How Do You Choose a Rug Size?

A good place to start when deciding what size you need is to consider the layout of your room and how you use it. Think about where your furniture is placed, where the sun comes in and where the foot traffic goes. Here are a couple of general guidelines:

1. 'Bigger is better': a large rug will make your room feel more spacious and inviting.

2. Keep some bare floor visible: at least 18 inches or 40cm between the edge of the item and the walls.

3. Orient your piece with the shape of the room.

The table below lists the standard sizes for area rugs:

A quick and easy way to visualise the piece in your space is to mark out the dimensions on the floor with masking tape. Some stores will even loan you rugs to experiment with for free, so be sure to ask.

If you have a large living room, you may want to look at an 12x15 ft, or 366cm x 457cm item. This is the largest standard size for area rugs. Covering about 180 square meters, or 1938 square feet of floor space, it is fairly sizeable!

Minaret Quarto Sheepskin Rug

The 8x10 ft or 240cm x 310cm rug is the most common size. The math tells us it covers about 80 square feet, or 7.5 square meters of flooring, which means it fits comfortably into most spaces: living rooms, bedrooms or under dining tables.

What is the best pad for area rugs?

A rug pad can make all the difference for the rug's look, feel and function. Not only will it keep it safely in one place and prevent bunching, but it can provide extra softness underfoot which is great for lighter weight pieces.

Rug pads also prolong your rug's life, protecting their fibres and weave, as well as protecting your floors from wear and tear.

Typically non-slip rug pads are made from various materials - felt, rubber, memory foam, wool, PVC or latex. Some materials are more cushioning, others are better at gripping. Which material is best for you depends on two things:

• what your rug is made from, and

• what you want your rug pad to do - cushion, grip or both?

How do you deep clean an area rug?

Minaret Round Sheepskin Designer Floor Rug

If your area rug is in need of a deep clean, then check the manufacturer's instructions first. A little warm water and a damp cloth to spot clean areas is the best first approach. If that's not enough, then add a small amount of mild dish soap.

When dealing with an area rug that's taken a spill, immediate action is best. Contain the spill as soon as it happens. You can do this by blotting excess liquid with a paper towel or clean, absorbent cloth. What you choose to clean a rug with will depend on its type. Some pieces may be thrown into the washing machine. Others can take carpet cleaners with ease, and some are best dry cleaned only.

Most rugs can do with regular vacuuming and a good shake. If you're looking for information about sheepskin rugs, we recommend you look at Wilson and Dorset's specific care guide here.

How do you design a room around a rug?

Gladstone Sheepskin Designer Floor Rug

When designing a space around an object, you must first decide whether you want to draw attention to the piece or away from it. It will be easy to arrange your rom around your rug or any other item after you have made your decision.

To increase the visibility of your rug:

Choose items that accent its hues, fade into the backdrop, or provide contrasting colors when designing a room to bring attention to it.

To draw attention away:

Choose a neutral color scheme, so that the rug and furnishings tone in. You can then select throw cushions or other accessories to provide contrast and accents.

How do you place furniture on a rug?

That's another fun aspect of interior design. See our detailed guide here.