Rug Size Guide: Mastering Rug Sizes for Every Area of Your Home
As a designer, I always highlight the importance of choosing the right 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.
Table of Contents:
Photo by Bed Bath & Beyond
Choosing the right rug size for your room will depend on your personal preference as well as the type of functionality you would like to get from your rug. Remember – interior design is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are no formulas, and you can personalize things as much as you’d like.
Rug Sizes For Key Areas Of Your Home
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.
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 (or use DressMyCrib's free rug visualizer to see the rug in your space!). Low pile polypropylene or machine-woven rugs are best for high-traffic areas.
Photo by Chaney
Living Rooms
Choose your living room rug by taking into account your seating arrangement, with at least the front legs of furniture resting on top. This creates a cohesive layout. Popular sizes include: 5x7 up to 9x12 feet depending on your furniture and room size. Wool or wool-blend rugs offer durability and underfoot comfort.
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 include: 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 a super cozy, personal space. 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. For queen beds, 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
For a quick breakdown on rug sizes, we’ve put together a short summary for you to flick through.
Rug Size Chart Summary
8x10, 9x12 and 10x14 Rugs
With their large surface area, 8x10, 9x12, 10x14 and larger rugs work well in dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms.
5x7, 5x8, 6x9
These rug sizes work well in smaller living rooms and bedrooms. In a living room, 5x7 or 6x9 rugs will be able to accommodate a coffee table, a couch and two armchairs on each side. In a bedroom, a 6x9 or 5x7 rug will fit nicely under a queen bed, a full bed or a twin bed.
3x5 and 4x6
Rugs 4x6 and below are great choices for designated unique areas in your home. A 4x6 rug should be big enough for a small living room, under a coffee table or in front of a couch. 3x5 rugs and smaller are great for extra cushioning or to highlight a special place. Think IKEA’s fluffy sheepskin rug.
Photo by Apartment Therapy
Room Rug Size Charts
Living Room Rug Size Chart
Common living room rug sizes include 10x14, 9x12, 8x10, 6x9, 5x7 and 4x6. This can vary depending on the size of your living room, which furniture you would like to sit on the rug and personal preference.
10x14 Rugs
- Works best in large living rooms (11.5 ft x 15.5 feet)
- Leave 18-36 inches of visible floor between the edge of the rug and the wall
- Place couch, armchairs and coffee table on the rug
9x12 Rugs
- Works well in a living room 12x18 or above
- Is big enough to accommodate most of the furniture
- Defines the space and décor
8x10 Rugs
- Works well in a living room 11x13 or above
- Leave 12-18 inches of bare floor between rug and walls
Photo by Dream Green DIY
6x9 Rugs
- Works well in a living room 11x13 or smaller
- A 6x9 rug will leave about 2 inches of bare floor on the edges of the rug
5x7 Rugs
- Works well in a small 5x7 living room
- Place under a coffee table, or
- Place two chairs almost completely on the rug
4x6 Rugs
- Works in small apartment living rooms
- Place under coffee tables, leaving couch off of the rug
Photo by riboon
Dining Room
Dining room rug sizes are usually selected based on the size of your dining table, such as how many people it sits. Usually, dining room rugs should be 4 feet larger than your dining table.
Large Table For 8+
- For a table with 8+ chairs, choose a 9x12 or 10x14 rug
- 9x12 or 10x14 rugs will provide enough rug space to comfortably pull the chairs in and out
Medium Table For 6
- For a table with 6 chairs, choose an 8x10 or 6x9 rug
- This size will leave enough room to slide chairs in and out without catching on the edges of the rug
Small Table For 4
- Choose an 8-inch round rug or a 6x9 rug
To read more about choosing the right rug size for your dining room, read our comprehensive dining table rug size chart post here.
Photo by Rebecca and Genevieve
Bedroom
Bedroom rugs are usually selected based on the size and placement of your bed. Use your bed as an anchor and use an area rug to make it the focal point of the room. You can also add a small accent rug next to your bed.
King Bed Rug Size
- 9x12 or 10x14 rugs work well under a king bed
- This size allows your bed and nightstands to sit atop the rug
- This leaves around 2 feet of rug on each side of the bed
Read more about what size rug to choose for your king bed here.
Queen Bed Rug Size
- 8x10 rugs are ideal for a queen bed
- An 8x10 rug will cover your queen bed and accompanying nightstands
- You will be left with 3 feet of soft rug underfoot around the bed
- For a queen bed in a smaller room, choose a 6x9 rug
- A 6x9 rug will leave an 18 inch border on each side
Read more about what size rug to choose for your queen bed here.
Full Bed Rug Size
- Place a 6x9 rug under your full bed
- Alternatively, place two 3x5 rugs on each side of the bed
Twin Bed
- Twin beds work well with many rug sizes
- Choose 8x10, 6x9 or 5x7 rugs under your twin bed
- Alternatively, place two 3x5 runner rugs on each side of the bed
Double Twins
- Place a 3x5 runner rug between both beds
Photo by Maison de Pax
Kitchen
When choosing the correct rug size for your kitchen, consider the layout of your space. Often, a rug is added in front of the kitchen sink. Remember to invest in a cushioned rug pad – you don’t want to be slipping while carrying hot plates!
Large Kitchens – 200 sq. ft. and above
- Choose a 4x6 or 5x7 rug
- If you have a kitchen island, place a 3x5, 4x6 or 5x7 runner rug on one or both sides
Medium Kitchens – 100-200 sq. ft.
- Choose a 3x5 or 4x6 area rug
- Alternatively, place a runner rug in front of the sink
Small Kitchens – 70 sq. ft. or smaller
- Place a 2x3 or 3x5 rug in front of your sink
Long Kitchens – 10 ft long and above
- Choose a runner rug
- 2.5x7 or 2.5x10 runner rugs work well in long kitchens
- Place it in the center of the kitchen
Photo by Home Bunch
All in all, remember that every home is different. Every room dimension and furniture layout varies, so it’s best to use these tips as guidelines.
That’s why we suggest using a Rug Visualizer before making your final decision. Choose a rug you like and view it in your own room to see whether the size fits your space and layout. Check if the style and color matches your décor, and choose a rug with full confidence!
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.
Photo by Real Homes
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.
Photo by Lulu and Georgia
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.
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 A 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 Various Rug Sizes?
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!
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