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HC1's Guide To Choosing The Right [Sized] Rug For Your Home
Photo: Cumberland Island Navy Room Source: Home Carpet One The right rug size and shape play a vital role in defining the space and design in rooms. Few decor pieces are as functional and aesthetically pleasing as area rugs. A well-chosen one can transform any room by adding warmth, color, and texture — not to mention the extra protection for your floor from spills, dirt, and everyday wear-and-tear. The design of the rug is influenced by the room's shape, and how the furniture is arranged within the room or space. Although standard rug sizes can be purchased, it is better to invest in custom-sized rugs. Home Carpet One is here to help. We understand that the measuring space in every room is different. Using the rug measurement guidelines to estimate the size and type of rug for your space is a good starting point. However, having our specialists see the space to advise on the right choice is ideal. In this guide, we’ll help you make confident rug size decisions with practical tips, layout ideas, and measurements to suit your unique space. Why Does Rug Size Matter? The size of a rug impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of a room. A custom-sized, well-proportioned rug can: Anchor furniture arrangements. Define distinct areas in open-concept spaces. Add depth and warmth without overwhelming. Conversely, a poorly chosen rug can make a room feel cramped, disjointed, or unbalanced. Living Room Rug Size Guide Standard Rug Placements: All Furniture on the Rug: Ideal for large living rooms. Creates a cohesive look by accommodating all furniture legs on the rug. Front Legs on the Rug: Suitable for medium-sized spaces. Places only the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug while defining the seating area. Floating Rug: Works for small spaces or as an accent under a coffee table. Keeps furniture legs off the rug entirely while still adding style. Tips: Leave 12–18 inches of bare floor around the edges of the rug for balance. Match the rug shape to the room (rectangular rugs for long spaces, round rugs for cozy nooks). Dining Room Rug Size Guide A dining room rug should extend beyond the table to accommodate chairs pulled out during meals. Here’s how to measure: Table Size + Chairs Out: Add 24–36 inches to each side of the table for proper chair movement. Shape Matching: Match the rug shape to the table shape (e.g., round rugs for round tables, rectangular for long tables). Tips: Opt for flatweave rugs for easy cleaning. Ensure the rug is centered under the table and chandelier (if present). Bedroom Rug Size Guide Placements: Rug Under the Bed: Extend the rug at least 18–24 inches beyond the bed sides for a luxurious feel. Side Runners: Place two runners on either side of the bed for smaller spaces. Rug at the Foot of the Bed: Adds texture and style without overwhelming the room. Hallways and Entryways Hallways: Use runners to add warmth and guide traffic. Leave a 4–6 inch gap between the rug and walls for a polished look. Entryways: Choose a rug that fills the space without crowding doors. Opt for durable materials like jute or synthetic blends to handle heavy foot traffic. Rug Size FAQs Q: How do I layer rugs? Layering adds depth and texture. Use a larger natural-fiber base rug and place a smaller patterned rug on top for contrast. Q: What materials work best for different spaces? Living Rooms: Wool or blends for durability. Dining Rooms: Flatweaves or indoor/outdoor performance rugs for easy cleaning. Bedrooms: Plush rugs or chunky wools for comfort. Q: Can rugs make a small room look bigger? Yes! A larger rug creates an illusion of space by unifying furniture and minimizing visual breaks. Table: Rug Sizes for Common Spaces Room Placement Tip Living Room Align with sofa edges or center under furniture. Dining Room Extend beyond table edges by at least 24". Bedroom Extend rug 18–24" beyond bed frame. Hallways Center runner with 4–6" gap from walls. Additional tips for rug sizing Size Chart For Rectangular Rugs Rectangular rugs are a classic choice for most homeowners looking to add depth and definition to their living rooms. While sizes can vary based on the manufacturer you purchase from, most common rug sizes come in standard sizes that are measured in feet. Rug Size by Length Best Uses 3 feet Entryways, small kitchens, bathrooms 5 feet Small foyers, kitchens, desks/offices, under accent chairs 6 feet Small living rooms, entryways, bedside 8 feet Medium living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms 9 feet Dining rooms, large living spaces, bedrooms 10 feet Large living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms with large (king-sized) beds 12 feet Grand living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms 14 feet Grand living spaces, dining rooms, and bedrooms Size Chart For Round Rugs In addition to rectangle rugs, round rugs also offer a unique and stylish option for defining the living areas in your space. These round rugs also come in common standard sizes that are measured by diameter. Rug Size (Diameter) Best Uses 3 feet Entryways, small kitchens, bathrooms, under accent pieces 4 feet Small foyers, under small accent furniture 6 feet Medium-sized dining areas, living rooms beneath round coffee tables 8 feet Large dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms 10 feet Grand dining rooms, seating areas, or beneath large beds Design tips for styling your new rug Once you’ve chosen the perfect rug for your living space, it’s time to style it to perfection and bring out all the warmth and coziness of your