A rug can pull a room together and make it feel warm and cozy. But finding the right one can be tricky. This guide will help you pick a rug that fits your space, style, and needs. We will cover how to measure your room, how to pick the right size, shape, color, and material. With these tips, any home can look its best!

At Artsy Rugs in Palo Alto, we offer a wide selection of high-quality rugs and personal help. Follow these tips to choose beautiful hand knotted area rugs for your home.

Measure Your Room and Furniture

Start by measuring the length and width of the room where you want to put the rug. Write these numbers down on paper. Also measure the furniture that will be on or near the rug. For example, note where the sofa legs or bed frame will sit. Knowing these measurements helps you choose a rug that fits well.

• Room size: Measure the floor area. This tells you how much space is available for a rug.

• Furniture layout: Mark where big pieces (sofa, bed, table) will go. Check how much of these pieces can sit on the rug.

• Spacing: Leave some space (about 6–12 inches) between the rug edge and the walls or furniture for a neat border.

Select the Right Rug Size

Choosing the right size rug is key to making your room feel balanced. Here are some general guidelines for different rooms:

Living Room

• Common sizes: 8×10 or 9×12 rugs often work well in living rooms​.

• Furniture: Try to place the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug. The rug should be wider than the sofa by at least 6–8 inches on each side.

• If space is tight: A smaller rug can float in front of furniture, but make sure it covers the main seating area.

Bedroom

• Under the bed: A rug that extends beyond the bed creates a cozy feel. For example, for a twin bed consider a 5×8 rug. A full/double bed can use a 6×9. A queen bed often looks great with an 8×10. A king or large master bedroom can use a 9×12​.
• Spacing: Ideally, the rug should extend at least 2 feet out from the sides and foot of the bed​.This leaves space for your feet when you step out of bed.

Dining Room

• Size: Common dining room rug sizes are 8×10 or 9×12​.

• Table and chairs: Allow enough room so that when chairs are pulled out, they stay fully on the rug. A good rule is to have about 3 feet between the edge of the table and the rug edge​.

• Wall space: Leave about 12 inches of floor visible between the rug and the walls for a balanced look​.

Hallways and Entryways

• Runners: Measure the length of the hallway or entry. A runner rug should leave a few inches (3–6″) of bare floor at each end.

• Width: Choose a runner width that leaves space on both sides (often a runner is about 2–3 feet wide for a standard hall).

• Doors and traffic: Make sure doors can open over the rug and the rug can handle foot traffic.

Choose a Rug Shape

The shape of the rug should fit the room and furniture. Here are common shapes:

• Rectangle: The most common shape. It works well under sofas and beds because these pieces are usually long.

• Round: Good under round tables or in a cozy corner. A round rug can complement round furniture.

• Square: A square rug can fit under square tables or in small rooms.

• Runner (long/narrow): Perfect for hallways, stairs, or narrow spaces. Runners add color and protect the floor in busy areas.

Consider Material and Quality

The material of the rug affects how it looks and wears. Hand knotted area rugs are a top-quality choice. Because they are woven by skilled artisans, each rug is unique and built to last. Most of these rugs use natural fibers like wool or silk. Wool is soft, warm, and very durable. Silk adds a beautiful shine but is more delicate. These high-quality materials fall under what we call Premium Rugs and Carpets – they look beautiful and can last for many years with proper care.

• Wool (hand-knotted): Soft, durable, and hides dirt well. Wool rugs keep rooms warm and cozy.

• Silk (hand-knotted): Luxurious and shiny, great for elegance. Silk rugs need gentle care and are usually in low-traffic areas.

• Cotton or flatweave: Often lighter and thinner. Good for casual rooms and easy to wash.

• Synthetics: Made from polyester, nylon, or polypropylene. These are less expensive and resist stains, but do not have the same high-quality feel.

• Pile height: Low pile (short fibers) is easy to clean. Medium pile adds softness. High pile (shag) is very soft but can be harder to vacuum.

Pick the Right Color and Pattern

The rug’s color and pattern set the tone of the room. A rug can match your furniture or be a bold accent. Keep these tips in mind:

• Match or contrast: You can choose a rug that matches the main colors in your room, or pick a different shade to make it stand out. For example, a blue sofa could have a rug with blue accents, or you might choose a warm neutral rug to balance it.

• Light vs dark: Light-colored rugs make a room feel bright and open, but they may show stains more easily. Dark rugs hide dirt and can make a large room feel cozier.

• Patterns: If your furniture and walls are plain, a patterned rug can add interest. If your room already has a lot of patterns, a solid or simple rug keeps things from looking too busy.

• Size of pattern: Larger patterns work well in big rooms, while small patterns fit small spaces. A pattern that’s too large in a small room can be overwhelming.

