Now that you've found the perfect rug design, it's time to focus on getting the right size. The proper rug size can significantly impact the feel of a room, whether you're selecting a custom piece or one of our standard sizes.
After decades of experience, we’ve gathered loads of helpful advice on selecting the right rug size. Here’s a guide to choosing the ideal rug for any room.
When to Consider a Custom Rug
Sometimes, a custom, specially measured rug is the ideal solution. But before you grab your measuring tape (more on that later!), take a look at our rules for ensuring you get the right size for your custom rug in any room.
Living Room
Opt for a rug that allows the front two legs of your furniture to sit on it. We suggest choosing a rug large enough to extend 6 to 8 inches past your sofa's arms, leaving a gap of 12 to 18 inches from the wall to avoid a cramped appearance. (Tip: This rule works well for most rooms, except for hallways, entryways, and kitchens.)
In larger rooms, choose a bigger rug that can accommodate all four legs of your seating. Using a rug that’s too small can make the room feel smaller than it actually is.
Dining Room
We suggest picking a rug that’s spacious enough to fit both your table and chairs with extra room, ensuring the chairs don’t snag on the rug when pulled in or out. Ideally, the rug should extend at least 36 inches beyond the table’s edges.
Bedroom
Except for the headboard, your rug should extend 24 inches beyond the bed on all sides and reach under the nightstands. If your room includes seating, make sure the rug also covers that area.
Another option is to choose a smaller rug and place it so that the head of the bed and nightstands stay on the floor, right behind the rug’s edge.
Kitchen, Entryway, and Hallway
For narrow areas, leave 3 to 5 inches of space between your runner’s edges and the surrounding walls or cabinets. Using a runner can also visually stretch the space, making it seem wider.
How to Measure for a Custom Rug
Designed to match your space perfectly, our custom rugs can be made to exact dimensions up to 10 feet wide (with no length limit). To avoid sizing issues, follow these guidelines to measure your rug flawlessly and with expertise.
- Step 1: Complete your furniture arrangement in the room.
- Step 2: Determine the rug’s location and measure the space with a steel measuring tape, adhering to the sizing suggestions given above.
- Step 3: To ensure precision, try marking the dimensions with blue painter’s tape to visualize the size and placement of the rug before finalizing.
How to Choose a Standard-Size Rug
A custom rug isn’t always necessary! Here’s how to choose the ideal standard-sized rug for your area. Pro Tip: To achieve the best appearance, remember to follow the spacing guidelines recommended for custom rugs, as they apply to standard sizes as well.
When to Use Large Rugs (9’x12’+)
Typically, bigger rugs help to create a cozier atmosphere in large rooms and can make small rooms look more expansive.
Living Room
Choose a rug that’s big enough for all four legs of your furniture to sit comfortably on it—bigger is better!
Dining Room
Choose a rug large enough to accommodate all the chair legs, even when they are moved away from the table.
Bedroom
As you lay down the rug, make sure the longer side aligns parallel to the headboard and that the foot of the bed reaches the midpoint of the rug.
Ideal Arrangements for Medium-Sized Rugs (6’x9’ to 8’x10’)
Don’t underestimate the power of medium rugs—whether you’re dealing with limited space or aiming for a cozier atmosphere, they can be a game-changer for your home. The 8'×10' size is especially popular for a reason: it’s highly versatile and effective in various settings, as you’ll discover below.
Living Room
In smaller living rooms or in larger spaces with a full-size sofa, a medium rug provides coverage without dominating the area. The front two legs of the sofa can comfortably sit on the rug!
Dining Room
Choose a well-sized medium rug to make a stylish impact in larger dining areas and beneath smaller dining tables.
Bedroom
Enjoy peaceful nights knowing you've achieved a harmonious decor scheme—these sizes create a cozy area at the foot of a full or queen bed.
Best Areas for Small Rugs (4’x6’ to 5’x8’)
Living Room
Compact rugs are great for defining areas such as a cozy reading nook or the space beneath a desk in a bigger room. They also brighten up smaller living rooms when used under a coffee table.
Bedroom
A small rug can introduce lovely color and texture next to a twin bed, or you might opt for twin runners instead! Check out the design idea below. Small rugs not only work well on their own but also make fantastic accents when layered over other rugs!
Round and Oval Rugs
Ideal for the kitchen, round and oval rugs work wonderfully under your kitchen table or in a breakfast nook. They can also serve as a striking centerpiece in the living room or create a welcoming atmosphere in an entryway. Additionally, their curved shapes are becoming popular in bedrooms for a calming and cozy vibe.
How about Runner Rugs?
Rugs aren’t limited to hallways anymore! Consider placing one in your entryway, kitchen, or bathroom. They also work wonderfully when positioned on either side of the bed, making your first steps of the day feel extra cushioned.
It’s Time to Find your Perfect Rug
We hope these tips and tools prepare you to select the perfect rug size. Begin by clicking the button below and filter to find rugs in your desired size.