Room Size Rugs Require A Proper Fit
Room size rugs are being used more often now than wall to wall carpeting. More homes are returning to hardwood flooring or adding ceramic tile and then using room size rugs to add warmth and comfort. It is important, however, to choose the proper size rug to create the decorating effect you desire.
A rug that is not the right size can look awkward and misplaced. If it is too small it will not pull a group of furniture together as you had planned or may have a tendency to get bunched up under furniture. If an area rug is too large it may hang out beyond the furniture and find its edge right in the middle of the path where people most often walk. Room size rugs can enhance the look of a room if they are properly sized.
Begin by deciding what you want to accomplish with your area rug. A small area rug placed in the middle of a room and not meant to be a room sized rug should leave bare floor between it and the furniture in the room. On the other hand, a rug used to bring the furniture together in a group should be large enough that all the legs of the furniture are on the rug with room to spare and without interfering with the traffic flow.
Dining rooms require room size rugs that again are large enough to accommodate the space needed for the chairs. A common rule of thumb is to add four feet to the size of the table on all sides. Likewise, a hallway runner should allow no more than four inches on all sides.
Room size rugs are a good choice in rooms where you want to add warmth and interest and bright colors and modern designs may become a focal point in the room. They are a popular option for use in homes with hardwood floors as they protect the floor while making a room feel homier.
Before you purchase a rug evaluate the room and décor. Decide whether or not you want it to be a focal point in the room or a foil for other features. Notice the traffic pattern in the room and then begin measuring. If the rug you are considering has a border, measure the border and note where it will fall when the rug is in place. Will the border be visible? Do you want it to be? As much as possible choose a rug that leaves an equal amount of space on all sides.
Room size rugs should be large enough to fill the room while leaving at least a foot from the edge of the carpet to the wall. For example, if your room is 10′ x 12′, an 8′ x 10′ rug should fit nicely. Area rugs are available in the following sizes: 3′x 5′, 5′ x 8′, 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12′ and 10′ x 15′. If none of these sizes will work, a custom sized rug is probably your best option.
