As an interior designer, I always highlight the importance of selecting the proper area rug size for each room in your home. The right rug can elevate aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. However, an improperly sized rug can make a space feel off-balance and undo all your efforts.

As told by Gemma Johnstone from The Spruce, "There are lots of benefits to using area rugs in your home. Whether it's to introduce an anchoring focal point, create cohesion and character, or for comfort, warmth, or noise reduction, these floor coverings are functional and fashionable. But if you make a misstep with rug size, it can turn a room from refined to off-balance."

This guide provides tips on ideal rug sizes for key rooms, factors to consider, and additional helpful topics.

To skip straight to using our rug visualizer technology, just do this:

1. Go to https://dressmycrib.com/rugs
2. Upload a photo of your room.
3. Choose an approximate rug placement.
4. See all rugs in your room.
5. Choose the one you like best and explore it in more detail.

Photo by Bed Bath & Beyond

Table of Contents:

• Rug Sizes For Key Areas of Your Home
• Entryways And foyers
• Hallways And Corridors
• Living Rooms
• Dining Rooms
• Bedrooms
• Home Offices
• Outdoor Spaces
• Additional Topics To Explore
• a. Rug Layering Techniques
• b. Mixing Rug Styles in Open-Concept Spaces
• c. Rug Orientation
• d. Rug Materials And Durability
• e. Color And Pattern Considerations
• f. Maintenance And Care
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Photo by Wonder Forest

Rug Sizes For Key Areas Of Your Home

Choosing an area rug can make or break a room's design. The right proportions play a huge role in pulling together a cohesive feel. A rug that's too small gets lost, making furnishings look disconnected. But go too large and it starts to overwhelm, throwing off visual balance.

The trick lies in finding that sweet spot tailored to each room's dimensions and layout. Take into account traffic lanes and allow enough clearance for pieces like chairs and bench seating. You want a rug that encourages natural movement rather than impedes it.

In living areas, scale rugs to anchor furniture groupings in a way that encourages conversation. Bedroom rugs might focus more on framing a calming sleep space. Just make sure there's harmony between rug placement and how you envision using the room.

It's not an exact science, but a good area rug ties together a room's flow. The perfect size rug enhances everything else going on in the space - from color schemes to furnishings. It's worth taking the time to find that custom fit feel to help each room in your home sing.

Entryways And Foyers

In small foyers, 2x3 to 3x5-foot rugs complement without overwhelming. Larger entryways suit 4x6 to 5x8-foot sizes. Choose durable, easy-cleaning materials like low pile polypropylene or indoor-outdoor rugs for high traffic. Consider a rug with a non-slip backing to prevent slips and falls.

Photo by Blogs by Aria

Hallways And Corridors

For halls and corridors, runner rug sizes like 2.5x7, 2.5x10, or 2.5x12 feet are perfect. Measure your exact space rather than estimating for a precise fit. Low pile polypropylene or machine-woven rugs are best for high-traffic areas.

Photo by Chaney

Living Rooms

Scale your living room rug to anchor your seating arrangement with at least the front legs of furniture resting on top. This creates a cohesive layout. Popular sizes: 5x7 up to 9x12 feet depending on your furniture and room size. Wool or wool-blend rugs offer durability and underfoot comfort.

Additionally, specific rug sizes can further enhance the aesthetics and functionality of each room. For example, a 6x9 rug in a standard-sized living room can define the seating area while a larger 9x12 rug can accommodate larger furniture or open floor plans. Similarly, a 5x8 rug can fit well in a compact home office, providing both comfort and style.

Photo by Andrea Grbic

Dining Rooms

Extend your dining room rug 24 inches beyond the table perimeter to allow chair clearance. Good sizes: 8x10, 9x12 up to 10x14 feet for large spaces. Choose easy-cleaning materials like polyester or olefin to handle spills.

Photo by taryn

Bedrooms

Bedroom rugs help create cozy appeal. Allow an 18-inch perimeter beyond bed sides and foot. Options: 5x8 for tight spaces or 8x10, 9x12 up to 10x13 feet for larger rooms. Wool and viscose or wool-synthetic blends provide plush softness.

For more in depth information about choosing the right area rug size for your king bed, click here.

Photo by Waunakee Remodeling

Home Offices

In home offices, rug size should accommodate all furnishings. Consider traffic flow and room dimensions. 5x7, 6x9, or 8x10 feet work well for small desks and seating areas. For multi-user offices, a 9x12 foot rug or larger may suit.

Photo by Our Little Rhythm

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces need all-weather rugs. Size based on furniture layout, 4x6 feet for a small conversation set or 8x10 feet for longer sectional seating. Polypropylene resists moisture, mildew, and fading.

Photo by Pure Joy Home

Additional Topics To Explore

A. Rug Layering Techniques

Layering rugs can add depth, texture, and visual interest to a space. Experiment with combining different rug sizes and shapes, such as a smaller patterned rug atop a larger solid rug.

B. Mixing Rug Styles In Open-Concept Spaces

In open concept spaces, you can mix different rug styles, sizes, and patterns while maintaining a cohesive look. Tie the space together with a unifying color or design element.

C. Rug Orientation

The direction of your rug can impact the overall design and functionality of a room. Consider factors such as traffic flow, furniture arrangement, and room shape when determining the right orientation for various rug sizes.

D. Rug Materials And Durability

Choose a rug material based on the room's usage and your desired level of durability and maintenance. Options range from natural fibers like wool and sisal to synthetic materials like polypropylene and nylon, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

E. Color And Pattern Considerations

When choosing a rug, consider the room's existing color palette and design elements. The right rug color and pattern can complement your décor and create a harmonious look. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors or patterns, as they can add visual interest and personality to your space.

F. Maintenance And Care

Proper maintenance and care are essential for preserving the beauty and longevity of your rugs. Vacuum regularly, address spills and stains promptly, and consider professional cleaning for deep-set dirt and grime. Different rug materials may require specific care techniques, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

To read more about area rug dos and don'ts, check out this area rug guide.

Conclusion

In closing, I always highlight this to my clients: properly scaled rugs play an integral (yet often overlooked!) role in designing living spaces. Just as a lack of wall art dampens the ambiance of an otherwise finely furnished room, an inadequately sized floor covering fails to ground the elements within. 

The right rug dimensions act as an anchor – assembling furniture groupings around its borders and complementing the room’s entrances and pathways with adequate coverage.

Much like the keystone secures the culminating piece of an architectural arch, a well-fitted accent rug gives rooms their sense of completeness. It provides a framework for decorating elements to aesthetically cooperate rather than compete for visual prominence.

Just make sure to tailor the rug’s shape and scale to best facilitate how you anticipate making use of the given space. The ideal size should enhance day-to-day functions – not hinder them.

FAQ

How Should I Choose An Area Rug Size?

It can be difficult to choose the right rug size. Use our rug size chart followed by DressMyCrib's Augmented Reality "See Rug in Your Room" feature to see rugs in your own space so you can be sure of your decision.

What Stores Or Platforms Sell Area Rugs?

Nowadays, it's easy to find many different area rugs at all price ranges for your home. You can use DressMyCrib's rug-visualizer to help you choose and then shop for them online from retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Ikea, and Walmart. With just a phone, you can preview any rug anywhere in your room - completely free!