How to Choose a Rug: Color & Size Guide

Choosing the perfect rug for your home involves more than just picking a pretty design. It’s about finding the right balance between size, color, and material to complement your space while providing functionality. Whether you're refreshing a room or adding the finishing touch, selecting the ideal rug can transform the look and feel of your home. At Baker Bros, we offer Arizona’s largest in-stock area rug collection, and our design consultants are ready to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• Size Matters: Larger rugs are better for large seating areas, but make sure it suits the room's proportions.
  
  
• Material Choice: Wool rugs are soft and durable, while easy-to-clean options are perfect for high-traffic areas.
  
  
• Color: Neutral rugs work for versatility, while patterned rugs add texture and hide stains.
  
  
• Placement: Rugs should be placed under the front legs of furniture or fully under furniture for a cohesive look.
  
  
• Baker Bros Expertise: Our team is here to guide you in finding the right size, color, and material to match your space and lifestyle.
  
  

Step 1 – Choose the Right Rug Size by Room

Living Room

When selecting a rug for your living room, the size of the rug plays a pivotal role in the room's feel. The general rule is that larger rugs work best, especially in open floor plans. Aim for a rug that fits under the furniture — ideally, it should extend beyond the front legs of your sofa and chairs to create a cohesive look. Here are some size recommendations for typical seating areas:

• Small Seating Area: 5' x 7' or 6' x 9'
  
  
• Medium Seating Area: 8' x 10' or 9' x 12'
  
  
• Large Seating Area: 10' x 14' or larger
  
  

Dining Room

The rug in your dining room should extend beyond the table to ensure that chairs don’t catch on the edges when pulled out. A common rule of thumb is that your rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond each side of the table. This provides enough space for chairs and creates a balanced look.

• Dining Table Size: For a 6-person table, opt for a rug that’s 8' x 10' or 9' x 12'.
  
  
• Cleaning: Consider rugs made from materials that are easy to clean, like wool or synthetic blends, especially if spills are frequent.
  
  

Bedroom

In the bedroom, the choice between a full rug under the bed or runners on the sides depends on the size of the room. A full rug under the bed is ideal for larger rooms, as it provides comfort underfoot and visually anchors the bed. For smaller rooms, a couple of runners can help define the space without overwhelming it.

• Under Bed: A 9' x 12' rug works well for most queen or king-sized beds.
  
  
• Runners: Ideal for smaller rooms, 2' x 6' or 2' x 8' runners placed on either side of the bed.
  

Hallways & Entryways

Hallways and entryways require rugs that fit the narrow spaces while offering functionality. Pile rugs or hand-knotted runners are great choices for these areas, as they provide texture and durability. It’s essential not to skimp on size — even in narrow hallways, a rug that’s too small will disrupt the flow of the space.

• Size: Use 2' x 7' or 2' x 10' runners.
  
  
• Materials: Wool and synthetic rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas and are easy to maintain.

Step 2 – Match Rug Colors to Your Space

Neutral Colors

Neutral colors such as ivory, beige, and taupe offer versatility and calmness. These colors make it easier to integrate the rug into various design themes, from traditional to modern. They provide a neutral base, allowing bolder colors in furniture and decor to stand out.

Patterned Rugs

Patterned rugs are great for adding texture to a room. They are especially useful in homes with children or pets, as they can hide dirt and stains better than solid-colored rugs. A patterned rug can also serve as a focal point or conversation piece.

Solid Rugs

A solid rug can work wonders in creating a clean, crisp foundation in a room, especially when paired with bolder furniture or decor. It’s perfect for rooms that need a subtle, understated touch.

Lighting and Wall Color

When choosing a rug color, also consider your room’s lighting and wall color. If your room has cooler tones, opt for rugs with cooler undertones. For warmer spaces, look for rugs with warm tones to match.

• Cool-Toned Rooms: Choose rugs with blue, grey, or green hues.
  
  
• Warm-Toned Rooms: Go for reds, oranges, or earth tones.

Step 3 – Choose the Right Rug Material

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are a timeless choice, known for their softness, durability, and natural stain resistance. Wool is great for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is key, but it also holds up well in high-traffic areas if properly maintained.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Hand-knotted rugs are crafted with care and attention to detail, making them an investment piece for any home. They’re often made from wool or silk and offer exceptional durability and texture. A hand-knotted rug adds artisan value and can elevate the aesthetic of your space.

Synthetic & Blended Rugs

Synthetic and blended rugs are excellent choices for high-traffic areas, like the living room or hallway. These rugs are easy to clean, stain-resistant, and come in a wide variety of styles. Synthetic rugs are often more budget-friendly but still provide solid durability.

Pile Height

When selecting a rug material, consider the pile height. Low-pile rugs are better for high-traffic areas due to their durability and ease of cleaning. High-pile rugs, on the other hand, provide comfort underfoot and work well in low-traffic areas like bedrooms.

Bonus Tip – Layering Rugs for Texture & Style

Layering rugs is an excellent way to add depth and style to your space. Try layering a hand-knotted rug over a jute rug for a combination of texture and functionality. Layering also allows you to experiment with different colors and patterns, adding character to any room.

FAQs

What size rug is best for my living room?
A good rule of thumb is that your rug should fit under the front legs of your furniture or extend fully under the seating area. Larger rugs are ideal for larger seating arrangements.

Should a dining room rug go under the chairs?
Yes, your rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the edges of your dining table to allow chairs to move freely without catching on the edges.

Are wool rugs easy to maintain?
Yes, wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant and easy to maintain with regular cleaning, making them a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms.

How do I clean a hand-knotted rug?
Hand-knotted rugs require gentle cleaning, usually with professional care to maintain their integrity and appearance.

What rug material is best for pets?
Synthetic rugs or wool rugs are good choices for pet owners due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

Let Baker Bros Help You Find the Perfect Rug

Choosing the right rug for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re after the perfect size, color, or material, Baker Bros’ expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit one of our showrooms or schedule a consultation with one of our design experts today to explore our extensive selection of in-stock rugs and find the perfect fit for your space.