Area Rug Buying, Sizing, and Care Guide | The Perfect Rug

Spring Sale 15% Off Sitewide

* Valid through 11/27/2023

  • Offer cannot be applied to previous purchases or combined with any other offer. White glove delivery not discounted. Additional exclusions may apply.

20% OFF Orders $3000+with code:200FF
15% OFF Orders $1000+with code:150FF
10% OFF Orders up to $1000with code:100FF

Rug Buying Guide

When looking to buy the perfect area rug, this guide shows you how to measure for and determine the exact size you need based on layout of your living room, bedroom, hallway, kitchen, and more. This guide will also help you decide which material, border, style, and colors make the most sense for your space. Lastly, you'll want your new rug to last so this rug care guide walks you through some great tips on how to care for and clean your custom area rug.

Rug Sizing by Room

Different room configurations call for their own ideal area rug size and shape, be it a standard 4x6, 9x12, or a custom 8' round. Whatever look and feel, room function, and furniture layout you're going after, we've got the perfect rug waiting for you!

Sizing for kitchen rugs

Kitchen

Add a pop of color and refresh your space with a custom kitchen rug. Indoor outdoor materials made from polypropylene are easy to clean and provide cushion underfoot. These rugs work great in mud rooms and laundry areas too! Sisal and Grass rugs are a popular choice for kitchens as they lend a natural element of texture and color to the space and compliment natural surfaces nicely.

What size rug will fit best in the kitchen?

In a busy kitchen a small 2'x3' rug placed in front of the sink is ideal. If you have a galley kitchen or center island a 2'6"x8' decorative runner can fill up the space nicely, while providing a nice cushion underfoot. Typical sizes often used in a kitchen are 4x6, 5x7, and runners can be 12' or more if you've a large traffic area.

 Kitchen runner sizes 2 1/2'x8'

A custom sized runner is ideal for a long narrow kitchen or one with an island.

Small kitchen rug sizes 2'x3'

A rug by the sink, approximately 2' X 3", works best in smaller kitchens

Custom living room rugs

Living Room

The heart of the home, the living room is a place to socialize, relax or entertain. Your rug should anchor your space and enhance your decor and personal style. Natural fibers like wool or sisal are ideal for this space and favored by interior designers for their durability and long lasting qualities.

Sizing for the Living Room

Both 8'X10' and 9'x12' are typical general rug size selections for the living room. Depending on the size of the room and furniture configuration, a custom area rug could be the best option to allow for appropriate spacing in inches on and off the rug. A smaller 4'x6' or 6' round rug rug can be used under a coffee table or to define an outside seating area. These can be customized for any size or you can find a great selection of standard sizes in our quick ship rugs shop.

Living room rug sizes 6'x9' or 5'x8'

For sofa and armchairs that are against the walls, the rug size you need should go under the front leg of all large pieces (red outline) or, if you would like more of your floor to show, small enough that none of the furniture legs overlap it (lavender outline in the rug size guide).

Living room rug sizes 9'x12' or 4'x6'

If your furniture is floating in the room, the ideal rug will be big enough to go under all four legs of each large piece (red outline) or again, if you prefer to see the floor, small enough that none of the seating pieces sit on it (lavender outline).

Custom bedroom rugs

Bedroom

Soft soothing, cozy and relaxing bedrooms call for the warmth of wool, it naturally insulates the space and feels great on bare feet. Calming neutral colors create a serene space for a peaceful sanctuary. For a more casual look consider a wool sisal blend.

What rug size is just right for your bedroom?

When deciding on a bedroom rug, consider color, pattern, material, and size for the perfect look and feel. If your room is large with a king size bed, you'll want a bigger rug as well when running it underneath the bed. For smaller rooms and beds, consider runners. This is particularly effective for kids' bedrooms with two twin beds.

Bedroom rug sizes 8'x10' or 9'x12'

Ideally a bedroom rug should extend about 36" around the sides of your bed. As a general guideline, standard rug sizes are 8'x10' for a full or queen bed and 9'x12' for a king.

Bedroom Runner size 2'x8'

Alternatively, runners on both sides of the bed are a great option providing a cozy feel underfoot. These are usually 2' or more in width and up to 8' in length.

King Bed Rugs: Best Size, Placement, and Style

A sizing rule of thumb is to place a 9x12 rug underneath your king bed. This size rug will provide enough coverage for the bed and create cohesiveness in the room.

