Rug Size Guide
Are you familiar with the various rug sizes that can perfectly complement your furniture layout? Discovering the ideal rug size for each room, from the living room to the laundry room, can feel daunting.
Fear not - we got you!
Why Are Rug Sizes Important?
The right size rug in your room can be the difference between a well-balanced space and utter chaos. For example, the wrong dining room rug can make the entire dining room look too small and off-kilter. On the other hand, too-large rugs in a living room can overpower a room and make the room size feel smaller than it is.
Shop RugsBasic Tips for Rug Sizing
Before we dive into specific rug sizes, here are some general tips to keep in mind when choosing area rugs:
- Leave at least 18 inches of bare floor around the edges of your area rug. This will help create a balanced and proportionate look.
- Use your furniture, such as your coffee table or dining table, as a guideline for sizing. For instance, in your living room, the front legs of sofas and chairs should always be on the rug. Meanwhile,in your dining room, each chair should have all four legs on the rug.
- When measuring, cover the bare floor where the rug will go with masking tape or sheets of newspaper to get a better idea of the ideal rug size.
Average Rug Sizes & Shapes
Most rugs come in standard sizes and shapes that are commonly used for different areas of the house.
The following are some common rug sizes and shapes:
Rectangle Rugs
Rectangle rugs are the most common and versatile shape, making them a popular choice for various rooms in the house. They also come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small accent rugs to large room-sized ones.
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Entryways Offices
Square Rugs
A square rug is a great option for adding symmetry and balance to a room. They can be used in various spaces, from living rooms to bedrooms.
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
Runner Rugs
A runner rug is a long and narrow rug that is designed to fit in hallways or other narrow spaces. Runner rugs are perfect for adding a pop of color or pattern to an otherwise plain area while also protecting high-traffic areas (especially when incorporated with a rug pad).
- Bedrooms
- Entryways
- Hallways
Circle Rugs
Circle rugs are a unique and eye-catching option for adding dimension to a room. They can be used as statement pieces or accent rugs, depending on the size and placement. They come in various sizes, from small decorative ones to large-area rugs.
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways Kitchens
Round Rugs
A round rug is a variation of the traditional rectangular rug, adding a softer and more organic shape to a room - even being associated with unity in Feng Shui philosophy. They work best in spaces with round or oval furniture, as they complement the existing shapes in the room.
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
Octagon Rugs
Octagon rugs are a unique and uncommon choice for adding visual interest to a room. They add an unexpected shape that can break up the monotony of traditional area rugs. Octagon rugs work best in spaces with octagonal furniture pieces or as a statement piece in an otherwise simple room.
- Bedrooms
- Entryways
- Entryways Kitchens
Area Rug Guidelines Per Bedroom
Selecting the right rug dimensions for your bed doesn't have to be hard. A good rule of thumb is to choose a rug size that is larger than your bed by 2 feet on all sides. Whether you have a king- or a queen-size bed, choosing a larger rug will ensure ample rug coverage on all sides of the bed
To help you in your journey to find the perfect bedroom rug size, we have provided sample layouts for the most common bed and rug size combinations below.
Twin Beds
When it comes to twin beds, the most common rug size is 5'x8'. This allows for ample coverage on both sides of the bed and at the foot. Another option is to use two smaller rugs, such as 3'x5' or 4'x6', on either side of the bed to create a more symmetrical look.
Full Beds
Full-size beds are slightly larger than twin beds, which means they require a slightly larger rug as well. The most common rug sizes for full beds are 5'x8' or 8'x10', depending on the size of your room and how much floor space coverage you want. If your bedroom is larger, you can also consider using a 9'x12' or a 10’x14’ rug for a more spacious look.
Queen Beds
The most common rug sizes for queen beds are 8'x10', 9'x12', and 5'x8', sizes which provide ample coverage on both sides and at the foot of the bed. If you have a larger bedroom, you can also consider using a 10'x14' area rug for added floor space coverage.
