Whether you call it a foyer or an entryway, it is the first thing people see when they enter your home. You need to choose a rug that’s both practical and appropriate for the style of your home, but you also need to choose a rug that is the right size. So, how big should your foyer rug be?
Well, we’ve got the answer for you. We’ve researched the possible sizes for a foyer rug in depth and have some tips and suggestions for you to consider!
Keep reading as we discuss different foyer rug sizes and shapes in detail. We’ll also answer some other questions you might have about how to choose a foyer rug, whether a rug is necessary, and the easiest rug to clean.
Foyer Rug Size Depends on Your Foyer
Foyers come in all shapes and sizes, which will, unsurprisingly, play a part in the rug size you need. You don’t want your rug to look too small or too large, so first, consider the size and shape of your foyer. Is it long, narrow, big, wide, or small and rectangular? Having a general idea of the size will help you relate to some of our image examples below!
Long and Narrow
If you have a long narrow foyer, you might want to use a runner rug. These rugs are typically two to 3′ wide and range from 6′ to 14′ long. If you have a large doorway, runner rugs can also work horizontally across the front of the door, like in the image below.
See more and get inspired: 17 Narrow Entryway Ideas
Big and Wide
If you’re lucky enough to have a large foyer, the open space will dwarf a small rug, so consider adding a larger rectangular rug.
These can range in size from 3′ x 5′ up to 9′ x 13′. A 5′ x 7′ would be appropriate for most foyers, but if your front door leads straight to a room like a living room, you may want to consider something bigger.
You can also use a runner to visually create a hallway-like area, as in the image below.
Small and Rectangular
If you don’t have a lot of space in your foyer, a small 2′ x 3′ rug will probably suffice.
Not all rugs are square, and circular rugs are a great way to add dimension to a small room, so a circular or oval rug may also work for you, like in the example below!
How Much Floor Should be Visible?
Rugs are the most effective visually when they have some space around them.
If you choose a runner or a large rectangular rug, try to center it so that it has an equal amount of floor on either side. The general rule is to keep 18″ of space around a rug.
If you have nice hardwood that you’d like to show off, you might want to choose a narrow or smaller rug, but if you’d rather protect your floors, choose a rug that fits snugly but still has at least 6″ of space around it.
How Do You Choose an Entryway Rug?
So we’ve given you some ideas on how to choose the right size and shape for your entryway rug, but what else is there to consider?
When choosing an entryway rug, you need to think about how it will fit in with your overall design and whether it will work practically.
Overall Considerations in Choosing Your Rug
Think about how much of a part your rug will play in your overall design. Do you want it to be the room’s main focal point, or will visitors’ eyes be focused elsewhere, like on your wallpaper or cute decor?
If you want your rug to be bold and impactful, choose a bright-colored or patterned rug. If you want something more subtle, a neutral-colored rug will pair well with almost any decor.
High Traffic Issues
There are many beautiful rugs out there, but choosing a big, shaggy rug for your entryway might not be a good idea if you have children or pets that might bring in dirt on the bottom of their shoes or feet.
Consider using a patterned entryway rug if your entryway sees a lot of traffic. While neutrals and solid colors can be nice, they will show a lot of dirt. Patterned rugs are much more forgiving.
Opening and Closing the Door
If your rug is going to be placed close to your door, make sure you can still easily open and close the door. Having to struggle with your rug every time you open the front door will get old very fast, and if it bunches up when you close the door, it can also be a trip hazard. You don’t want your guests’ first impressions to be almost falling over!
Environmental Considerations For Choosing a Rug
When choosing a rug, consider eco-friendly options to help the environment. Natural fibers and eco-friendly brands are good choices.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers like wool, jute, and cotton are sustainable and biodegradable, making them eco-friendly for your rug.
Eco-Friendly Brands
Look for rug brands that use non-toxic dyes and sustainable manufacturing practices to reduce your environmental impact.
Change Your Foyer Rug With The Seasons!
Swapping out your foyer rug with the seasons can keep your entryway looking fresh and updated. Different rugs work best for different times of the year.
Summer
In the summer, use light and airy rugs in bright colors or natural fibers to create a cool and inviting space.
Winter
In the winter, choose thicker and warmer rugs in darker shades to create a cozy and warm atmosphere in your foyer.
Adding Personal Touches
Personalizing your foyer rug can make your entryway unique and special. Consider monogrammed rugs or custom designs that reflect your style.
Monogrammed Rugs
Add a personal touch with a monogrammed rug that features your initials or family name.
Custom Designs
Consider custom-designed rugs that reflect your personal style and add a unique element to your entryway.
What Type Of Rug Is Easiest To Clean?
As we mentioned above, most entryways will see a lot of traffic and moisture, and even if shoes are taken off right away, they’ll still be on your rug for a moment. Because of this, the chances of your rug seeing the dirt at some point are pretty high, so an easy-to-clean rug will save you a lot of time and frustration.
Inside/outside rugs are a good, affordable choice for an entryway as they are made to withstand moisture from outside. For a more luxurious option, choose a wool rug. Wool is easy to clean, stain and water-resistant, and durable.
Is A Foyer Rug Even Necessary?
A rug can transform a space, even an entryway, and it’s the first thing people see when they enter your home, but putting aesthetics aside, there are both times when an entryway rug is necessary and when it isn’t.
If you have tile floors, it might be easier to clean them than a rug, especially if you know your rug will see a lot of abuse. However, if you have carpeted or hardwood floors, a rug can help add a layer of protection—it’s much easier to clean a rug than a carpet!
Entryway Rug Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can make your foyer rug last longer and look better. Here are some easy ways to keep your rug in great shape.
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuum your rug at least once a week to remove dirt and keep the fibers from getting matted down. This helps keep your rug looking fresh and clean.
Spot Clean
If you spill something on your rug, clean it right away using a mild detergent and water. For tough stains, consider having your rug professionally cleaned to keep it looking new.
Rotate Periodically
Rotate your rug every few months to ensure it wears evenly. This prevents certain areas from becoming worn out faster than others.
Last But Not Least: Consider Safety
Rugs are beautiful but should also be made safe. To prevent skidding, consider using rug pads. They actually have additional benefits! Using a rug pad under your foyer rug can provide many benefits. It helps in safety, protection, and comfort.
A rug pad stops your rug from slipping and sliding, making your entryway safer for everyone. They also protect your flooring from scratches and damage that the rug’s backing can cause. Many feel that a rug pad adds extra cushioning under your rug, making your foyer more comfortable to walk on.
Final Thoughts
The size of your rug depends on the size of your foyer, but hopefully, we’ve given you some helpful hints and ideas on how to choose the correct size and style! Remember the rug’s size, design, and overall practicality when deciding!
Need more inspiration? Check these out –
17 Design Ideas for Entryway Spaces with a Bench
Entryway Design Tip: Add Textural Interest
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