Indoor Area Rugs

Decorate for Warmth and Color with Area Rugs

Area rugs are a brilliant way to add color to any room of your home, and they often serve multiple purposes like keeping the front entrance neat and clean or protecting your feet from cold floors. There's a variety of indoor rugs to choose from, with options of material, size, and shape, making it possible to pick just the right rug for your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while looking for a new rug of your own.

How big of a rug do I need?

The size of the rug varies depending on the room you intend to put it in. As a general guideline, you'll want to leave at least 18 inches of bare floor exposed around the perimeter of the room. This keeps things feeling spacious. A rug that can fit all a room's pieces of furniture on it can also have the effect of making a room appear larger and defining a space. As an example, you can aim to stick to these general room and rug proportions:

• 10 ft. x 12 ft. room: 8 ft. x 10 ft. area rug
• 11 ft. x 14 ft. room: 9 ft. x 12 ft. area rug
• 14 ft. x 17 ft. room: 12 ft. x 15 ft. area rug

What area rug size do I need for my living room, dining room or bedroom?

Living Room:

• 5 ft. x 8 ft. rug to fit just under the coffee table
• 9 ft. x 12 ft. rug or larger to fit all furniture completely on the rug

Dining Room:

• 9 ft. x 12 ft. rug to fit a rectangular or oval dining table that sits six to eight people
• 8 ft. or 10 ft. round rug to fit under a square or round dining table that sits four to six people

Bedroom Room:

• 5 ft. x 8 ft rug under just the foot of the bed
• 9 ft. x 12 ft. rug horizontally under the entire bed and nightstands

Learn More: Read up on how to choose the right size area rug with our simple visual size guide!

What type of area rug should I get?

Materials and Durability:

Area rugs come in a range of styles and materials. Flat-weave rugs don't have cut piles. This gives them a smoother texture. Flat-weave rugs are commonly available in cotton and wool. They're usually easier to clean because of their smoother surface, and they're generally more forgiving when it comes to messes.

Medium- and high-pile indoor rugs, on the other hand, tend to both look and feel more luxurious, but they require more in terms of maintenance. These rugs have an open pile, meaning the fibers are knotted onto the rug and their ends create a soft, tufted texture. These are also commonly made of wool. Faux fur rugs are similar in that they have open — not knotted or looped — fibers creating a looser texture.

For a heavy-traffic area, choose an indoor rug made from a resilient material, such as nylon or sisal. These polypropylene rugs stand up better to consistent wear and can hide stains well.

Extra Help: How to Clean an Area Rug

Color and Pattern:

A bright, bold pattern, like chevron or geometric rugs, can be a great conversation piece. Consider placing a bold rug in a room without tables so they don’t cover the color or pattern. This helps it stand out and can create interesting color play with your furniture and accent pillows.

In a sparsely decorated room, a colorful rug can add vibrancy and serve as an accessory in addition to keeping your toes warm. However, if you're interested in keeping a neutral space more subdued, go with a textured rug in hues similar to what's already there.

For a space that already has plenty of decor or furniture, choose a neutral rug or something in natural sisal to help anchor the room. This adds texture without making colors compete for attention.

The right indoor rug can tie a room together and make a space feel complete. Look at the room as a whole while choosing a rug, and you'll easily find the right piece for your home.

Related: Watch this quick video on how to choose an area rug to help answer any other questions!