Quick Tip! How to pick the right size Rug?

October 16, 2018

BATHROOMS, COMMERCIAL, E-DESIGN, Interior Design, KITCHEN, RESIDENTIAL

Hi! I’m Andrea. I’m a mom of 2 lovely girls, a wife and an Interior designer living in the sunshine state Florida.

One question that I get asked is about area rugs. I want to share a few tips on why you should get an area rug and also how to get the right size rug. Scale and proportion is key to designing your room.

Want to know more on scale check out my blog about #1 mistake in design and how to not make that mistake. https://jadesagellc.com/the-1-decorating-mistake/

Let’s talk about Area Rugs! I love area rugs! Investing in an Area rug could be confusing. So many options and sizes to choose from.

Here are a few questions I get asked?

What size rug should I get? Answer: bigger the better.

In deciding an area rug, make sure it big enough. Make sure the rug touches the furniture that the leg of the sofa and / or chair are on the rug. In designing a space I’ve realized a 5 x 7 rug is not used often. The reason why It’s to small.

When I go into clients homes the one thing I notice is the rug is usually to small. It’s just there, Floating in the room. Try a 8 x 10 or 9 x 12 to start off with. Rugs can be custom made sizes, but if it’s not in your budget No Worries! Staying with standard sizes that will keep the cost low.

Should I paint first then get the rug after?

I suggest to get the rug first. It’s easier to match a paint sample to a rug VS. a rug to paint because you can always get a custom paint color, but you can’t do that with a rug. Paint should be the almost last thing you do in designing a room. Get the big stuff first.

Why should I get a rug?

Area Rugs help pull a room together. It creates a designated space. It also gives the room texture, warmth and depth. Without an area rug the room look bare and the furniture look like they are just floating in the room. Bring the furniture in and drop a rug it creates a great conversational/ living area.

Should I even bother in getting a rug because I have a pet?

You can get a rug if you have a pet. Just choose a rug that has a short or tight pile. No shag rugs or high pile rugs. They are very difficult to vacuum. A short pile rug makes it very easy to clean with a vacuum.

Visual on the left:

you can see choosing a bigger rug makes the room look more put together. The sofa and chair are touching. The rug really warms up the room.

Visual on the right:

I’ve put a 5 x 7 rug to show you why you don’t choose this size rug. A 5 x 7 rug would be great for small spaces. The furniture just looks like it’s just floating. The rug doesn’t help pull the room together and it feels kind of cold.