Rug Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Every Room

Written By Nohealani Sentenac

Choosing the right rug can transform any space. Whether you want to cozy up a living room or define a dining area, a great rug is key. At Sentenac House Interiors, we know how important the perfect rug is for a room's look. This guide will help you pick the right rug based on room, size, style, and purpose.

Why Rugs Matter in Interior Design

Each room has special needs. First, start with the shape of your room–the shape of the rug should typically follow the shape of the room. Here’s how to choose rugs for different spaces.

Living Room: Select a large area rug that fits under the front legs of your furniture, but is not too big that it extends behind the back legs of the furniture.

interior design rug tips-Sentenac House Interiors

Dining Room: The rug should extend 24–30 inches beyond your table for pulled-out chairs.

how to choose a rug

Bedroom: A rug under the bed adds softness—ideally, extend it 2–3 feet on all sides.

Rug Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Every Room | Sentenac House Interiors

Rug Size Guide by Room

“Infographic on recommended rug sizes for different rooms

Rug Materials & What They Mean for Maintenance

  • Wool: Durable, soft, and naturally stain-resistant.

  • Cotton: Lightweight, affordable, and great for casual spaces.

  • Jute/Sisal: Natural texture and very durable, best for high-traffic areas.

  • Silk or Viscose: Elegant and delicate—best in low-traffic zones.

Close-up textures of rug materials

Rug Styles That Suit Every Aesthetic

  • Traditional: Persian or Oriental rugs with rich patterns.

  • Modern: Geometric or abstract designs with bold colors.

  • Boho/Organic: Layered jute or kilim rugs for earthy vibes.

  • Minimalist: Neutral tones and low pile for clean lines.

Rug Size Matters—Avoid These Common Mistakes

A common mistake is choosing a rug that’s too small. Always size up—if in doubt, go bigger.

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline the rug size before buying.

Caring for Your Rug: Tips to Extend Life & Beauty

  • Rotate rugs every 6 months to prevent uneven wear.

  • Vacuum regularly, but don’t use beater bars on delicate weaves.

  • Spot clean spills right away.

  • Consider professional steam cleaning (no chemicals!) each year for high-end rugs.

Ready to Elevate Your Space with the Perfect Rug?

At Sentenac House Interiors, we help clients find or create custom, bespoke rugs that blend function, luxury, and personality. Whether starting fresh or adding final touches, our team ensures every piece fits with purpose and style.

Shop Our Favorite Rugs

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we truly love and use in our designs.

Here’s where the RewardStyle Shoppable Boutique goes:

Our Favorite Designer Rugs (Shoppable Boutique)

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Nohealani Sentenac
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