It always amazes me to see how a new area rug can transform a room, instantly adding warmth, texture, and style. However, choosing the right area rug for your space can sometimes feel daunting, as there are so many things to consider, such as size, color, pattern, material, and more.
With that in mind, in today’s post, I’m sharing all sorts of beautiful area rug ideas, along with an overview of the standard rug sizes for the dining room, bedroom, and living room, and more.
If you’ve been wanting to try out a different color palette in your space – perhaps experimenting with a touch of blue, terracotta, muted greens, or soft neutral tones, a new area rug is a great place to start.
And, if you’re like me and like a bit of visual inspiration, I’ve rounded up several beautiful and affordable area rug inspiration photos to help you choose the perfect area rug for any room in your home.
Design by Light and Dwell – striped jute rug – chandelier – table
How to Choose the Right Area Rug for Your Space
Area Rug Size Guide
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an area rug is size. A rug that is too small can make a room feel disjointed and cramped, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the space.
So, how do you choose the right size area rug for your room? Start by measuring the room and considering the furniture layout, then follow my simple guidelines below.
Standard living room rug size
The standard living room rug size is 8′ x 10′.
In a living room, the area rug should be large enough to anchor the seating area which helps to create a cohesive and inviting seating area.
However, a rug that’s too small for a space can make the room feel cramped, so I recommend using the best rug size for your space, which is typically one that’s large enough for the front legs of the sofa and chairs to rest on the rug.
Rug – Coffee Table – Sofas
For extra large rooms, with a large sectional or two sofas, you might need to use a larger rug in a 9′ x 12′ or even a 10′ x 14′ size.
In addition, if possible, allow for 6″ of rug to show on each side of your furniture.
The next standard living room rug size is a medium size 6′ x 9′ area rug, which would be a great option for living rooms with a sofa and two armchairs — or a small sectional.
For a larger room, with a sofa and loveseat combo or a large sectional, you will want to choose a large rug. Common sizes for the living room include 7′ x 10′ and 8′ x 10′ rectangular rugs.
By the way, these living room rug size guidelines also apply to outdoor living areas.
Standard bedroom rug size
In a bedroom, a rug can be placed under the bed, with at least 18 inches of rug extending beyond the edges of the bed. This creates a soft and cozy landing spot for your feet in the morning.
As a general rule, a 5′ x 7′ size rug is a good rule of thumb for most small bedrooms with a full or queen-size bed.
You’ll also want to ensure that your rug extends at least twelve inches from the foot of the bed.
Ideally, I like to use a 6′ x 9′ or an 8′ x 10′ bedroom rug size with a king-sized bed, because it’s nice to have at least a foot or two of rug peeking out on the sides of the bed, as well as at the foot of the bed, with the edge of the rug far enough under the bed for your feet to land on it when you get out of bed.
If you decide to go with an 8′ x 10′ or larger rug in your bedroom, it’s a good idea to tape the size out on the floor before purchasing your rug to make sure you have enough room for it in your space.
This beautiful master bedroom, from Pure Salt Interiors, features a handwoven rug in a 10′ x 14′ size:
Because the bedroom is generally a low-traffic area, it’s a great place to use a thicker high-pile rug or shag rug that feels good under your feet.
Standard dining room rug size
In a dining room, the rug should be large enough to accommodate the dining table and chairs, with at least 24 inches of rug extending beyond the edges of the dining table.
This allows for chairs to be pulled out without catching on the edge of the rug. This also typically means using a fairly large area rug.
The standard rug size for a dining room is an 8′ x 10′ rug — or if you have the space, a 9′ x 12′ rug.
I recommend choosing dining room rugs that allow the dining table and all chair legs to rest on the rug, with extra room for the chairs to push back.
Allow at least 8″ from the table to the edge of the rug.
This beautiful contemporary dining room design, from Light and Dwell, features an easy-care striped jute rug, wood dining table, black wishbone dining chairs, and statement chandelier.
If you have a circular table, a round rug, in an 8′ or 10′ size, is another great option for your dining room or kitchen dining area.
These dining room rug size guidelines also apply to outdoor dining areas.
Consider color and pattern when choosing a rug
When it comes to choosing the right color and pattern for your area rug, there are several factors to consider.
First, consider the overall color scheme of the room. You may want to choose a rug that complements or contrasts with the existing colors in the room.
