Shape
First you need to select the shape of your rug. Area rugs are typically rectangular but are also round or long and thin to fit narrow spaces like a hallway. Choose a shape that best suits your space
If you're looking to fill up a large space or define an area, choose a rectangular shape. If you want a rug to protect your floor from a piece of furniture, like a rocking chair or pedestal table, maybe think about a circular area rug
Pile
Pile is the thickness and height of the fibres that make up a rug. You can choose low, medium, or high piles. Low-pile rugs are generally sturdier than high-pile rugs and are easier to vacuum and keep clean. They're typically less expensive than high-pile rugs. Rugs with a longer pile are softer and more luxurious underfoot and can help make rooms look cozier and more inviting.
As a general rule, a room that gets a lot of foot traffic will benefit from a low-pile rug.
Pattern
The pattern is the hardest part in choosing an area rug because there are just so many beautiful patterns to choose from. It's also difficult because it's tricky for some people to visualize a rug in their space
When choosing a pattern, determine what style you're going for. Some options could be: traditional, abstract, geometric, solid, floral, rustic, shag, bohemian, etc.
Colour
Once you've determined the shape, pile, and pattern, its time to choose a colour pallet. This is where it gets tricky. Some people are more visual than others and don't need help matching a rug to their furniture
For those of us who need help, don't be afraid to ask a salesperson. If you have something in mind, bring a picture to a sales person as a reference
When choosing a colour, you should keep in mind the colour of your walls, furniture, pillows, and curtains
Size
Once you've determined the perfect rug, the last thing to do is choose the size. Most rugs can be ordered in any size so you need to measure the largest piece of furniture in your room and then determine how you want to situate the furniture around the rug
The standard size of a rectangular area rug is typically 5x7 Ft and 8x10 Ft
Check out our diagrams below to determine what size rug you need.
How to Place an Area Rug
Area rugs define a space by making it cohesive and balanced. An area rug shouldn't overpower a room, it should accent everything else in the room. To pick the right size area rug you should know the length of your furniture and the dimensions of the room. Use the diagrams below to help pick the size and look you want to achieve.
Living room: 5x7
Living room: 8x10
Living room: 8x10
When using a 5x7 rug In a living room, it's important that the front legs of the furniture touch the rug.
Living room: 8x10
Living room: 8x10
Living room: 8x10
When using a larger 8x10 rug, the leg rule doesn't apply (unless you have a massive living room and large furniture to fill the space). When using a large rug, keep all furniture evenly within the rug space.
Bedroom: 5x7
Living room: 8x10
Bedroom: 9x11
Place a 5x7 rug halfway under the bed so the pattern protrudes from the foot of the bed.
Bedroom: 9x11
Dining room: 8x10
Bedroom: 9x11
Place a 8x11 rug either horizontally or vertically under the bed (as long as the entire bed, side tables, and/or footstool fit) and up against the wall.
Bedroom: 8x10
Dining room: 8x10
Dining room: 8x10
Place an 8x10 rug under the bed vertically. If you prefer horizontal, move the rug down towards the foot of the bed 1-2ft so the pattern protrudes from the bottom and so the side tables aren't on the rug.
Dining room: 8x10
Dining room: 8x10
Dining room: 8x10
When placing a rug under a dining room table, make sure there is plenty of rug space so the chairs are never half on the floor and half on the rug
Dining room: 6'
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Kitchen: 2'6 x 8
If you have a circular dining room table, you should use a circular area rug that has plenty of rug space so the chairs are never half on the floor and half on the rug
Kitchen: 2'6 x 8
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Kitchen: 2'6 x 8
Kitchens are typically narrow spaces. Use an area rug that is long and narrow. It's best to have a low pile rug in this space because its easier to clean and it gets a lot of foot traffic. Its best to invest in a cushioned under-lay for a kitchen mat since it's often stood on for longer periods of time.
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Rocking chairs can be hard on floors due to weight and repetitive motion. Use a round matt with a cushioned under-lay to protect floors.
Layering
Layering
Nursery: 4' round & 2x3
Found the perfect rug but it's the wrong size? Create a frame around the decorative rug with a larger, plain rug in order to fill up the empty space.
Layering
Layering
Layering
Want to create a layered Moroccan look? Layer multiple rugs symmetrically and keep in mind the placement rules.
Layering
Layering
Layering
Layering rugs works best in living rooms and bedrooms. You can even layer rugs over carpet!
