I'm sick of getting my rug sizes wrong – this shopping advice from Amber Lewis has saved me from countless 'return to sender' trips

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

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.