new purchase. Here are some tips for using your rug as a piece that’s both functional and chic. Create visual balance in your room. Choosing the right rug size can balance your room, so consider dimensions and proportions. For example, a smaller rug in a small room can make things feel cozy and intimate, while a larger area rug can anchor a sprawling room and make it feel less empty. Consider shapes. If you’re choosing a round or oval rug, consider how it flows with the rest of the elements in your room. Pair with other round design elements like coffee tables and dining tables to create better harmony within the room. Be mindful of your furniture placement. When placing your rug in your room, it’s always a good idea to have at least the front legs of your furniture resting on the rug. This can help define the area and create a more cohesive design. Use your rug to highlight specific areas. One of the best uses of an area rug is to define sections of your home, especially if you have a particularly large and open home that you want to feel more cozy. Create an intimate area like a reading nook with a smaller rug, or define your seating and dining areas with larger area rugs. Ready for a new rug? Home Carpet One is here to help! Choosing the right rug size involves more than measurements—it’s about creating balance, harmony, and comfort. By understanding the role of rugs in your space and considering key factors like furniture placement and room dimensions, you can find the perfect rug to transform your home. Home Carpet One is your premier destination for flooring in Chicago. Our flooring experts can help you choose the best rugs for your vision, and we can even help with custom rugs for the bespoke home of your dreams.
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How To Clean Your Rugs
Area rugs; they make your house a home. Whether you’re aiming for a style that’s cozy and nostalgic or chic and elevated, putting down an area rug is an easy option that makes a big styling impact to any room. They’re also extremely functional, helping you protect your floors from dirt and damage. But while rugs are an excellent design feature, they require regular care to keep them looking nice and clean, especially if they live in a busy, heavily-trafficked section of your home. However, the kind of care your rug needs depends on the specific type of rug it is. Don’t worry, we’re sharing our in-depth guide to cleaning and caring for your rugs so they can continue bringing joy to your home for years to come. General routine rug care Regular vacuuming Rugs tend to accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, so it’s important to establish a regular cleaning routine to keep them fresh. Generally speaking, many rugs can benefit from vacuuming about once a week to remove loose dust and dirt (or more if your rug is in a heavily trafficked area and/or if you have pets whose shed fur might be collecting through the day). However, rugs that are made of delicate materials like wool may require more gentle care. For these kinds of rugs, consider shaking your rug out outside or sweeping them with a broom to loosen any trapped debris, then using a gentle vacuum without a beater bar (we recommend Miele Suction Only) to protect and preserve your rug’s delicate fibers. Invest in quality rug padding Rug padding helps keep your rug in place and reduces friction, extending the lifespan of the floor piece. They’re also a good idea for adding some extra cushioning underfoot! Spot cleaning If you’re facing an accidental spill or accident, you have to act quickly to avoid staining. For many spills, a small spot cleaning is generally enough to lift the mess. But for some spills, you’ll need a specific plan of action. For general spot cleaning: Mix a small amount of dish soap with water. Use a clean cloth to gently dab the stain with your dish soap mixture. Be sure to blot, not rub, since rubbing can push the stain further into the rug’s fibers. Use another damp, clean cloth to blot off the soap residue, then allow the area to dry completely. And what about those tough spills? Here are some targeted plans of action: To remove red wine stains from your rug: Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap, then gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth until it lifts. You can also use club soda, vinegar, or baking soda. To remove coffee stains from your rug: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to absorb. Then, blot gently with a solution of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water to remove the stain. To remove pet stains from your rug: Pet stains often require a special cleanser to remove the stain and any odors. Look for an enzyme-based cleaner that is specifically designed for pet stains, making sure that it will work with your rug type. Deep cleaning We focus on the highest quality materials, so we don’t sell any machine washable rugs. Instead, we recommend deep cleaning by an expert. Consider using professional cleaners who have the equipment and expertise to refresh your rug without damaging it. Let us know if you need a referral! Special Cleaning Instructions For Different Kinds of Rugs While regular maintenance is important for every kind of rug, it’s important to remember that not all rugs are created equal. You should take the time to get to know your rug’s specific care needs so you can properly maintain them and extend their lifespan. Rug Type Care Notes Cleaning Method Deep Cleaning Wool and Wool Blends Durable but sensitive to heat and chemicals. Avoid using hot water and chemical cleaners that may cause shrinkage. Vacuum regularly with no