Determining the correct size for a rug is as critical to the rug selection process as determining design, colour, composition and texture.

The size and shape of a rug will define a space and furniture groupings, as well as designate a function or use such as a relaxing, conversation or eating area. The correct size rug will be a unifying design element, connecting and creating a dialogue between all aspects of a room’s decor to create an integrated whole.

Size matters!
Determining the correct size for a rug is as critical to the rug selection process as determining design, colour, composition and texture. The size and shape of a rug will define a space and furniture groupings, as well as designate a function or use such as a relaxing, conversation or eating area. The correct size rug will be a unifying design element, connecting and creating a dialogue between all aspects of a room’s decor to create an integrated whole.

Generally, the larger the rug the better as this creates a generous, unified ambience and will ground the furniture placed on it. Undersized rugs can look mean and like an after-thought, as well as break up and disconnect a space and the furnishings. A rug that is too small will also draw the eye inwards and give the illusion that the space is smaller than it is.

The correct size for a rug is influenced by a number of considerations including the dimensions of the room or the space in an open plan situation, the furniture to be placed on the rug, traffic flow and how the space will be used.

LIVING AREA
When placing a rug in a living area, there are variations of 3 options with regards to the seating:
“A” – four legs on the rug. Avoid perching furniture on the perimeter of the rug by leaving space on the edges.
“B”  front 2 legs on the rug. This is the best option where seating is against the wall. Try to make a uniform choice here, so that if only the front legs of the sofa(s) are on the rug then if possible this applies to any armchairs.
“C” – four legs off the rug. Ideally the rug should be slightly longer and wider than the seating, with the seating arranged an even distance and not too far from the rug.

LIVING ROOM “A”
STANDARD SIZES
2.7 X 3.6 m
3 x 4 m
3.5 x 4.5 m

LIVING ROOM “B”
STANDARD SIZES
1.8 X 2.7 m
2 x 3 m
2.5 x 3 m
2.5 x 3.5 m

LIVING ROOM “C”
STANDARD SIZES
1.7 X 2.4 m
2 x 3 m

DINING ROOM
For a dining room, the rug should be in proportion to the table. When determining the size of a dining rug it is important to account for the chairs to be pulled in and out without catching on the edge of the rug, and to ensure that when seated the back legs are not coming off the rug. The minimum measurement which should be allocated for this is usually 75cm, so the ideal rug size would be at least 1.5m larger than both the length and width of the table (or diameter in the event of a round table). Standard rectangular sizes are 2 X 3 m, 2.5 x 3 m and 2.7 x 3.6 m

DINING ROOM “A”

DINING ROOM “B”

DINING ROOM “C”

BEDROOM
For a bedroom, there are 2 options for framing the bed.
“A” – the rug is placed completely under the bed and stops short of the side tables.
“B” – 2 rugs are placed on either side of the bed

BEDROOM “A”
STANDARD SIZES
1.8 x 2.7 m
2 X 3 m
2.5 x 3 m
2.7 x 3.6 m

BEDROOM “B”
STANDARD SIZES
0.7 x 2.4 m
0.9 X 1.5 m

CHILD’S BEDROOM
For a child’s bedroom, circular rugs are a great option (“A”) as is the use of a rug to connect 2 single beds and provide a central play area (“B” & “C”).

CHILD’S BEDROOM “A”

CHILD’S BEDROOM “B”

CHILD’S BEDROOM “C”

HALLWAYS
As hallways and entrances are dimensionally quite unique spaces, rugs and runners are often made to custom dimensions to ensure that they sit symmetrically in the space with balanced clear floor area surrounding them. For extra-long hallway spaces 2 well-spaced and balanced runners are an option.

TIP FOR ASSESSING THE PERFECT SIZED RUG
Take care to consider doors that open into the space and whether there are clearance issues;
In order to visualise how a rug will occupy a space and to assess the dimensions required to achieve the best result, fill in the area with newspaper;
Try your desired rug in your space on approval;
Send us an images of your space and we will render a rug into it so that you can see how the dimensions work;
Ask a Source Mondial sales consultant for assistance, we’re happy to help.