Choosing The Right Size When Decorating With Rugs

When you think about rugs you probably think about floor covering. Today a rug is more than just a covering on a floor. In fact, some place their best rugs in frames on the wall or use them over hard wood floors to highlight the flooring. Rugs can be a great asset to any room but there are a few simple tips and tricks to make it easier to place rugs.

One very important factor in decorating with rugs is the correlation between room and rug sizes and another is to what purpose the rug is used. Common rug sizes are 2 feet by 3 feet, 3 feet by 5 feet, and 4 feet by 6 feet. Small rugs of these sizes are used as accents for some item in the room like a piano, sofa, or bed, by placing the item on top of the rug, either at the center or at a side. These rugs can also be effective decorative pieces in a hallway, bathroom, den or entryway.

Larger common rug sizes range from 6 feet by 9 feet to 12′ x 15′, or sometimes as large as 15′ x 18′. These are used in dining areas, living rooms or large bedrooms —just about where they fit. However, the bigger the rug size, the less they become available because of the price and production considerations. Keep that in mind when thinking about buying rugs for your needs, especially if your space is odd-shaped.

When you are placing your rug you need to keep in mind and account for the door-to-floor area. Depending on your front door you may not be able to open it or close it with ease. If there are floor outlets in your home you may want to keep them uncovered. If your room is not completely even and some areas protrude out then you need to account for this also.

Allow at least eight (8) inches of exposed floor space from the wall to the rug edge when buying or placing a rug in a hardwood-floor room. Center the rug within the room dimensions as much as possible, covering up bare floor space with movable items like cabinets and shelves where needed. An equal space from rug edge to wall all around is the general guide when using rugs of room size.

Make sure that the edge of the rug is not near or a part of a high traffic area. The rug can roll up and cause someone to trip and fall. You also need to make sure that the rug is not under a door that will be opening and closing. This could cause the door to get caught on the rug and make it difficult to open and close correctly.

When you are ready to lay down your rug, be sure to think more about the balance of the room, symmetry, color coordinating, and motif when you are choosing the rug for your room. You want your room to be inviting and warm.