beater bar. Spot clean with mild detergent and water. Professional cleaning is recommended. Synthetic (Polyester, Nylon) Durable and easy to maintain; often resistant to stains and pets. Regularly vacuum, and spot clean with mild soap and water. Use a gentle detergent and allow to fully air dry. Natural Fibers (Jute/Sisal) Very absorbent natural fibers that are prone to staining. Avoid getting wet. Vacuum regularly to get rid of dirt and debris. To spot clean, use a dry-cleaning solution and minimal water. Professional cleaning is recommended. Conclusion Establishing a regular rug cleaning schedule is a great way to keep the whole house feeling clean, especially if you have pets or plenty of traffic. Get to know your rug’s specific cleaning instructions so you can properly extend its life. Looking for rugs? Have care questions? Get in touch with us here at Home Carpet One! We have plenty of beautiful area rugs and a knowledgeable team that would love to help you curate the home of your dreams. Photo by Sean Valentine: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tabby-cat-on-black-and-white-textile-4085101/
The Ultimate Guide to Rug & Runner Edging Options
At Home Carpet One, we specialize in creating custom area rugs and stair runners tailored to your home's unique style. Whether you're looking to transform an in-stock wool wilton carpet or design a special-order sisal rug with a leather border, our expertise covers it all. Let's explore the various rug and stair runner edging options available to elevate your home decor. Custom Area Rug & Runner Options Machine Cotton Serging (our most popular option!) Continuous cotton threads sewn over the edge Prevents fraying Neat and consistent finish Most popular choice amongst our customers 1” Border (Leather or Cotton) Narrow 1-inch strip sewn around the edges Available in various colors Provides a sleek, refined finish 2” Border (Leather, Linen, Cotton, or Polyester) Wider 2-inch strip for a more sophisticated look Versatile material options 2” Border with Piping (Leather, Cotton, or Polyester) 2-inch border with added piping detail Creates a tailored, elegant appearance Offers decorative enhancement Additional Custom Area Rug Options Hand Serging (Cotton or Polyester) Available on special order area rugs Meticulously hand-stitched edges Increases durability Adds an artisanal flair Less visible yarn on the rug face Hand Rolled Edge Manually rolled under and stitched Creates a durable, subtly rounded finish Minimalist look Leather Binding Leather strip sewn around the edge Highly durable option Luxurious appearance Recap At Home Carpet One, we offer endless possibilities for customizing your area rugs and stair runners. From selecting the perfect carpet to choosing the ideal edging option, our experts will guide you through the process. Visit us today to create a unique rug that perfectly complements your home's decor. Ready to design your custom area rug or stair runner? Contact Home Carpet One now to explore our wide range of rug and runner edging options and transform your living space!
Add a Touch of Warmth and Style with Area Rugs
Whether you live in a small apartment in the city or a big house out in the suburbs, area rugs are the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and style to any room. Extremely useful for providing a soft and quiet walking surface over hardwood, vinyl, and tile floors, area rugs also help protect finishes from scuffs and scratches. One of the best things about area rugs is that they can adapt to your home’s evolving décor. If you want to paint a room a new color or change the feel of a space, a new area rug can be just the thing to tie everything together. Area rugs are also easy to clean and can be moved from room to room as your needs change. When choosing an area rug for your space, you’ll have various carpet fibers and countless textures and patterns to choose from, so finding the perfect rug for your space is easier than ever. Color and design are the first things people tend to notice, but you should also consider the feel of the rug, and the location where it will go in your home. For example, an area rug for a front foyer will get lots of traffic, so you’ll want to choose a sturdy material in a color that will resist stains and hide dirt between cleanings. On the other hand, an area rug in the bedroom should be soft because you’ll undoubtedly walk on it with bare feet. Area rugs are useful design tools because they can divide rooms into separate functional spaces. For example, a large open room can be split into an entertainment area and a formal living room, or a kids play area and an adult lounge. If you rent an apartment, area rugs can really make the space feel like a custom home designed just for you. You may not be able to choose the flooring or even the paint color, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t dictate the style of your space. There are several choices for rug materials, but the most popular design-oriented area rugs are wool rugs. Wool provides an ideal combination of high durability, natural stain resistance, and quality feel. Best of all, wool rugs are available in just about every style imaginable, from traditional oriental and Persian rugs, to contemporary geometric designs and simple monochromatic ones. Finally, wool is an eco-friendly choice because it is a totally renewable resource. Unlike synthetic rugs, which require the use of harsh chemicals and even petroleum products to be made, wool rugs are all natural and long-lasting. Start browsing the widest selection of Chicago area rugs available. Visit our online store or contact Home Carpet One today.