As Summer approaches, I’ve been concentrating a lot on my outside décor. Every year we put out a cabana tent with some patio furniture and a lovely geometric sisal rug that is perfect for the patio floor. We have a large concrete patio right off our family room and we spend most nights out there enjoying the Summer weather. As I was planning my editorial Calendar last Fall, I chose this week to focus on 5 Key points for picking the perfect size area rug and I almost scrapped it for something more “Spring” like. Then I thought, wait a minute… A lot of people place rugs outside on patios for function and color. Now is a great time to talk about area rugs and the size of the rug can translate to both an indoor and outdoor area. So let’s talk about it, shall we? 

Picking The Perfect Size Area Rug: Key Point #1: Measure Your Floor Space
 

It’s literally the first place to begin any home decorating makeover. It doesn’t matter if your project is big or small, the absolute first place to start is by measuring the size of your room. I have another post that goes into great detail on how to do this here but for this example, it’s important to know the length and width of your space because it is how to avoid buying a rug that is too big or too small for your space. Start by drawing a sketch of your room as if you are looking down at it from above. If you have architectural features like a fireplace hearth or built-ins that come out into the floor space, include them in your room sketch and plot out where they are in the sketch. Here’s an example of a room sketch. It’s pretty simple I included where the entryways are and where the windows are as well.
 

When you measure the length and width of the space, write that down on your sketch. 

1. I’ll usually draw a line going across my sketch and one going down it and I’ll write down how many inches each measures out.

2. I then divide that number by 12 to get the measurement in feet as well. It’s helpful to have the measurement in feet because a lot of rugs are sized in feet and inches.
   

Picking The Perfect Size Area Rug: Key Point #2: When In Doubt 8’ x 10’ 
 

I’ve had a theory for a long time. Most rooms will need an 8’ x 10’ or 11’ rug. I hear from clients all the time that they don’t want to get a larger rug because they feel it will make the room feel small. Even more often I hear the argument that they just put in a beautiful hardwood floor and they don’t want to cover it up with a large rug. I get that, but area rugs are an opportunity to finish off your space with color, texture or pattern. 
 

• They are essential for most rooms because they absorb sound, especially when covering hardwood.

• Most important of all, area rugs define a space and the size of the rug dictates the seating arrangement.
  

So, in my humble opinion, a rug measuring 8’ wide by 11’ long gives you the best opportunity for placing your furniture in a comfortable arrangement that supports conversation and function. 
 

Picking The Perfect Size Area Rug: Key Point #3: Space Between Rug and Wall
 

It’s important to consider the placement of the rug because that will determine the way the furniture is arranged. For example if you place the rug in the center of the room, you will have a “floating” furniture placement. That allows you to move freely around the furniture. 
 

• The more “typical” place to position your rug would be along the longest wall in the space because that is where the longest seating will reside, most often the sofa, if in a living room space.

• If the rug is positioned close to the wall, there should be a space between 12” to 18” from the wall. It’s important to not push the rug all the way to the wall because your furniture will cover most of the rug and it will make the arrangement feel congested.
  

Picking The Perfect Size Area Rug: Key Point #4: Place The Rug Opposite The Focal Point. 
 

One of the most natural places to pace the rug is opposite the natural focal point in the space. This might be the fireplace or the entertainment center in a family room. If you’re planning out your patio space like I am, the natural focal point might be a garden space or pool. 

• The longest side of the rug should be placed opposite the focal point.

This will allow you to place the largest seating area opposite the focal point and that is where most of the people will want to be to enjoy the view. 
 

Picking The Perfect Size Area Rug: Key Point #5: How To Place Furniture On The Rug
 

Depending on the amount of space you have in your room, there are a few common ways to place your furniture on the area rug. Each will achieve different functionalities for the space.
 

• All Off: When your furniture legs are all off the area rug, typically, you will have a more “expansive” feeling room. And since I’m focusing on an area rug of 8 ’x 10’ for this post, that is quite true. If your furniture is all off an 8’ x 10’ rug, you will have a lot of space between seating pieces. This will make the room feel quite large and even if it is not, the illusion of more space will be felt.
  

• All On: If you decide to place your furniture all on the 8’ x 10’ rug, you will feel the opposite effect happening. Instead of feeling expansive, the space will feel more intimate. This arrangement works well when you want to concentrate on creating a cozy feeling space.
  

• Half On, Half Off: This is the perfect medium. When the furniture is half on and half off the area rug, you have the best configuration for conversation and functionality. It also really helps to emphasize how the furniture relates to the rug in proportion and scale. This type of placement usually offers the best balance for the room as well. In this space the seating arrangement balances the focal point of the fireplace and the credenzas that flank each side of it.
  

Now that you know how to pick the perfect size area rug, you can apply these key points to any room or outside space in your home. If you liked this post, let me hear from you. Comment below and share it with your friends. 
 

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.