When selecting a rug for your king-sized bed, look for a style that complements the rest of the room. A solid color rug can serve as a neutral backdrop, or a patterned rug will add some visual interest.

Once you have the right rug, the placement is an important factor in creating a finished look. A rug centered underneath the bed will both define the sleeping area and give the room a finished look.

If you have a larger bedroom, you may opt for a 10x14 size rug under your bed. This will give you more coverage and a larger buffer between a king-sized bed and other furniture in the room.

If you have a smaller sleeping area, you may consider an 8x10 rug. This size will fit under the bed and still provide enough coverage to frame the area.

Lastly, consider a custom rug that is large enough to cover the entire floor space in front of your bed. A custom rug size under your California king bed will create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in the room.

Consider Rug Placement Under and Around Furniture

When placing the rug under your king bed, make sure that the bed is centered on the rug. In this case, the edges of the rug will extend equally on both sides of the bed. Another option is having custom runners on either side of the bed. Both options look great and create a balanced look in your room.

When deciding on the placement of the rug, it's important to consider the other furniture in the room. You want to create a cohesive look between your king bed and other pieces in the room. If you have a set of nightstands, make sure they are placed in front of the rug. This will help create a sense of balance and symmetry in the room.

Rug Design to Complement Your Bedroom Tones and Textures

Consider the other colors and textures in your room. If you have a lot of neutral tones, you may want to add a patterned rug to create visual interest and create a pop of color. On the other hand, if you have a lot of patterns, a solid color rug will help create a more cohesive look.

Perhaps you are looking for a rug with a more luxurious feel, such as a plush shag or a wool rug. These materials add the perfect touch of comfort and warmth.

Custom runner rugs

Hallway

Transform your space with a runner rug. Add a pop of color or ground the space with warm neutrals. A runner adds visual interest and helps transition from one space to another. Popular choices for runners include sisal and grasses as well as indoor outdoor materials for high traffic areas.

How to measure runner size for the hallway?

When measuring your runner size, keep in mind furniture should rest on the bare floor. A long central runner can be used down the center of a hallway with furniture and accent pieces placed either on both sides or along one focal wall.

Runner rug sizes 2' or 3'x 9'

Widths can range from 2' to 3' and lengths can require 9' or more in length. Our large inventory of custom sized rugs allows you to design the perfect rug for your unique space and configuration.

Sizing for Dining Room rug

Dining Room

When you are selecting a dining room rug, consider a low profile material to provide ease in moving your chairs in and out. A pure wool flatweave rug is a designer go to for this space. If your dining space is a busy one consider an easy to clean indoor outdoor material. Not sure what size you need? Visit our sizing guide to help

What size should a dining room area rug be?

When sizing for the area under a dining room table, make sure to maximize your rug so that your table and chairs clearly stay on your rug, even when pulling the chairs away from the table. This could mean measuring your rug to be up to 30" larger than your dining table on all four sides or all around if using a round rug..

Dining Room rug size 9'x12'

You will need at least 24" beyond the table on all sides to accommodate your chairs when pushed out. For a smaller room, the front legs of your chairs should stay on the rug 6" when pushed out.

Dining Room rug size 8' Round

Follow the same rules for sizing a rug under a round table, usually 8' round or larger.

Rug Materials and Borders

Natural Fiber Custom Rug

Natural fibers

Natural fiber and area rugs provide an organic layer for any room in your home. These floor rugs are durable for high-traffic areas like entryways and living rooms. Many jute and sisal rugs feature a low-pile construction, making them ideal for layering under your favorite patterned area rug. A wool rug can withstand heavy traffic, kids, and pets. These natural fiber rugs are ideal for those wanting something soft and plush underfoot that is long-lasting and low maintenance.

Natural Fiber Jute Custom Rug

Jute

The silky fibers and natural color variations of jute create a dimensional rug with an earthy texture.

Benefits: Jute is an Eco-friendly alternative. It has a thick and inviting texture underfoot.

Works well in: Interior spaces like living rooms, sitting rooms and bedrooms.

Shop Now
Natural Fiber Seagrass Custom Rug

Seagrass

Seagrass is an eco-friendly, renewable product.

Benefits: Neutral rich tones and comfortable fibers make seagrass a popular option.

Works well In: Interior spaces like entryways, living rooms and family rooms

Shop Now
Natural Fiber Sisal Custom Rug

Sisal

A popular and naturally beautiful fiber for area rugs.