• Mood: Think about the mood you want. A calm, neutral rug will make a quiet space. A colorful, patterned rug will make the room feel lively.

Place the Rug with Furniture

How you place the rug in the room matters. Generally, the rug should connect the furniture and create a unified look.

• Living room: Aim to have at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug. If the rug is large enough, place all legs of furniture on it. This anchors the seating area.

• Dining room: The rug should be large enough so that all chair legs stay on it when the chairs are pulled out. This usually means about 2–3 feet of extra rug on each side of the table.

• Bedroom: Position the rug so it extends under the bed. Often people place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed (under the footboard and a bit beyond the sides). This way your feet land on the rug when you get up.

• Small spaces: In a small seating area or entryway, center a small rug with furniture around it, making sure it doesn’t push too close to walls or furniture.

• Balance: Step back and see if the rug looks balanced in the room. Adjust it so that it is not too close to all walls. Some floor around the rug should show for a neat, framed look.

How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Space

An area rug can unite different elements of a room and create a warm, inviting environment. However, selecting the right rug can be challenging. This guide will help you find the perfect floor covering by providing instructions on measuring your space, as well as choosing the appropriate size, shape, color, and material. Following these guidelines will give your home an amazing appearance.

Getting Help from Alyshaan Fine Rugs

The staff at Alyshaan Fine Rugs in Palo Alto assists customers by offering a broad range of premium quality rugs. Use this guidance to select the right hand-knotted area rugs for your home.

Measure Your Room and Furniture

Begin your project by measuring the length and width of the room where you want the rug. Take note of these measurements. Also, measure all furniture pieces that will be near the rug.

Steps to Measure:

• Measure the room: Determine the available floor space for the rug.
• Use furniture markers: Identify locations for major items like sofas, beds, and tables.
• Assess furniture placement: Check which parts of the furniture will rest on the rug.
• Spacing: Leave about 6–12 inches between the rug edge and the walls or furniture for a neat border.

Select the Right Rug Size

A balanced space occurs when rugs match the dimensions of the room. Here are some rules for rug selection based on room types:

Living Room

• Common dimensions: 8×10 and 9×12.
• Position the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug.
• The rug should extend 6–8 inches beyond the sofa.

Bedroom

• A rug larger than the bed creates comfort.
• Twin bed: Use a 5×8 rug.
• Full bed: Use a 6×9 rug.
• Queen bed: Use an 8×10 rug.
• King bed: Use a 9×12 rug.
• Extend the rug 2 feet past the bed on all sides.

Dining Room

• Common dimensions: 8×10 and 9×12.
• Ensure that tables and chairs fit completely on the rug.
• Leave about 12 inches of visible floor between the rug and the walls.

Hallways and Entryways

• Measure the hallway for the appropriate runner length.
• The runner should not extend past 3 to 6 inches from the edge of the floor.

Choose a Rug Shape

Rug shapes should fit the room’s dimensions and furniture. Here are common shapes:

• Rectangle: Best for under beds or sofas.
• Round: Good for round tables or cozy corners.
• Square: Fits under square tables and small rooms.
• Runner: Ideal for hallways or narrow spaces.

Consider Material and Quality

The appearance and longevity of a rug depend on its material. Here are some options:

• Hand-knotted rugs: High-quality and durable.
• Wool rugs: Soft, durable, and warm.
• Silk rugs: Shiny but delicate; require extra care.
• Cotton/Flatweave: Light and easy to wash.
• Synthetics: Cheaper and stain-resistant but lack premium texture.

Select the Proper Color and Pattern

The rug’s design elements create the ambiance of the space. Keep these tips in mind:

• Match the rug to your room colors or choose a contrasting color.
• Light-colored rugs create an open feel but show stains easily.
• Dark rugs make large rooms feel cozier.
• Avoid patterns if the room already has plenty of them to prevent visual clutter.

Place the Rug with Furniture

The placement of your rug is important for creating a harmonious appearance. Here’s how to arrange it:

• Living room: Place the front legs of chairs and sofas on the rug.
• Dining room: Ensure all chair legs fit on the rug.
• Bedroom: Extend the rug from all four sides of the bed.

Additional Tips

• Use a rug pad: This prevents floor damage and keeps the rug from moving.
• Choose flatweave or low-pile for heavy traffic areas: They are easier to maintain.
• Layering: Place a small decorative rug on a larger neutral rug for a stylish effect.
• High-quality rugs: Invest in durable, hand-knotted rugs that can last fifty years or more.

Your final step is to choose a rug that brings you genuine happiness. The right rug will enhance your living area and tie all elements together. You can find a stunning selection of rugs at Alyshaan Fine Rugs in Palo Alto or on our website. Happy rug shopping!