The rug we have in our bedroom, below, provides the perfect amount of pattern and color for this space.
Second, consider the style of the room. A bold, patterned rug can add interest and drama to a minimalist room, while a neutral, solid-colored rug can provide a calm backdrop for a more eclectic space.
Third, consider the traffic flow and the purpose of the room. A high-traffic area may require a rug with a busy pattern that can hide dirt and stains, while a bedroom may benefit from a softer, more muted color palette.
Material matters
Another important factor to consider when choosing an area rug is material. Different materials have different textures, durability, and maintenance requirements, so it’s important to choose the right material for your lifestyle and budget.
Wool is a popular choice for area rugs, as it is durable, soft, and easy to clean. It is also naturally stain-resistant, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Cotton is another popular choice for area rugs, as it is affordable, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. However, it may not be as durable as wool or synthetic fibers.
Synthetic fibers, such as nylon and polyester, are also popular choices for area rugs, as they are durable, easy to clean, and affordable. They can mimic the look and feel of natural fibers, making them a versatile choice for any room.
Beautiful Area Rug Ideas for Every Space in Your Home
No matter what size of room or budget you have, below you’ll find dozens of beautiful area rug ideas in every color, style, size, price range, and shape to help you choose the right area rug:
Where to find affordable area rugs
Although rugs often run in the thousands, here are a few favorite places to shop for affordable area rugs:
You can also find some great deals on high quality rugs on a budget if you shop online for a new rug during the rug sales at these stores:
And if you’re looking for vintage rugs and runners, you might be interested in my post on Where to Find Affordable Turkish Rugs and Runners.
Area rug maintenance and care
Once you’ve chosen the right area rug for your space, it’s important to take good care of it to ensure its longevity and beauty.
Here are a few simple tips for maintaining and caring for your area rugs:
- Vacuum your rug regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- Rotate your rug every six months to prevent uneven wear.
- Blot spills immediately with a clean, white cloth to prevent stains from setting in.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaning products on your rug, as this can damage the fibers and color.
- Consider professional cleaning for your rug every few years to remove deep stains and dirt.
Choosing the right area rug for your space can make such a big difference in the look and feeling of a room. By remembering to measure your space carefully and consider the traffic flow and purpose of the room, you’ll be able to choose the perfect area rug for your lifestyle and design preferences.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative. Let me know if you have any questions about choosing the right area rug for your space. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
Looking for more home inspiration and decorating ideas? Here are a few related posts from Jane at Home:
2024 Home Decor Trends and Design Ideas You Will Love
What is Coastal Grandmother Style? (and why I’m loving this trend)
How to Add a Touch of Nancy Meyers Style to Your Kitchen and Home
Modern Kitchen Pendant Lighting Ideas You Will Love
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
Where to Find Affordable Turkish Oushak Runners
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Inspiring Kitchen Design Ideas for Your Next Renovation
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
Favorite Spaces of the Week: Pure Salt Interiors
Colors of the Year + Top Home Color Trends for 2024
2023 Home Decor Trends and Design Styles You Will Love
Modern Bedroom Design Ideas for a Dreamy Master Suite
Easy Coffee Table Decorating Ideas & Tips
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2 Comments
Mariangela
August 26, 2022 at 7:19 pmHi Jane – we have 2 dogs one of which is allergic to wool. Most of the better quality rugs are wool. With all the playing and rolling around I’m wondering if you recommend polyester or what fiber? Jute is not comfortable to walk on and gets scratched up. Thanks!
Jane
August 27, 2022 at 9:06 amHi Mariangela! Thank you so much for your thoughtful question. I always choose polyester or nylon rugs for the areas where our pets hang out the most. Since polyester/nylon/olefin rugs are usually easier to clean and less expensive, I feel like we get less upset about muddy paw-prints, snags, or accidents. Often, they’re softer and more comfortable for pets to sleep on, as well. I usually end up replacing these rugs every year or so, or when they get beyond cleaning. I’ve had good luck with this Threshold rug from Target. Pottery Barn, Wayfair, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods are great rug sources, too. One fiber I usually try to avoid is viscose. While it’s very soft to the touch, I’ve found it’s not as durable as other fibers. Also, I haven’t tried Ruggable rugs yet — I know their big selling point is that they’re washable, which would be great for households with pets. I hope this helps! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! xo Jane