Area rugs are a great addition to any space. If you are thinking about putting down a rug, you are probably considering how far from the wall the rug should be. Don't worry. We have researched rug placement, and are here to tell you all about it.
In most cases, leave between 6 to 24 inches between a rug and the wall. This is enough space for you to see the hardwood floor under the rug. Also, the space between the rug and wall should be the same all the way around when possible.
Continue reading to learn more about how much room you should leave around a rug, how much smaller a rug should be than the room that it is in, how to work with an area rug, and more.
How Much Room Do You Need Around A Rug?
Most people like to leave about 18 inches of space around an area rug. Although, you can leave up to 24 inches of space between the rug and wall.
If your rug is offset because of your furniture's placement, anywhere between 6 and 18 inches of space on the outer edge that you can see will work just fine. Base the amount of space that you need around a rug off of your preference more than anything.
You do not want to leave too much space around a rug if you don't have to. Anything beyond twenty-four inches of space between the edges of a rug and the wall can be too much. Rugs that are too small make the space feel cramped and less visually appealing.
How Much Smaller Should A Rug Be Than The Room?
A rug should take up most of the floor space in a room. Ideally, it should cover most of the floor unless it's for aesthetics. And having a rug feels better under your feet.
Rugs can also add a pop of color to the room that you are in. Adding a splash of color by choosing the right rug can tie two pieces of decor together such as your couch pillows or the pattern on your curtains.
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In a living room, the chair(s) and couch should be on the rug. All furniture legs should be on the rug.
If the area rug that you have is too small to put all of your furniture on, the front legs should be on the rug instead. This is less noticeable when the back of your furniture is up against a wall.
Is It Better To Have A Rug Too Big Or Too Small?
It is better to have a rug that is too big. A rug that is too big leaves 6 inches of space or less between the edges of the rug and the wall. If you leave too much space between the rug and wall, especially in a small room, the smaller the room will appear.
Be mindful when choosing an undersized rug because they can make the room look smaller. A smaller rug works best in an office or bathroom or in an entryway.
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By small, we are referring to rugs that are equal to or smaller than 4'x6' or 5'x8' depending on the size of the room. Smaller rugs are better for smaller spaces. The size of your rug should be proportionate to the room that it is in.
Should An Area Rug Fill The Whole Room?
The answer to this question depends on the look and feel that you are going for. It also varies based on your furniture and the layout of the room or space.
In general, yes, an area rug should fill the whole room. Use whatever is the focal point of the room to help you center the rug for the best possible look and feel.
Ideally, an area rug should take up the space that sees the most foot traffic. What we mean by this is the space in your seating area where you walk around should be where the area rug sits.
You can place an area rug in your walkway, which looks great, especially on hardwood floors. Or, you can choose one that takes up most of the space in the room.
When you buy an area rug for your dining room, keep in mind there will probably be food or drinks spilled on it. A less expensive rug is the better option for spaces like this.
Does An Area Rug Make A Room Look Smaller?
An area rug has the potential to make a room appear to be smaller than it actually is. If a room is on the small side then you should not leave as much space around it. It is best for a rug to extend approximately 6 inches away from the edges of all the walls.
When you leave additional space between the rug and wall, it can make the room feel smaller. This is because of the illusion that the space the rug sits on is the space of the entire room.
How Should Area Rug Fit In A Room?
The answer to this question varies based on the room you are referring to. Sometimes, we use area rugs for decor or for practicality. To best answer how an area rug should fit in a room, the area rug should cover the floor space that you will have your bare feet on.
Consider the fact that in a living room, you most likely have a couch against one or two walls. When measuring a rug for your living room, take the size of your couch into consideration.
Typically, your rug should extend beyond your sofa somewhere from 6 to 8 inches on both sides. An area rug should take up most of the floor space in a room. The best size for a living room area rug is an 8'x10' or 9'x12' rug.
As for a bedroom, if the area rug is not big enough, you should place it at the foot of the bed. An area rug should extend several inches beyond the bed on both sides.
Maintaining 12 inches or more on both sides of the bed is best. Both feet should be on the rug when you get in and out of your bed. Measure your space before you buy a rug for it.
If you would like to learn more about what size rug works best for a bedroom, click the link below:
How Big Should A Bedroom Rug Be?
Does Area Rug Need To Be Centered In A Room?
When you center a rug, you do so based on the furniture or focal point in the room. You should center your area rug so its placement keeps the focal point in mind.
Examples of a focal point in your room include a fireplace, a large window, a bed, couch, or entertainment center. The placement of your rug should be based on the purpose of the rug, the size of the room, and the main focal point.
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A Quick Re-cap
The area rug that you choose should be functional in the space that you want to place it. You should leave about 6 inches to 24 inches of space around the edges of an area rug between the rug and the wall.
When you are deciding what size area rug to choose, a bigger rug is almost always the better choice.
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