Standard Area Rug Dimensions & How To Select The Perfect Rug
Area rugs are a great addition to any home. They add style, warmth, and comfort to your space while also protecting your floors. But choosing the right size rug is an essential step in getting the perfect look for your space because there are different standard rug sizes with different types and shapes. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about standard area rug dimensions and more.
Area Rug?
An area rug is a type of carpet that covers a specific area in your home. They come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and designs. Area rugs are not affixed to the floor indefinitely, unlike wall-to-wall carpeting.
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These are perfect for adding a pop of color and style to your space. They can also protect your floors from scratches and stains.
Where is it generally used?
Area rugs are generally used in various places in homes and offices, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, and entryways. They can be used to define spaces, add color and texture to a room, provide warmth and comfort underfoot, protect flooring from wear and tear, or complement your existing room furniture.
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Additionally, area rugs can be used to enhance the décor of a room and serve as a focal point.
Standard Rug Sizes
The size of an area rug matters in relation to the living room dimensions, as well as to the bedroom dimensions, as it helps to define the space how you want and create visual balance in the room. Remember, a rug that is too small can make a room feel disjointed, while a rug that is too large can overwhelm the space.
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Rug sizes vary depending on the manufacturer, but here are some common standard sizes:
Standard Area Rug Size
| In Feet | In Inches |
|---|---|
| 2' x 3' | 24'' x 36'' |
| 3′ x 5′ | 36'' x 60'' |
| 4' x 6' | 48'' x 72'' |
| 5' x 8' | 60'' x 96'' |
| 6' x 9' | 72'' x 108'' |
| 8' x 10' | 96'' x 120'' |
| 10' x 14' | 120'' x 168'' |
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Here is a quick guide on area rugs' standard sizes for different areas and placement. But you can always choose rug sizes according to your preferences.
| Area Rug Size (in feet) | Best Used in |
|---|---|
| 2' x 3', 2' x 6' | Often used as an accent rug in entryways, hallways, or next to beds. |
| 2' x 8', 2' x 10', 3' x 12 | Typically known as runner rugs. best for decorating longer narrow spaces like hallways, stairwells, and entryways |
| 3′ x 5′ | Can be used as a focal point in a small room, or in the kitchen. |
| 4' x 6' | Popular size for area rugs. Mostly used in living rooms, dining room, bedrooms, and kitchens. |
| 5' x 8' | Great for larger rooms. Can be used as a centerpiece for a seating area or under a dining room table. |
| 6' x 9' | A versatile size that can be used in a variety of rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. |
| 8' x 10' | Large rug size. Can anchor a seating area or dining room, home offices, and also be considered as a standard bedroom rug size. |
| 9' x 12' | Very large rug size that can fill up a large living room or dining room. It's also great for open-concept spaces. |
| 10' x 14' | Largest standard rug size and can be used in large living rooms or open-concept spaces. |
| 12' x 15' | Extra large size rugs. Can be used in large rooms or open-concept spaces. |
Types of Area Rugs
With different sizes, area rugs come in different types depending on materials, designs, and styles. Some of the most popular types of area rugs:
- Small Rugs: Small rugs are typically less than 3 feet in length and width. These rugs are perfect for entryways, hallways, or as accent pieces in smaller rooms. They can also be used in larger spaces as a grouping of two or more.
- Medium Rugs: Medium rugs measure between 4-6 feet in length and width. These rugs are ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms. They can be used to anchor furniture or define a seating area.
- Large Rugs: Large rugs measure between 7-10 feet in length and width. These rugs are perfect for open-concept spaces or large living areas. They can be used to define a space or add warmth to a room.
- Runner Rugs: Runner rugs are long, narrow rugs that are typically used in hallways, staircases, or entryways. They can range in size from 2-3 feet wide and up to 20 feet in length. If you have narrow kitchen space, you may use it there too. Read more about average American kitchen dimensions.
- Square Rugs: Square rugs are great for defining a seating area or adding a pop of color to a room. They typically range in size from 4-8 feet square.
- Custom Rugs: Custom rugs can be made in any size or shape to fit your specific space and design needs. These rugs can be a great way to create a unique and personalized look in your home.
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How to Select Your Perfect Rug Type
Rugs can be of many types. Now you can categorize them based on size, shape, pattern, place of origin, texture, and even material. You may like one for use in the kitchen and a different type to place in front of the fireplace.
Choosing the perfect rug type absolutely depends on the style and decor you want for your space.
For example, if you have a traditional or classic interior, an Oriental or Persian rug might be a perfect choice, while a bold and colorful modern rug could work well on a more modern or contemporary style. Shag rugs are great for creating a cozy and comfortable feel in a room, while natural fiber rugs like jute or sisal can add a rustic or beachy touch.
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You can consider the following factors before you pick your perfect rug type:
- Purpose: Determine the purpose of the rug, whether it's for decoration or functionality. For example, a high-traffic area would require a durable and easy-to-clean rug (Polypropylene rugs might be a good choice)
- Style: Choose a rug that complements the style of your room. Whether it's traditional, modern, or bohemian, there is a rug style that will surely fit the style.
- Available Size: Measure the area where you want to place the rug to ensure the correct size. You may not find every size available for all the size.
- Material: Consider the material of the rug, whether it's natural fibers like wool or cotton, or synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. Compare these pros and cons before finalizing.
- Color: Choose a rug that complements the colors in your room and room furniture. A neutral rug can provide a calming effect, while a bold-colored rug can add a pop of color to a neutral room.
How to Select Area Rug Size and Placement
Now that you’ve got your perfect rug type the next thing you should consider is the rug size and placement. There are a few things you need to consider (like the size of your room and furniture).
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Here are some tips to help you select the perfect rug size:
- Measure the space: Measure the room to determine the size of the rug you need. This will give you a good idea of the maximum size you can get away with.
For example, for a 10'x10' living room, an 8' x 8' rug size would be a standard size. This will cover 64% of the room.
Although there's no set rule of thumb about the size requirement of rug in comparison with the room size. However, there should be about 1 feet or 2 feet of bare floor visible. But ensure that people have enough space on the rug for movement. - Consider furniture placement: Think about how you want to arrange your room furniture and make sure the rug is large enough to accommodate all the pieces you want to place on it.
- Choose the right shape: Depending on the layout of the room, choose a rectangular, round, or square rug. In general, rectangular rugs are the most versatile and work well in most spaces. While rounds work great by mimicking the geometric pattern of round tables but avoid using a round rug for an oval-shaped table.
- Leave some space: Make sure to leave some space around the edges of the rug to create a border between the rug and the walls (at least 8 inches). This will help to visually define the space and make it feel more cohesive. So while placing the rug, make sure you adhere to this guideline.
- Consider the purpose of the room: Think about how you will use the room and choose a rug size that will work well for that purpose. For example, for a large living room where you will be entertaining guests, you may want to choose a larger rug to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different rug sizes and shapes to find the perfect fit for your space. It's always better to try different options before making a final decision.
- Consider traffic flow: When placing a rug in a high-traffic area, such as a hallway or entryway, make sure the rug is large enough to accommodate foot traffic.
- Layering rugs: Consider layering rugs for a unique and eclectic look. Pair a smaller rug with a larger one, or mix and match different patterns and textures.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size rug is important for both the visual appeal and functionality of the space. This area rug size guide and tips will help you to get the perfect rug for any space.
