by Staff Writer
Rugs come in sizes ranging from small welcome mats to room-size area rugs of 13 feet by 17 feet and larger. There are even larger wall-to-wall oversize rugs, measuring 26 feet by 37 feet or larger. If none of the pre-made area rug sizes fit your needs, custom rugs are a possibility; you can have the perfect rug no matter what size and shape you want.
Measure: Choosing the right rug size can mean the difference between a comfortable room and one where something seems a little off. If you're choosing an area rug for the center of a room, make sure it is large enough to reach the furniture around the edges of the room, so it won't look like it is floating in the middle of the furniture arrangement. For runner rugs (rugs that are noticeably longer than they are wide and typically used in hallways and on staircases) and area rugs that aren't surrounded by furniture, determine the border you would like to have around the rug; leaving about 18 to 36 inches between the rug and the wall creates an eye-pleasing border. If you would like to visualize what the area rug will look like in your room, try taping out the dimensions on the floor with low-tack painter's tape or laying down newspaper in the size of the rug.
Choose a shape: Round, oval and square rugs are available in the same styles, colors and patterns as rectangular area rugs; bright colors, traditional patterns, monochromatic designs and more can all be yours in a pleasing round design. Round area rugs are a nice addition to a dining area with a round table while oval rugs are great under oval and rectangular tables. Square or octagonal rugs work well with square tables. Round rugs and oval rugs are measured in diameter, 8-foot round or 8-foot oval, for example, while square and rectangular rugs are listed length by width, such as 4 feet x 6 feet.
Runner rugs: Runner rugs are used in hallways, stairs and other narrow spaces. They are often used in areas of high foot traffic. Runners are long and narrow, commonly measuring approximately 2.5 feet wide or less. Runner rugs are available in many of the same choices as other rugs, so feel free to create cohesive look throughout your home by matching rugs in main rooms to runners in hallways and other transition areas.
Accent rugs: In general, accent rugs are smaller than area rugs and not as long as runner rugs. Accent rugs, found in every style category, are perfect for the spot in front of the fireplace, in a child's room, in the kitchen in front of the sink and in your entryway as a welcome mat.
Pick up a rug pad. Placing a rug pad under your area rug will increase its durability and comfort. Rug pads keep rugs from slipping on slick floors and also keep the corners from rolling up, all while adding an extra layer of padding between your feet and the hard floor. On wood and tile floors, consider adding a layer of non-slip padding beneath your floor rug. A nonskid underlay between the floor and your rug helps reduce the scratches from your rug moving around. The bottom of the rug will see less wear and your floors will remain beautiful. When buying rug pads, pick the one that most closely matches the size of your rug; aim for a larger pad instead of one slightly smaller. Rug pads can be cut to size to match your rug perfectly, so even novelty rugs can use rug pads.
