Size of area rug on hardwood floors

19 years ago

We just had our floors installed and I absolutely love them. I want to get an area rug for my LR, but am not sure how big? I would like to get one that covers most of the floors, but then again I don't want to cover the floors because they are so beautiful. Or do I just get one that will go under the coffee table? Is is personal preference on how big an area rug should be?

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dmlove

19 years ago

In our dining room which measures 19' x 14', anything less than a 12' X 10' rug just looks too puny.

Our family room is an unusual shape (one bump out and the end is triangular). The "middle" rectangular part is 23' long X 17' wide. The two couches are perpendicular to each other, with the fireplace on one side and the TV at the other end. We put a 7 x 10 rug under the coffee table and front edges of the two couches. We also put a rug under the eating table that measures about 5 x 8, and a runner between the peninsula and the back of one of the couches (which is the entry from the driveway).

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Comments (6)

floorman67
19 years ago
its really a personal preference.
capt.dan
19 years ago
Real estate agents will tell you that multiple small rugs will make a room feel smaller than one big rug.
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kjjka145
19 years ago
I'm getting ready to install hardwood floors in my living room and I just purchases the area rugs for the room. I want to show off the wood but I also want to protect it. I got a long runner to put where the traffic pattern is and a bigger one for under the coffee table/ around the sofa where things could get dropped on it. The rest of the room I am leaving bare.
Buehl
18 years ago
This may be too late, but are you putting down area rugs because you want rugs or because you want to protect your floors?

Our KD mentioned that she purchased several inexpensive rugs for her home and puts them at the "pivot" points...the point at which people naturally turn (e.g., in front of sofa) or enter & turn into a room. When she has company, she simply picks up the rugs.

We are thinking along those lines as well. We are in the middle of finalizing a kitchen remodel that also includes hardwood throughout the first floor--except the kitchen, foyer, and powder room. These areas will have tile because we have two standard poodles (the big poodles) that spend the day in these areas while we work. A friend of ours has one standard poodle and she's made a mess of their hardwood floors in less than 3 years. (They had the floors finished on-site with 2 extra coats of polyurethane.)

So, if youÂre only doing it to protect your floors, why not try what our KD does. Your floor will be protected from everyday use without "permanently" hiding the floorÂso you will still be able to enjoy (and show off!) your wonderful floors!
Alice Johannen
18 years ago
Another good place to ask this question is over on the home decorating forum. They are experts on just this sort of thing.