Rugs ground a space, add warmth, and can even serve as the perfect jumping-off point for design inspiration.
Here are our top tips on how to choose the perfect rug for your space.
Rug Sizing Guide
The #1 mistake we see is rugs that are too small, making the rug look like it’s “floating” in the room. A good rule of thumb: aim for at least the front legs of all furnishings to sit on the rug.
Bedroom Rug Size
In a bedroom, we typically select a rug large enough for all four legs of the bed to sit on, plus an additional 12” on each side (ideally all legs of the nightstands are on the rug as well).
The below floor plans illustrate what different-sized rugs look like in a roughly 14′ x 14′ room.
This first floor plan shows a rug that extends past the bed and under all nightstand legs—our favorite option which we try to use in all our designs.
The below floor plan includes a rug that’s much too small—see how it makes the room look much smaller compared to the image above?
Rug Materials: Which Type Is Right for You?
There are endless rug options on the market today, but these are the three most common types we see used in residential design.
hand-knotted rugs
Made by hand from natural materials (typically wool, jute, and sisal) these rugs are durable, timeless, and made to last. They can shed a bit at first but are considered the highest-quality option, hence a higher price tag.
loomed rugs
A good middle-of-the-road option, loomed rugs are machine-made and can be woven or tufted. They’re budget-friendly with decent quality, but don’t expect to get the best quality or longest lifespan.
printed rugs
Printed rugs are exactly what they sound like—the design is printed onto the material. They’re affordable and come in endless styles, but quality varies. Always read descriptions, check reviews, and if possible, order a sample before purchasing.
Rug Placement Ideas
In addition to size, rug placement makes all the difference. Rugs can go far beyond the bedroom or living room. Try them in:
- Entryways (choose a durable option, especially in four-season climates)
- Kitchens or pantries
- Dining rooms
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
Rugs aren’t just for hard floors! Layering one over carpet is a great way to refresh the look of your space without replacing flooring.
And DO NOT skip the rug pad. Rug pads protect your flooring and add comfort underfoot, particularly over a hard surface.
***Pro tip when placing over carpet: Flip the rug pad so the rubber side faces up—this keeps the rug from sliding around (ask us how we know 😉).
How to Layer Rugs
Find and fall in love with a vintage rug that’s too small for the room? No need to fret! Layer it over a larger one! Typically a neutral rug (like jute or sisal) works beautifully here to create a collected, cozy, and curated look.
Rugs are one of our favorite additions to any room! If you’re wondering how to choose the perfect rug for your home, we’d love to help.
Click here to book your discovery call and start the conversation OR you can fill out our contact form here.
This post handcrafted with care by an actual human in the Mountain West 🤎
