How to Choose a Rug Size

Rug Size Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Every Room Choosing the right rug size is one of the most important decisions in interior design. Even the most beautiful antique or handmade rug can feel out of place if the proportions are wrong. A well chosen size anchors the room, defines circulation, and allows furniture and architecture to work in harmony. This rug size guide explains how to select the correct dimensions for each room while respecting the character of fine handmade and antique rugs. Why rug size matters more than pattern or color When a rug is too small, it visually shrinks the room and disrupts balance. When it is too large, it can overwhelm architectural details or conceal flooring meant to be seen. With antique rugs in particular, size selection is not just about aesthetics. It is about preserving the rug’s integrity, avoiding unnecessary trimming or folding, and allowing the design to be fully appreciated. A proper rug size: Grounds furniture layouts Enhances room proportions Protects edges and corners from excess wear Allows antique patterns to read clearly Rug size guide for living rooms In living rooms, rugs should frame the seating area rather than float beneath it. Standard guideline Front legs of sofas and chairs should sit on the rug At least 20 to 30 cm of rug should extend beyond furniture edges Avoid placing all furniture completely off the rug For antique rugs, allowing furniture legs to rest partially on the rug helps distribute weight evenly and prevents curling at the edges. Large rooms benefit from rugs that fully define the seating zone, while smaller rooms often feel more cohesive when the rug brings all elements together visually. Dining room rug size guidelines Dining room rugs require special attention because of chair movement. Key rule The rug must extend at least 60 cm beyond the table on all sides This ensures chairs remain on the rug when pulled out, preventing uneven wear and instability. Antique rugs used in dining rooms should be sized generously. Undersized rugs are more likely to experience edge stress from repeated chair movement. Bedroom rug placement and sizing Bedroom rugs should add warmth and comfort while framing the bed. Common approaches One large rug placed under the bed extending on both sides Two runners placed along each side of the bed A rug positioned at the foot of the bed For antique rugs, runners are often an elegant choice, allowing collectors to showcase narrow handmade pieces while protecting high traffic areas. Hallways and entryways Hallways and entryways benefit from runners that guide movement and protect floors. The rug should: Leave a small border of flooring visible on each side Extend most of the length of the hallway without touching walls In entryways, antique rugs should be sized to accommodate door clearance while remaining fully visible when the door is open. Antique rugs and custom sizing considerations Unlike modern rugs, antique rugs are not produced in standardized dimensions. This is part of their charm and historical authenticity. When working with antique rugs: Choose the closest size that suits the room rather than forcing exact symmetry Allow space around the rug so borders and motifs remain visible Avoid cutting or altering antique rugs For interiors with unconventional layouts, custom rugs offer an ideal solution. Custom sizing allows homeowners to achieve perfect proportions while maintaining the aesthetic of handmade craftsmanship. At Eliko Rugs, both antique and custom rugs are selected with scale and placement in mind, ensuring each piece enhances its environment. Common rug sizing mistakes to avoid Choosing rugs that only sit under coffee tables Using dining room rugs that do not accommodate chairs Selecting bedroom rugs that stop short of walking areas Ignoring how doors interact with rug thickness Correct sizing elevates even understated designs, while poor sizing diminishes even the finest rugs. Final thoughts on choosing the right rug size This rug size guide highlights one essential truth. Proportion matters as much as beauty. Whether selecting a centuries old antique rug or commissioning a custom piece, choosing the right size ensures the rug fulfills both its functional and aesthetic role. A thoughtfully sized rug brings balance, warmth, and continuity to a space while allowing craftsmanship and design to shine. Explore rugs with size and placement in mind, and your interiors will feel intentional, refined, and timeless.