I’ll admit it, measurements are not my strong point. Picking a cute piece for my home? I excel in that. But I’ve lost count of how many rugs I’ve ordered, unrolled, and promptly rolled right back up again.
Too small, too big, too awkward once the furniture went down… rug shopping has been one of those deceptively tricky parts of decorating I never seem to get quite right.
So when designer Amber Lewis – the queen of timeless, layered style – shared her foolproof rug rules on Instagram, I paid attention. Because if anyone knows how to put together the ultimate rug size guide, it's her.
And, conveniently, the timing couldn’t be better to put her tips into action. Several of her Amber Lewis x Loloi rugs are currently discounted for Prime Day, making it the perfect opportunity to bring a touch of her California casual aesthetic into your home for less. In fact, I’ve just added this gorgeous Loloi Amber Lewis greige rug from Amazon to my basket.
Fresh off the back of her latest drop of the Amber Lewis x Loloi collaboration, Amber has shared her winning formulas for rug placements that genuinely have made all the difference in my rug shopping success.
1. Try the 75% rule for runners
Entryway rug and kitchen rugs can be surprisingly tricky, especially when it comes to choosing a runner.
Amber’s golden rule is to make sure your runner covers about 75% of the walkway, leaving 4-6 inches of visible floor on either side. It sounds like a small and insignificant detail, but this balance of proportion makes the space feel balanced and more expansive.
I’ve had my eye on the Morgan collection runner, which nails that relaxed, lived-in feel she’s known for and comes in plenty of earthy hues. The subtle pattern hides everyday wear beautifully – and right now, it’s on sale.
2. Stick to this trick for bedroom rugs
Sizing up a bedroom rug is another one that used to stump me. Amber recommends placing one edge roughly 8-10 inches from the legs of your nightstands, letting the other extend well past the foot of the bed.
The result? A perfectly zoned bedroom layout that feels luxurious without wasting rug space where no one will see it.
I’m currently considering the Georgie collection for my bedroom – soft underfoot and versatile enough to pair with any color palette.
3. The living room “two-leg” rule
Now this is the one area rug mistake I've been trying to get friends and family to avoid for years.
Simply, the rule is that at least two legs of all furniture pieces in the space must sit on top of the rug. E.g., the sofa, the chairs, the coffee table, and any side or accent pieces. This anchors the entire arrangement, creating a visual connection between pieces.
'Yes, exceptions apply, but I try to stick to this rule when I can,' she says in the caption. When you get the size right, everything feels instantly more intentional. The Josie collection from Amber’s line is ideal for this – large-scale, low-pile, and currently marked down for Prime Day.
Shop Amber Lewis x Loloi rugs
Rich and moody, the Morgan rug captures that vintage, timeworn look that Amber Lewis does so well. Its inky undertones paired with sunset hues make it a statement piece that still feels lived-in and effortless.
If your space calls for something serene and sophisticated, the Honora rug delivers. Its subtle pattern and gentle mix of slate and beige tones give it a quietly elegant presence – ideal under a dining table or in a calm, minimalist bedroom.
Contemporary lovers will gravitate toward Cali, with its subtle checkerboard design in warm brick and natural hues. It’s playful yet grounded, the perfect way to bring visual texture to an entryway or home office.
The Josie rug leans a little bolder, with its geometric motifs and earthy palette. It’s the kind of rug that instantly adds personality without overpowering the space and is great for layering over wood floors or pairing with modern furniture.
For those who love a soft look underfoot, the Alie rug is a dream. Its pale golden undertones and distressed detailing lend that relaxed, collected-over-time charm Amber Lewis is known for.
With its blend of ocean blues and muted brick tones, the Billie rug is the ultimate finishing touch. Its vintage-inspired design feels like a one-of-a-kind market find, making it a hero piece for both contemporary and traditional spaces.
After years of getting it wrong, Amber’s simple rug styling rules have totally changed how I shop. And with so many of her Amber Lewis x Loloi designs included in the Amazon sale, I’m finally taking my own advice and upgrading the spaces I’ve been meaning to finish.
