing touch. Depending on the size of the room you can go as low as eight inches and as high as 24 inches. Layering you can also layer rugs.
The size of an area rug can dramatically alter the room s overall effect. A rug that is too large for the room can paradoxically make the room feel smaller. If you have a smaller living area the best layout leaves at least a 12 to 18 inch border of flooring around your rug. Choosing a rug that s too small.
There s also room use and orientation to contend with. Full size try filling the entire room with the rug. A rug that is too small for your space can cause the room to feel uninviting. A smaller rug on top of a larger one helps define seating areas and creates visual interest.
Skimp on size and your room will look smaller. To take some of the guesswork out of choosing the size of rug for your space we ve created a handy illustration with all the rug rules you need to know. A rug that s too small for the room is one of the most common decorating mistakes. You need your rug to set boundaries and ground your furniture says interior designer danielle oakey.
This leaves a comfortable border around the rug. In large living rooms for example you can use two rugs to create two separate living areas. Then choose a rug layout from the common options below. Rug sizing by room.