After last week’s newsletter about grounding a room with rugs and drapery, several of you reached out with the same question:
How do I know if my rug is the right size?
It is one of the most common mistakes we see in homes, and it almost always comes down to scale.
A rug is not an accessory. It is the foundation of the room. When the size is right, everything feels connected. When it is too small, even beautiful furniture can feel like it is floating.
Here is how we approach rug sizing in real Highland Home Design Company projects.
The Right Size Rug for a Living Room
If there is one rule we stand by at Highland Home Design Company, it is this:
Your rug should anchor the entire seating area.
At a minimum, the front legs of all seating should sit on the rug. Ideally, all legs of the sofa and chairs rest fully on it.
In most full living rooms, that means:
- 9×12
- 10×14
- Or larger
An 8×10 is often the default size people choose, but in many homes it simply is not enough.
When we install the correct size rug, the shift is immediate. The room feels intentional. The conversation area is clearly defined. The furniture finally relates to one another.
If you are deciding between two sizes, we will almost always recommend going larger.
Dining Room Rug Size Guide
Dining rooms require both proportion and function.
The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides so that when chairs are pulled out, they remain fully on the rug.
If chair legs catch the edge or sit halfway off, the room instantly feels unfinished.
A properly sized dining rug:
- Frames the table
- Keeps chairs stable
- Adds warmth and softness
It should feel effortless.
The Best Rug Size for a Bedroom
Bedrooms call for generosity.
For a queen or king bed, we typically recommend a rug that extends 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides and foot of the bed.
Your feet should land on something soft when you get out of bed. A rug that barely peeks out from underneath feels like an afterthought.
Common sizes we use:
- 8×10 for many queen rooms
- 9×12 for king beds
- Larger if the room allows
The rug should frame the bed, not disappear beneath it.
Scale truly is everything.
Rug Fibers Explained: Wool vs Synthetic vs Natural Fiber
The next question we hear often is:
Why are some rugs so expensive?
The answer typically comes down to fiber, construction, and craftsmanship.
Here is how we explain it to our clients.
Wool Rugs
Wool is one of our preferred fibers.
It is:
- Durable
- Naturally stain resistant
- Soft underfoot
- Long lasting
High quality wool rugs, especially hand knotted pieces, are made knot by knot and can take months to produce. They often last for decades.
You are paying for craftsmanship, longevity, and depth of texture.
For living rooms and bedrooms where comfort matters most, wool is often our first choice.
Synthetic Rugs
Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon rugs are generally more budget friendly.
They are:
- Easy to clean
- Ideal for high traffic areas
- Resistant to moisture
We often recommend synthetics for mudrooms, playrooms, or hardworking spaces.
They can be a smart solution, but they typically do not offer the same depth, softness, or lifespan as a well made wool rug.
Natural Fiber Rugs
Jute, sisal, and seagrass bring beautiful texture and warmth.
They feel organic and relaxed. We often layer a patterned wool rug over a large natural fiber base to add dimension and scale.
They are not always the softest underfoot, and some can be harder to clean, but visually they add richness in a way few materials can.
Why Hand Knotted Rugs Cost More
Construction plays a significant role in pricing.
Hand knotted rugs are made one knot at a time. They take months to create and can last generations.
Hand tufted rugs are quicker to produce and more affordable.
Machine made rugs are produced fastest and are typically the most budget friendly.
When you see a higher price tag, you are often paying for time, skill, and durability.
And in many spaces, that investment is worth it.
Working With Highland Home Design Company Changes the Experience
Selecting the right rug is about more than choosing a pattern online.
When you work with Highland Home Design Company, you are not guessing at scale or hoping the fiber feels right when it arrives. We bring the samples to you. You see them in your lighting, alongside your furniture, within your space. You can feel the texture, compare fibers, and fully understand what you are investing in.
We want our clients to be confident in every selection. You should know how it feels, how it will wear, and why it is priced the way it is before you purchase it.
That clarity is one of the greatest advantages of working with Highland Home Design Company.
If you are ready for help creating a room that feels complete, intentional, and grounded, you can reach out to us through our website. We would love to walk through the process with you.
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