The Ideal Fit: Rug Sizes with MIC & NAY
The selection of an appropriate rug size often goes unnoticed in the realm of interior design. However, choosing the right rug size can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of a room. We absolutely love using rugs in our projects. It’s an opportunity to express character, but in a muted way. A rug can be simple, or it can be the statement piece. It’s like jewelry to your home- dress it as up or down as you wish. To help you in navigating this process, MIC & NAY has curated their expert insights and techniques to master rug sizing. This blog delves into the importance of selecting the correct rug size and guides you through the process of achieving the perfect fit.
The Significance of Rug Size
Before delving into the specifics, it is essential to grasp why rug size holds importance. A thoughtfully chosen rug has the power to delineate spaces, enhance visual appeal, and unify the design elements of a room. Conversely, an ill-fitting rug can create a sense of disarray and unattractiveness. If it’s too small, it can make furniture look large and smushed together, and the room to appear disproportionate. If it’s too large, furniture selection will feel sparse and empty. The right-sized rug aids in establishing designated areas, anchoring furniture, and providing a harmonious flow to the space.
Standard Rug Sizing
Majority of rug companies will sell in standard sizes:
Runners- 2.5’x7.’ and 2.5’x10’
Area Rugs- 3’x5’ , 4’x6’ , 5’x7’ , 6’x9’ , 8’x10’ , 9’x12’ and sometimes 12’x15’
Assessing the Space
The initial step in determining the appropriate rug size is to assess the room itself. Consider the dimensions of the room and its intended purpose. For instance, in a living room, ensure that the rug accommodates the seating area while leaving sufficient room around the furniture. Take precise measurements of the space and take note of any obstacles or architectural elements that might impact rug placement.
Defining Zones and Spatial Planning
Creating distinct zones within a room is vital for crafting an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment. Rugs play a pivotal role in defining these zones. For rugs that are freestanding and not against walls, leave around 3’ of walkway space or 5’ or more if it is a main walkway space. Rugs can go up to the wall on an edge or two depending on the space and its purpose.
Living Room Rug Sizing
In the living room, the rug should be large enough to encompass all major furniture pieces. One common mistake is opting for a rug that is too small, resulting in furniture appearing out of place or floating in the space. MIC & NAY advise selecting a rug that extends beyond the coffee table, allowing the front legs of the couch and chairs to rest on it. This creates a polished and grounded look. On the edge of the sofa side, the rug should overhang around 2 ft, enough for the placement of a side table if desired. At minimum, it should come out past the sofa edge 3”. If there is going to be a console behind the sofa, back the edge of the sofa to the edge of the rug. You do not want furniture to be ‘half on, half off’ the area rug. There are exceptions- the rug doesn’t go to the back of the sofa to have more of the rug showing out in front of it- use furniture risers to make sure the sofa stays even. For a standard home and sofa sizes, a 9’x12’ is ideal, but a 6x9’ if you have a smaller living room. Again, this is relative to the size of your home. In a 14,000 sq. ft. home, the great room may be much much larger!
Dining Room Rug Sizing
Choosing the appropriate rug size for the dining room is crucial to have functionality and visual appeal. Even when the chairs are pulled out, the dining table should comfortably fit on the rug. To prevent chairs from snagging on the edge of the rug, it is recommended to extend the rug at least 24 inches on each side of the table. This allows for a seamless dining experience that is both practical and visually pleasing. Ideal sizes for a 6-top table is 8’x10’ and for 8-top we recommend 9’x12’. A 4-top, square or round, would fit on a 6’x9’.
Bedroom Rug Sizing
Rugs in the bedroom provide a warm foundation and add a touch of coziness. We get asked a lot if we prefer the rug to go longways with the bed, or longways horizontal to the bed. With standard sizes, it’s circumstantial. Preferably, if you cannot fit the entire nightstand on the rug comfortably, MIC & NAY suggest placing the rug beneath the lower two-thirds of the bed, extending it beyond the sides and foot. This would keep the nightstands balanced, without having to comprise the amount of rug that goes under the bed. Our least favored look is when the majority of the rug is under the bed, and minimal rug walking space around the bed. Avoiding this will impart a sense of elegance to the space and offer a soft landing for your feet as you wake up. Our general size guide for bedrooms are 9’x12’ for a King bed, 8’x10’ for a Queen bed, a 6’x9’ for a full or two runners. These sizes and directions can be played with in a space- we’ve angled rugs under beds to create a more whimsical and lived in feeling.
And Don’t Forget…Your Rug Pad!
Rug pads play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and longevity of rugs. They prevent slipping and sliding, and act as a protective barrier. Different thickness rug pads will provide cushioning and comfort when walking on them. There are certain areas that rug pads will deem unnecessary, like on carpeted floors. Thinner rug pads are great for high traffic areas, whereas you want thicker pads for areas you want comfort and find yourself barefoot a lot. If you find you really do not need any rug padding, we suggest just placing rug tape down to keep the corners from coming up.
While all of MIC & NAY’s recommendations are invaluable, there are a few additional tips and factors to consider when choosing the right rug size:
Room dimensions: Take into account the overall proportions of the room before settling on a rug size. Larger rooms may require bigger rugs to maintain balance, while smaller rooms can benefit from smaller rugs to avoid overwhelming the space.
Budget: Determine your spending limit in advance, as larger rugs typically come with a higher price tag. However, compromising on size might diminish the overall impact of the rug. MIC & NAY advise in investing in the largest rug within your budget. In the world of rugs, prices can be hundreds to thousands of dollars, quickly!
