Hi friends! It’s Tuesday and I’m back with Tuesday’s Design Tips.

Today we’re talking area rugs!

What’s the correct size for an area rug?

Have you ever seen a beautiful area rug in someone’s home, but it looks like a postage stamp in relation to the rest of their furniture and their room? Larger is better in the area rug arena! Here are some guidelines I follow when suggesting area rug sizes.

If you are ever in doubt of what size to do for an area rug in a Living Room, the front legs of the all the upholstered furniture (couch, chairs, etc.) should sit on the rug. The rug should extend beyond the width of the sofa as well, at least 6″ on each side.

My good friend, Erin, has done a great job with her rugs. Here is an example of how the front legs of the sectional sofa are sitting on the rug, the back legs are on the wood, and the rug extends past the sofa about 12″ on each side.

You can also place all the furniture completely on the rug.

In the Dining Room, it’s very important to have the right size rug, or your guest will be tripping on the edge of the rug as they get in and out of their chairs.

Here’s a dining room with too small of a rug on the ends. As you can see, the “host” chairs will be constantly getting caught on the edge of the rug.

Much better! You’ll need 24″ – 30″  from the edge of your table to allow for your guests to comfortably pull out their chairs and have them stay on the area rug.

My sweet friend, Megan’s beautiful kitchen nook area rug does this perfectly!

In the Bedroom, a larger rug that extends at least 2 feet on each side and in front of the bed works best. That way when you get out of bed, your feet will hit the cozy area rug.

 

Image from Running from the Law Blog

And a medium size area rug {5’x8′ or 6’9′} can always be used at an angle to make the space a little more interesting.

 

So the next time your shopping for an area rug, think “bigger is better!” Your furniture will be happy it gets to rest its’ feet on the rug and your guests (and you!) will be thankful they’re not wrestling with the area rug every time they get up!