Area Rug Size Guide
An area rug anchors a room and complements your furniture layout. Finding the right size rug for various rooms around your house makes a significant impact on how cohesive and inviting a room will feel. Discovering the ideal rug size for each room can feel daunting if you are familiar with the various rug sizes and how they fit a space best. Fear not - we have got you covered with essential area rug size guidelines!
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 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.
Common 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 area rug dimensions and standard 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.
best used in:
- 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.
best used in:
- 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).
best used in:
- 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.
best used in:
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways Kitchens
Oval 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.
best used in:
- 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.
best used in:
- Bedrooms
- Entryways
- Entryways Kitchens
Area Rug Sizes for Bedrooms
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 Room Rug Sizes
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.
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.
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.
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 Room Rug Sizes
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.
Guidelines for Kitchen Rug Sizes
If you have an open-plan kitchen, use a rug to help define the dining space. Within the kitchen itself, rugs can add interest, style and warmth. They're also a good way to add traction to harder flooring like luxury vinyl or tile. The right rug can even help alleviate the physical strain of standing while you prepare and cook meals.
Runner rugs in these sizes are an ideal choice:
• 2'x3' and 3'x5': These smaller runner rugs fit well in front of sinks or stoves.
• 5x7' and 6x9': These bigger sizes also suit sinks in larger kitchens or those with an island.
• 8'x10': If you have a spacious galley-style kitchen, an 8'x10' runner is a good option.
Area Rug Sizes for Hallways and Entryways
Choosing a rug for your hallway is different than for any other area in the home. In a room, the furniture is the focal point with the rug anchoring those main features. In hallways, the rug is typically the main feature on the floor. This isn't to say that you cannot flank your hallway's rug with some key pieces of furniture, like a small table against the wall — simply that there is less space in hallways and so typically less furniture.
Since your rug will be a primary feature in the hallway, choosing the right rug can be highly satisfying. You can play with texture, patterns and colors to draw the eye and truly make it the focal point.
There is nothing better than runner rugs for hallways. These typically measure 2 to 3 feet wide and come in a variety of lengths. Common hallway rug sizes include:
Runner rugs in these sizes are an ideal choice:
• 2'x5' and 3x5': These are well-sized for entryways and very narrow, small passages.
• 2'x7' and 3x7': These rugs suit shorter hallways.
• 2'x10' and 3'x10': Rugs in this dimension are a good fit for standard hallways and stairways.
• 2'x25' and 3'x25': Long hallways and grand staircases benefit from this size runner.
Size Guide for Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are as versatile as indoor rugs. Common outdoor rug sizes and uses include:
• 3'x5' and 2'x3': These outdoor rugs are ideal for small outdoor spaces like a balcony or porch. You can use these them under small patio tables or as doormats.
• 8'x10' and 9'x12': This rug size is highly versatile — rugs in this dimension can suit outdoor seating areas, including loveseats, sofas, armchairs and coffee tables. They also suit rectangular dining tables.
If you have a round dining table, shop for large round rugs that can accommodate the table and chairs while extending just past the furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rug Sizing
Explore these frequently asked questions about choosing the right rug size:
Does a Rug Make a Room Look Smaller?
Rugs can make rooms look smaller or more spacious depending on the size you use and the surrounding design elements. Using smaller rugs is an ideal way to break up an area and create more defined spaces. Strategically placing a bigger rug can help make a room look more open — but it should not be so big that it overwhelms the room and has the opposite effect. There should still be sufficient space between the rug and the walls so that the rug does not look comically big and out of place.
Another way to make a room look bigger is to be mindful of the rug's color and textures. Light helps open up a room, so choosing light-colored, neutral or cool-toned rugs can make the room look more spacious.
Monochromatic rugs can also minimize visual clutter, but you do not have to shy away from patterns or textures. A big shag rug in a light color can add texture without overwhelming the room, and simple patterns can do the same without looking too busy.
Can a Rug Be Too Big?
Rugs can be too big for the space they are in, ultimately overwhelming the room and detracting from all your other beautiful design elements to make the room look smaller. Ensure you have at least 8 to 24 inches of space between the rug and walls on all sides to avoid this problem.
If you find your rug looks too big, you could move it to a more appropriate space, like the main bedroom. Placing it under the bed will minimize how big it appears. If moving the rug to another room also does not work, you will need to replace it with a smaller option.
Is It Better for a Rug to Be Too Big or Too Small?
A rug that is too small can make a room lack warmth and appear uninviting. A rug that is too big can make a room look small and cluttered. This is why it is ideal to size an area rug for each room in which you intend to place one. The benefit of a rug that is properly sized is too great to pass on — it will bring balance and warmth to your room and tie all the elements together. This is especially important when sizing an area rug for a small living room where every inch counts.
How Far Should a Rug Go Under a Couch?
To make your rug the visual anchor in a room, ensure it extends under all the primary pieces of furniture. The furniture's legs should fit neatly on your rug — though the back legs can be slightly off the rug if needed, especially if it's a larger couch pushed against a wall. Experiment with different configurations if you have a coffee table in front of your couch, as its shape and placement may impact how the rug looks in the space.
Should Rugs Be Against the Wall?
For a polished look, keep your rugs at least 18 inches from your baseboards. Having a rug any closer to your wall may overpower the room, making it appear cluttered, smaller and less cohesive overall. If you're trying to cover your existing flooring entirely, it may be better to just replace it with a new option. Carpet offers a plush feel underfoot and helps absorb sounds, creating a cozier and more inviting space in living rooms, bedrooms or nurseries.
Can Furniture Be Half On Half Off a Rug?
Furniture can be half on and half off a rug, so long as the rug extends past all the front legs of the key pieces of furniture. You can play around with how you arrange your furniture to make the look more cohesive. For example, one or two corner pieces like armchairs can be half on and half off the rug.
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.
