Choosing The Perfect Rug Size For Your Living Room

Choosing the Right Rug Size for Your Living Room: A Practical Guide for Stylish Spaces

As an interior designer and rug designer, I might see more than others, so please let me share some tips, so it would be easier for you to choose the best rug size for your living room.

Photo by hogarmania

5x8 Feet rug in living room

Small spaces and cozy living rooms work beautifully with a 5x8 rug. This size fits well when the front legs of the furniture rest on the rug, creating a defined sitting area without overwhelming the room. It’s a great choice for apartments or smaller living spaces where floor area is at a premium.

• Styling Tip: Place the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug, keeping the back legs off. This setup gives an open, airy feel to compact spaces.
• Visual Inspiration: View examples on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Try a 5x8 rug in your living room virtually: upload your living room image to our tool below and see how these sample 5x8 rugs would look in it.

Photo by The Everygirl

6x9 Feet rug in living room

Ideal for mid-sized living rooms, a 6x9 rug can anchor the seating area while leaving room for walking space. In medium-sized rooms, this size creates a balanced look without overwhelming the layout.

• Styling Tip: Position all furniture pieces with their front legs on the rug, leaving the back legs off. This style makes the room feel connected while giving a polished look.
• Visual Inspiration: View examples on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Try a 6x9 rug in your living room virtually: upload your living room image and any 6x9 rug image to our tool below to see do they fit.

Photo by Desert Living

8x10 Feet rug in living room

If you have a spacious living room, an 8x10 rug can tie everything together. This size allows most furniture pieces to sit fully on the rug, creating a unified look. Perfect for larger spaces, it gives a full, cohesive feel to the room.

• Styling Tip: Place both front and back legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug, ensuring at least 12-18 inches of exposed floor around the edges of the rug.
• Visual Inspiration: View examples on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Try a 8x10 rug in your living room virtually: we have created a dedicated 8x10 rugs page so you can see them all in your room. Try it.

Photo by Jane At Home

9x12 Feet rug in living room

Large rooms or open-concept areas benefit from a 9x12 rug. This size grounds all furniture within the layout, perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in an expansive room.

• Styling Tip: For large rooms, place all pieces fully on the rug. This approach defines a living room within a larger space, creating a true “room within a room” effect.
• Visual Inspiration: View examples on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Try a 9x12 rug in your living room virtually upload your living room image and any 9x12 rug image to our tool below to see do they fit.

Photo by Christina Martinez

10x14 Feet and Larger rugs in living room

In extra-large rooms, a 10x14 rug or larger is necessary to maintain balance. This option works well in very open spaces where a smaller rug could look lost. Larger rugs also work well under sectionals, covering enough floor area for a unified look.

• Styling Tip: Place all furniture on the rug, allowing a generous border around it. This setup works well in rooms with grand furniture, tall ceilings, or when the rug needs to fill a larger footprint.
• Visual Inspiration: View examples on Pinterest or Instagram.
• Try a 10x14 rug in your living room virtually upload your living room image and any 10x14 rug image to our tool below to see do they fit.

Our Favorite 10x14 Rugs For Big Spaces:

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Rug Size

No matter the exact dimensions, also think about your interior design goals when selecting a living room rug. A vividly patterned small rug makes a bold style statement. Layered rugs designate separate zones. And a giant floor covering creates an inviting, hug-like feeling.

• Measure Twice: Before committing, measure your space and mark it out on the floor using painter’s tape. This simple step helps visualize the rug’s impact.
• Consider Traffic Flow: Ensure the rug complements the walking paths within the room, with edges flush to or just shy of major walkways.
• Define Your Style: Smaller rugs with a portion of the furniture on them give an open, casual feel, while larger rugs that contain all pieces provide a more formal, anchored look.

Unsure exactly what size to buy? Figure around 70% of your total floor space should be covered by the rug itself. And plan for 12-18 inches of visible floor between the rug edges and walls. By matching the rug size to your room’s layout, you bring harmony and style to your living room effortlessly. Browse trending living room rug setups on Pinterest and Instagram to gather more ideas and inspiration for your space.

Photo by Dream Green DIY