Commercial Rug Sizing Guide

Acoustic Performance

Rugs help reduce noise in commercial spaces like lobbies, offices, conference rooms, and corridors. Large rugs cover a lot of real estate, soften sound and reduce echos, thereby creating a more comfortable environment. Interested in rugs that help with acoustics? Head over to Office Environments for ideas.

Brand Identity

A rug is a great way to broadcast a brand identity or unique style. Sturdy walk-off mats greet customers in entrances and can be customized to include logos and business names. Organic-shaped rugs from SynSisal® or EarthSISAL™ add an effortless, unique look and define spaces like reception or seating areas.

Budget & Lifecycle Costing

When budgeting for floor finishings or when its time for a remodel, area rugs are easier to replace than a wall-to-wall installation. Think about the initial cost but also the expected lifespan and replacement intervals for long-term value in commercial projects.

Simplified Planned Maintenance

Area rugs are easier for building maintenance teams to manage—they can be spot-cleaned, lifted for deep cleaning, and typically dry faster than wall-to-wall installations. Unlike fixed carpeting, rugs can also be rotated periodically to minimize visible wear in high-traffic zones. This flexibility reduces long-term maintenance costs and keeps spaces looking fresher for longer.

Things to Consider

It should go without saying that a rug in a commercial or public setting must meet the needs of the space as well as local building and safety regulations. Specifiers should select contract grade, durable materials that:

• Meet fire safety standards (learn more about carpet classifications here)

• Have built-in systems that resist staining as well as fading from UV light

• Stand up to regular, heavy foot traffic

• Are easy to maintain and clean

• Have short, tight face yarns and a low pile

Need help finding the right material for your project? We have multiple resources, including The Best Materials for Commercial Rugs & Carpet and Heavy Duty Rugs For High Traffic Areas

ADA Compliance

ADA accessibility laws require that the final rug height—including any padding, backing, pile height, and border material—be less than 1/2 inch (13mm). Keep this is mind when selecting the rug material (what is the pile height?) and the border finish.

Secure the Rug

A rug in a contract setting must be secured by large pieces of furniture, adhered to the subfloor with carpet tape, or have a non-slip rug pad underneath. Also, a busy thoroughfare is not the place for a small area rug—small rugs by nature weigh less and are more likely to shift and move. Instead, opt for the biggest, low-profile rug that will fit the space.

Rug Borders

How a rug is finished around the edges can impact pile height and potentially conflict with ADA accessibility laws and/or cause a tripping hazard. For example, a bespoke finish like a braid might be too thick, whereas a serged edge or the Infinity Edge is stylish and meets ADA requirements. Learn more about the Infinity Edge here. Additionally, cloth borders may wear out or soil earlier than the rug itself, compromising the rug's aesthetics and integrity.

Castor Chairs on Rugs

Not only should the rug material be approved for castor chair use, be sure that the rug is large enough for office chairs to move about easily without running off the rug. Find styles that are suitable for castor chairs here.

Match Proportions

The size of the rug should match the room's proportions. The rug should be at least 2/3 the width of the room if it’s standalone. Don’t shy away from custom cuts to get it just right: Oversized rugs (12'x15', 13'x20', etc.) feel custom and luxurious in large lobbies and can be crafted to fit around or highlight architectural features, especially helpful in historic or mixed-material spaces.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Undersized rugs that only fit a coffee table. A too-small rug makes a space look unfinished. Plus, the exposed edges will only get battered and potentially create a tripping hazard. Always choose a rug that extends under all seating.

Acoustics & Privacy

Dense rugs dampen sound during calls and in-person meetings. Add a rug pad for another layer of sound absorption. And if you have a seating area, consider something more plush, like a wool or wool blend rug.

Symmetry

Symmetry signals prestige. Align the rug based on furniture layout and built-in room features. Rectangular rugs work best with symmetrical desk and cabinet layouts. Square rugs suit compact offices with centered layouts. An organic-shaped rug adds softness in modern or minimalist spaces.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Not accounting for chair movement. Rugs that end right behind the desk chair cause rolling issues and wear at the edge. Extend rugs at least 24–30" beyond the desk chair.

Modular Rugs for Reconfigurable Spaces

Modular rugs or tiles are ideal for multipurpose areas because they can be easily replaced if damaged or if the layout changes in the space. Use modular carpet tiles to make a rug to fit any oddly shaped space.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Using wall-to-wall rugs instead of zoning. Wall-to-wall carpet removes visual cues that define teams and spaces. Area rugs or tiles help create structure without sacrificing openness.

Soften Acoustics

Rugs dampen sound in hard-surfaced meeting rooms, an especially important consideration for rooms with glass walls or open ceilings. Select a flatweave, low-pile material for easy chair movement and add a felted rug pad for acoustic support.

Rug Shape & Table Form

For a cohesive look, match the rug shape to the table shape. For something less standard, an oval shaped-rug looks sophisticated under a rectangular table. If the room is rectangular and the table is round, choose a square rug to balance space.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Rugs too small for pulled-out chairs. A rug that only fits the table looks fine until someone sits down and their chair catches the edge. Extend rugs well past the table footprint.

Ensure ADA Compliance

The minimum standard width for corridors is 36" but 48" or more is preferred in commercial settings. Subtract at least 2-4" from the rug's edges for exposed flooring and to frame the space. Select flatweave or low-pile rugs with non-slip backing.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Slippery or curling rug edges. Loose runners without commercial-grade backing are a tripping hazard, for feet, wheels, and canes. Always use flat, securely-backed rugs that lie flush. Adhere all rug edges to the floor if needed with carpet tape.

Select Durable, Low-Pile Weaves for Heavy Foot Traffic

Use a commercial-grade synthetic material (like nylon, polypropylene or woven vinyl) with a low profile. Flat, tight weaves prevent dirt buildup and reduce tripping. Look for moisture-resistant backings and high slip ratings.

Avoid This Mistake

→ Using decorative rugs that can't handle moisture or wear. Specifiers often prioritize aesthetics over performance here. Entry rugs must be absorbent, low-profile, and durable.