Benefits: Natural rich tones, textures and patterns. This rug is ideal for bringing in natural elements into your design home.

Works well In: High traffic areas like living rooms, hallways and home offices.

Shop Now
Natural Fiber Wool Custom Rug

Wool

Wool is a renewable fiber with natural insulating qualities and is offered in colors and designs for all styles from traditional to modern

Benefits: Durable and comfortable wool means long-lasting, well-loved rugs. The myriad styles, colors, patterns and structures available make it easy to find a perfect match.

Works well In: Interior spaces, like bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms, and hallways

Shop Now
Synthetic Fiber Custom Rug

Synthetic Fibers

Synthetic fibers include manufactured materials like nylon and polypropylene, they are durable and easy to clean, which is why they are often suitable for both commercial and residential settings. They also offer many stylistic advantages including a variety of colors, patterns and textures.

Polypropylene Fiber Custom Rug

Polypropylene

A polypropylene rug is perfect for inside or outside spaces, styles include natural fiber looking rugs, to bold graphic patterns and colors.

Benefits: Indoor/Outdoor Polypropylene rugs are easy to clean and ideal for families with kids or pets.

Works best In: Outdoor spaces, High traffic areas like kitchens, craft rooms, playrooms, hallways, entryways.

Shop Now
Nylon Fiber Custom Rug

Nylon

This material is strong, durable and very versatile and resists soiling or staining.

Benefits: Indoor/Outdoor Polypropylene rugs are easy to clean and ideal for families with kids or pets.

Works best In: Busy high traffic areas like family rooms, playrooms, hallways, and kids rooms

Shop Now
Poly Silk Fiber Custom Rug

Poly Silk

The look and feel of soft wool but with easy to care for

Benefits: Poly silk rugs are durable and stylish and offer mold and mildew resistance.

Works well In: Living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms.

Shop Now
Custom Rug Border and Edging

Borders and Edging

A border enhances your rugs appearance and prolongs the life of your rug. A canvas border will let you choose between a mitered or lapped corner. Please note not all of our materials come with these options.

Serged

Serging is our recommended choice for most rugs. We use wool thread and stitch the border.

Canvas

100% cotton canvas border with blind (hidden) stitching. The corners are available in either lapped or mitered finishes with various widths ranging from 1/2" to 2 1/2".

Barely There

Narrow cotton binding stitched around the perimeter of the rug. Minimal amount of material showing on the face of the rug to create an elegant and understated finish.

Rug Care

Congratulations on your new, very personal rug, we hope it's perfect!
Let's make sure it stays that way with some easy rug care guidelines. We've even made it easy for you to get a head start with the right cleaning products for your new rug.

Unpacking

Please be careful in opening the packaging on your rug. Most rugs will be wrapped in plastic for safe shipping so take care when removing the packaging (knives and scissors can cut or damage the rug).

Rugs can display minor wrinkles after being shipped in a tight package. We recommend you lay the rug flat on your floor and watch the irregularities dissipate over the next 2 weeks as the rug material fibers relax.

Vacuuming

Do it often. We recommend a suction-only canister vacuum. If your rug is wool or a wool-blend, do not use a beater bar or a very-high suction vacuum.

Cleaning

Stains, especially fresh ones, won't ruin your rug with proper cleaning care. Follow these tips to clean up that stain without damaging your rug.

Wool and Synthetics

  • Never RUB, always BLOT. If you spill something on your rug, blot up the moisture with a clean white towel.
  • Add a touch of hot water to your white towel. This helps dilute the spot.
  • Use a dry towel next to absorb the water.
  • Continue to alternate this process ONLY blotting, never rubbing, until the stain disappears.
  • If the stain persists, you may want to try our Host Dry Cleaning kit.
  • Professional cleaning may be required on occasion. Just be sure that whoever cleans it understands your rug construction and fiber content.

Sisal, Seagrass and Jute

  • BLOT spills immediately with a clean DRY white towel.
  • Never use water or any liquid to clean a natural sisal, seagrass or jute rug. These materials are DRY CLEAN only. We recommend our Host Cleaning kit for use on these products.

Remember sisal, seagrass and jute rugs should never be placed outdoors or in an environment with moisture (like a screened in porch).

Indoor/Outdoor

  • Our outdoor materials can be cleaned with water (hose off)
  • Allow to dry in sun
  • If needed, you can use a mild detergent but no solvents or bleach in cleaners.
X