Choosing the right area rug for your space brings in color and cohesiveness while adding warmth and texture. Area rugs vary dramatically in size, shape, color, pattern and texture and deciding on the perfect addition to your room can be a daunting task. Here’s what we’ve learned from years of experience with choosing area rugs for clients in all types of spaces. Size and placement matters!

Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Rug Size

A common mistake general consumers make is to pick a standard size rug that’s too small for their space. Smaller seems safer and less like a commitment. And let’s face it, smaller is less expensive and that ALWAYS feels safer, right?! Standard sizes, like  8′ x 10’s or 9’x12’s can work beautifully in places like dining rooms (see above photo as an example) with rectangular tables or even bedrooms with a standard layout; and if you’re super lucky maybe even a living space that happens to be sized and arranged to fit well with a standard rug. But, most often, living spaces, especially those in the larger homes we generally work in, require larger foundational rugs that cover a lot of floor space which helps to connect the room. A large, custom-sized rug that allows for all (or most) of the furniture to sit atop creates a more balanced, pleasing and calming environment. When a rug is too small or mis-sized it will create a sense of busyness. It’s one of those situations where you’re looking at something and you know it’s off, but you just can’t quite put your finger on what it is that’s off. 

This drawing shows how all parts of this room are connected because of the use of a custom-size rug.

We probably use custom-sized rugs in about 75% of our projects. And we know what you’re thinking- custom means $$$$. Well, that’s not necessarily the case. Quite often, a custom-sized rug can cost less than a large statement rug. And if you really love that statement rug that’s a perfect compliment to your room, but the standard size isn’t available or doesn’t work you could consider layering rugs. The 9’x12′ (or whatever the size) can be placed over a lower-cost, more appropriately-sized custom rug that’s simpler in pattern (brood loom, sisal or wilton). We love layering rugs when the opportunity presents itself.  

Another example of a custom-sized rug. Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Rug Placement

When placing a custom or standard size rug we always pay attention to the traffic flow in a room, being careful to avoid walking on the edge of the rug. We’re also careful not to cover floor registers or outlets.

A recent custom rug installation leaves floor vents
uncovered and provides comfort underfoot.

Door swings are also important to consider when placing a rug. Thicker area rugs can impede door function, requiring a contractor to shave the bottom of the door. Also, placing a rug in an oddly shaped/functioning room can be tricky. We’ve found that cowhides are a perfect solution in some of these instances. Their irregular shape works to cover a surface without interfering with function.

Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

Properly sized and placed area rugs are important components to creating pleasant spaces. A well thought out plan with the perfect rug makes a huge impact on the look and feel of any room while creating a comfortable base for your furnishings. See us at https://www.instagram.com/erikabonnellinteriors/ for inspo!