King Beds
When it comes to king-size beds, the general rule for rug sizing is to have a rug that extends at least 18 inches on all sides of the bed. This provides enough space for your feet to land on the rug when getting in and out of bed.
The most common rug size for a king bed is a 9'x12', but you can also consider using a 10'x14' rug for larger bedrooms or if you want more coverage. For smaller room sizes, another option is to use a 8’x10’ or a 5’x8’.
Guidelines for Living Rooms
Depending on your furniture layout, differently sized rugs can either make or break your living room space. For living rooms, there are three main sizes to consider: 5'x8', 8'x10', and 9'x12'.
Below, we'll break down each size and provide some examples of how they can transform your living room.
5'x8' Rugs
A 5'x8' rug is a great choice for smaller living rooms. These rugs work well as an accent piece because they can add a pop of color and texture without overpowering the space. They also work well in open-concept living spaces, where you may have multiple seating areas.
With a 5’x8’ rug, we suggest placing it under a coffee table with just the front legs of your furniture on top of the rug.
Here are some examples of how a 5'x8' rug could transform your living room:
8'x10' Rugs
For medium-sized living rooms, an 8'x10' rug is the perfect size. These rugs provide enough coverage for your furniture to sit on while also allowing space around the edges of the room. You can choose to have all furniture legs on top of the rug or just the front ones - either way will work well depending on your personal preference.
When selecting an 8'x10' rug, be sure to measure your seating area first. Consider leaving a gap of around 6 inches between the edge of the rug and your walls. This will help create balance in the room.
Here are some examples of how an 8'x10' rug could transform your living room:
9'x12' Rugs
For larger living rooms, a 9'x12' rug is the way to go. These rugs provide ample coverage and can really anchor your furniture in a spacious room. With a 9'x12' rug, you can opt to have all furniture legs on top of the rug for a more cohesive look.
When selecting this size, be sure to leave enough space around the edges of your room - at least a few inches. This will help create balance and prevent the room from feeling too cluttered.
Here are some examples of how a 9'x12' rug could transform your living room:
8’x8’ (Round)
8’x8’ round rugs are a great alternative for rooms that are more square in shape but where an 8’x10’ may seem too large. Additionally, with round coffee tables, round rugs have a way of creating a harmonious and symmetrical look.
With these rugs, you should avoid hiding too much of the floor area by placing furniture just over the edge of the rug.
Guidelines for Dining Rooms
When looking at dining room rug sizes, you’ll want to make sure that your chairs will still be on the area rug once they're pulled away from the table. Normally, for dining rooms, this means adding 24” to each side of your dining room table and selecting the next rug size up.
Below, we have listed out the best area rug sizes to perfect any dining room space:
8'x10' Rugs
An 8’x10’ rug is a good size for a table that sits between 6-8 people. With this rug, ensure that all chairs are still able to stay on the rug while pulled back.
9'x12' Rugs
A 9’x12’ rug is also a good size for a table that sits between 6-8 people. With this rug size, chairs will be able to fit more on the rug and you will have much more of the rug visible.
10'x14' Rugs
A 10’x14’ rug is a good size for a table that sits between 8-12 people. This will give a similar look compared to a smaller table on a 9’x12’, with much of the rug visible.
8’x8’ (Round)
An 8’x8’ round rug is best used when you have a round table that sits between 4-8 people. Alternatively, a table like this could also go on an 8’x10’ rectangle if you prefer an offset look.
Ready to Find the Perfect Rug for Your Space?
The right rug size can make a huge difference in any room. Whether you're looking to add some warmth and texture to your bedroom or create a cozy and inviting living space, choosing the right rug size is essential.
Shop our wide selection of rug sizes at Carpet Mart today! With various sizes, styles (such as our famous Persian rugs!), and colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect addition to your home. Plus, with our affordable prices and high-quality products, you can trust that you're getting the best value for your money.
Visit us online or stop by one of our locations to start shopping now.
Shop Rugs