5' 1 x 8' Hand Knotted Jill Zarin Dorset Rug

The Rug Sizing Guide

A difficulty our customers often face is choosing the right rug for their space. Rugs add cozy warmth, texture, and color to any room. But how do you know that a rug "fits" in a room until you see it in action? And what if you invest in an expensive rug only to find that it doesn't work in the room you bought it for?

We understand how challenging it can be to choose a rug for your home. That’s why our website is designed to be the most customer-friendly online! First, we have customer service agents available 24/7 to help you choose the right rug. Then, we offer a "view in my room" option for many of our rugs so you can visualize them in any space.

Now, to help our customers even further, we present the following sizing guide to achieve rug-buying perfection.

How Should a Rug Fit in a Room?

The answer is easier than you might think. Start by measuring the area where you want your rug. This measurement will give you a rough idea of the size you need. As we tell all our customers: Your house, your rules. Ultimately, you are the final judge of what looks good in your home. The following are suggestions from experts on how rugs should fit.

Dining Room Rugs

A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug that complements the shape of your dining table—the centerpiece of the room. To determine the right size, pull out the dining chairs so they are the same distance from the table as if someone were about to sit down. This ensures each chair remains on the rug when in use, preventing them from catching on the rug when moved.

Entryway Rugs

Entryway rugs should welcome your guests with a "wow!" without completely covering your floor. Measure your entryway and decide how much floor you want to leave exposed—typically between 18" and 24". This measurement will help you choose the ideal rug size for your entryway.

Living Room Rugs

Living rooms vary from traditional to eclectic. The goal of a living room rug is to anchor the designated seating area. Choose a rug that can accommodate the front legs of all the furniture in that area to create a cohesive look.

Kitchen Rugs

Kitchens often have limited space. For a breakfast nook, use the same guidelines as for dining room rugs. If you’re considering a runner rug between the island and the sink, leave a few inches of floor exposed between the spaces. It’s also important to choose a washable rug due to inevitable spills, and definitely invest in a good rug pad to prevent slipping.

Bedroom Rugs

Bedroom rugs can enlarge the appearance of your room while providing comfort for your feet. When choosing a bedroom rug, consider including all the furniture in the space—covering the head and foot of the bed and the nightstands on either side. Alternatively, you may place the rug beside the bed as a comfortable landing area.

Outdoor Rugs

Your patio is your outdoor living room. Outdoor rugs function similarly to indoor area rugs. For an expansive look, choose an outdoor rug that supports only two legs of your patio furniture. To anchor your space, select a rug size that covers all four legs of your furniture.

"View in My Room" Feature

One of our coolest features is the "View in My Room" option, which lets you see our rugs in action. After selecting a rug that interests you, click the "see this in my room" button. You can then upload a picture of your room or view the rug in similar settings. This feature allows you to move the rug anywhere in the room and rotate it 360 degrees. Let your imagination run wild with different colors, styles, shapes, and brands. And when you find the perfect rug, enjoy free one-day shipping!

Hand-knotted rugs are beautiful, valuable pieces of home decor that require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and longevity.

Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum with a beater bar (or remove the brush) to remove dirt and dust from both sides of the rug.

Spot Clean Stains: Immediately treat any stains by testing a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first. Gently blot the stain with a cloth and a mix of warm water and mild detergent—avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.

Deep Clean: For a thorough clean, either hand wash the rug (after testing the cleaning solution on a hidden area) or have it professionally cleaned. Use a mild detergent and soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air-dry completely to prevent dye migration or damage.

Professional Cleaning: If in doubt, professional cleaning is often the safest option, as experts use equipment that minimizes the risk of dye bleeding or fiber damage.

Rotate the Rug: Rotate your rug regularly to ensure even wear from foot traffic and sunlight.

Protect from Sunlight: Use window coverings or UV-resistant film to protect the rug from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discoloration.

An in-depth look into how the color temperature of lightning can affect how a rug looks