Choosing the Right Size Rug for Your Space

Rugs can really complete a room. Not only can they add comfort and depth but they can also prevent echoing in rooms with high ceilings. I recently purchased a beautiful Persian rug for my living room but prior to buying, I discovered there is a method for choosing the right size rug for a space. Apparently it’s a mathematical equation! (A simple one, of course.)

When I was browsing the web for a nice rug, I discovered that I must be one of the last people on earth that didn’t know there was a method to the madness of choosing a rug. I did research, pulled out a tape measure and ran some numbers.

If you are looking for a new rug in your near-future, be sure to keep this technique in mind. If it is for a living room with a conversational space, measure the length and width of the area that is furnished. Then, subtract 24’’ from both measurements. The right size rug for that measurement should leave the sofa and chairs half on and half off the rug. This will create a nice, relaxed space where everyone will be centered around the rug and cocktail table. See my image for a sample of how to measure your space.

Once you have found the perfect rug for your needs and space, you will soon realize that you are not finished. You still need a rug pad, otherwise the rug will slide on the floor. I ordered a rug pad that was the same size as the rug I purchased, 9x12. When we laid it down and the rug on top, we soon learned the pad needs to be about 2-3 inches shorter than the rug. This will leave room for error when rolling the rug out on top of the pad and trying to center it perfectly on top. You will notice in my second image that my husband and uncle (and Maddie) measured and cut the pad.

Tip: To preserve our hardwood floors, we used a 2x4 board underneath the pad when cutting it with a utility knife. You can see this in the second image as well.

Once we cut the pad and rolled out the rug, we felt we had a nicely finished living room. Check out my third image to see the final product. You will notice a beautiful Envision Furniture Kendra cocktail table in front of the sofa. I picked up this piece shortly after moving into the house. Such a great find!

If you still need a cocktail table to complete your conversational space, be sure to check out these here!

• Allison's blog