All about the rules of selecting the right size area rug for your home.
One designer says an area rug should be large enough to slide under the front legs of sofas or chairs in the seating arrangement, unifying the furniture. But others say all legs of the furniture should sit on the rug!
In staging, we use area rugs often to add interest and pops of color. The rules don’t always apply.
So what are the rules and who cares? In a recent article posted on Houzz, rather than being bound by rules, perhaps a better way to approach it is knowing what the guidelines are, then make them fit your situation.
1.) Front legs on, back legs off – this is probably the most common approach and works in most situations, the area rug connects the furniture pieces together while extending far enough into the room to create a sense of good proportion.
2.) Some front legs on. this can look awkward, but can work. Typically this would be a large area rug in a large room with multiple pieces of furniture sitting on the rug.
3.) All legs on the rug – Know your furniture layout before selecting your rug size; rooms generally look more pulled together when all legs are on the area rug.
4.) No legs on the rug – If you’re looking for a pop of color our style, a smaller area rug between furniture pieces can work, this method is used many times in staging when you don’t want the expense of a large area rug but need something to add interest to the room.
5.) 18″ Rule – 18″ of bare floor around the rug has been a standard rule and works well in a closed room or one that is separate from surrounding rooms. The 18″ border can be smaller in tighter spaces to keep it proportionate.
6.) 24″ – 36″ Around the Dining Table –
It’s easier to maneuver dining chairs if there is at least 24″ of rug extending from the edge of the table on all sides. This allows the back legs of the chairs to be on the rug, even when being used.
7.) 18″ Around the Bed – To look proportionate, an area rug under a King size bed will look best with 18″ of rug extending around all sides, it can be smaller for double or twin beds.
8.) Equal on all sides – make sure you have the same size reveal around all sides of the rug.
Rules are made to be broken; choose what you like and what looks best for your space. When staging – area rugs create the perfect opportunity to introduce color & style to an otherwise boring & drab room. An area rug is a great way to create a unifying affect, select it carefully & have some fun with it.
