How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes
Room-by-room inspo for finding the best rug size for any space.
With so many different rug sizes available, how do you know which one will fit your space? Our room-by-room layouts and easy tips are here to help.
Rug Sizing Tips for Every Space
Bigger Is Better
We know you need a rug that pulls the room together while anchoring furniture in place. A few inches can make or break a room, so if you're choosing between two sizes, opt for the larger rug.
Read Your Room
When choosing rug size and orientation, make sure you keep your space in mind. For large rooms, pick large rugs. For long rooms, position your rug lengthwise.
Visualize the Final Look
Lay down painter's tape to imagine where you'll place the rug before you buy it. This easy tip is one of our favorites for getting exactly the right fit from every angle.
Rug Sizing Room by Room
To figure out the right rug sizes for your home, think about the size of each room and the furniture you have in that space. First measure each area and the furniture. Then choose a rug layout from one of our favorite options listed below.
Living Room
Since your living room is the space where you spend the most time with roommates, family, or friends, you need the area to look large and feel connected. There are three main layouts we love: all furniture legs resting on the rug, just the front legs on the rug, or all furniture – except for the coffee table – off the rug. If you choose a layout where your sofa is on the rug, the rug should extend at least 6" past each side of the sofa. Learn more about these three layouts below.
All Legs on the Rug
This look requires the largest rug and is best for anchoring furniture that floats (no pieces live against a wall) in an open-concept living room or space. By placing all your furniture on the rug, you'll unify the pieces and create a defined seating area.
Front Legs on the Rug
This is a versatile option and works best when one side of your seating area is up against a wall. Bonus: You'll save money because you won't be paying for a rug to cover up a spot no one sees. To easily get this look, choose a rug size that allows for just the front legs of every piece of furniture to live on the rug. Your room will look more put-together in a snap.
Just the Coffee Table on the Rug
This is our favorite option for small or narrow spaces. By playing with scale, you can easily make your room feel larger. To get this just right, base the rug size on your seating area's interior size – not just the size of the coffee table – to fill the negative space created by the sitting area.
When it comes to your dining area, keep the shape of the room and your table in mind when choosing your rug size and shape.
All Legs on the Rug
Your best option when it comes to dining room rugs is to keep all legs on the rug – including the table and chairs. This looks best aesthetically, but it's also the safest move. The rug should extend between 24" and 36" inches beyond the table. This way you'll have enough room for chairs, even when they're pushed back. Psst: Don't forget to include your table's extendable leaves (if it has them) in your measurements.
Bedroom
Since your bed is the star of the room, make it the base for rug placement. This helps define the space and gives your feet a soft spot to land on chilly mornings.
All Legs on the Rug
This streamlined look is great if you want to designate one cozy space for your bed and nightstands. Don't worry about squeezing your dresser or TV stand on the rug, too. For this option, you'll need to choose a large rug that extends at least 18" – 24" beyond the edge of your bed. If you have enough room, try to leave space for walkways.
2/3 of the Bed on the Rug
This look gives you plenty of space to comfortably get in and out of bed without extending all the way to your nightstands. Frame your bed on the two sides and beyond the foot, leaving 18" – 24" of space on each side. To keep things symmetrical, an 8' x 10' rug is best for queen beds and a 9' x 12' rug is best for king beds.
Runners on Each Side
This is a flexible choice that works with any space and bed size. It also works for beds that live in corners and only have two free sides. The runners should be the same length as your bed but a little wider than your nightstand.
Rug in Front of the Sink
A small rug in front of the sink will center your space and keep the floor from getting slippery while hand-washing your wine glasses.
Runner
A runner pulls double duty in the kitchen by giving you a comfy space to stand while visually expanding the room.
Hallways
Runners are our go-to rugs for hallways. Keep these narrow areas uncluttered and move furniture legs off the rug to create a clear walkway.
Use the width of your front door as a baseline for how wide the rug in your entryway can be. Since entry spaces are all different sizes and shapes, let the room speak to which shape and size works best. Double-check the pile height when choosing your rug so you'll be sure the door will clear the rug when it's opened.
When shopping for a rug for your home, don't forget to add a rug pad to your cart. Rug pads help keep your rug from sliding around so everyone stays safe. The ideal pad-to-rug ratio is a rug pad that is 2" smaller than your rug on all sides. So for a 5' x 8' rug, choose a 4'10" x 7'10" rug pad.
Rug pads can easily be trimmed down to fit your rug. If you can't find a rug pad that's the right size, size up and trim the rug pad to the right size.
