Shapes and Sizes of Area Rugs

Area rugs can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it might take some planning to determine what is best for the space or room you have in mind. Stand in the room or space where you would like to place an area rug and try to visualize what it will look like. If you have trouble visualizing, use newspaper or bed sheets to cover the space. This should help you determine the best size and shape rug.

 

Rectangular area rugs:  Most traditional area rugs are rectangular in shape. Common sizes for rectangular area rugs are:

 

·        2 x 3 foot: This small size works perfectly for spaces such as inside doors or in front of the kitchen sink.

·        3 x 5 foot: This size rug can be used to define a small space in a living area or beside a bed.

·        2.5 x 8 foot: This long and narrow sized rug is called a runner and is designed for spaces such as hallways and entryways. Runners typically come between 6 and 14 feet long.

·        4 x 6 foot: A bit larger than the 3 x 5 rug, this rug, too, can be used to define a space in a larger room.

·        5 x 8 foot: This size can be used in a small room, such as a nursery, or under a coffee table in a living area.

·        8 x 10 foot: This size works best when you intend to fill a room and leave a small, even border around the edge.

·        9 x 12 foot: Like the 8 x 10 rug, this fulfills the purpose of filling a room and leaving an even border around the edge.

 

Oval area rugs: Oval area rugs are used in decorating most often when the desired effect is to break up the angular symmetry of a room. They can make beautiful focal points in dining rooms or living rooms. Braided rugs are typically found in oval shapes. Oval rugs come in various shapes, but sizes are usually similar to those found in rectangular rugs (4 x 6 foot, 5 x 8 foot, 8 x 10 foot)

 

Aside from rectangular and oval shaped rugs, area rugs can also be found in square, round and even octagon shapes.