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Finding Your Perfect Fit

Finding Your Perfect Fit

A great rug has the magical power to take a room from pretty-much-there, to pretty-much-perfect. But how do you pick the perfect rug for your space? Today we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, from measuring your room for the best rug size to choosing the style and material that are optimal for your room and lifestyle—and why a rug pad will bring your floor covering game to the next level. 

Photography by Abby Cox

Step 1: Measure your Room

Grab that measuring tape! It may seem obvious, but the larger the room, the larger the rug you'll need. Too often we see homes with rugs too small for the space, which can make the room feel unfinished.

To get the perfect fit, a rug should sit at least 1 foot from the wall, leaving some floor visible. We prefer leaving as much as 1.5-2 feet so as to not overwhelm the space.

  • 6' x 9'—The perfect place for smaller rugs is centered under your coffee table to create a focal point for the space. For optimal balance, ensure that any occasional chairs are at least partially placed on the rug as well.
  • 8' x 10'—When using an 8' x 10' rug, position it so that your couch and occasional chairs are partially on the rug. This ensures that all pieces of furniture are included, creating a balanced and cohesive look.
  • 9' x 12'—A larger rug is ideal for defining an entire area. To achieve this, place all furniture fully on the rug, leaving a generous amount of free space around the edges.

Step 2: Choose your Rug

  • Living Room—For high-traffic living rooms (think: kids and pets), ground your space with a low-pile, hand-knotted, or performance rug. For quieter spaces, go cozy with a plush, soft pile.
  • Dining Room—In the dining room, we prefer a lower pile rug that allows chairs to slide in and out with ease. We're partial to knotted wool and handwoven jute.
  • Bedroom—When we think bedroom, we think plush. Imagine how you want your bare feet to feel when you step out of bed in the morning. Our favorites are higher pile wools and wool blends.
  • Kitchen and Hallway—If you often congregate in the kitchen, consider a durable, traffic-friendly piece for the space. Hallway rugs similarly require a fiber and construction that can withstand wear, like hand-knotted wool or performance materials.

Step 3: Use a Rug Pad

The unsung hero of floor coverings, the humble rug pad is the number one thing you can do to up your rug game. Investing in a rug pad prolongs your rug’s life, prevents slipping, and adds a sophisticated layer of extra padded comfort underfoot.

Step 4: Place your Furniture

It's entirely up to you whether your furniture rests fully on the rug, or partially off—go with what flows best for you, your family, and your space. Take a look at our Design Guide as a reference for furniture placement inspiration on different rug sizes, like a 2' x 3' in the bathroom, a round rug in a dining room, and a 12' x 9' in the living room.

For more tips on finding the perfect rug for your space or to get expert advice from our interior designers, check out our Design Guide, Design Services, and FAQ pages.

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