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by Neha Agarwal October 29, 2024 13 min read 46 Comments
One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before you start your rug search is:
For any space choosing the right size for your rug is important, as they should ideally fit the area and amp up the room. So, here is how you can choose the right rug sizes for different rooms and areas of your home.
An 8x10 area rug size is a good option for living rooms and dining areas because it covers a lot of area and can also accommodate the furniture's front legs to rest on it, making the room look put together. It's suitable for medium to large rooms, and helps in balancing style and use.
These rugs which are usually bigger than 9x12 in size, are the best choice and work well in big rooms. They can easily support big furniture sets, especially in living rooms, making the space look unified and stylish. These rugs are great for open spaces too, as they are bigger in size and cover a larger outer area, help separate areas and add warmth and comfort to the overall design of the space.
A 3x5 rug is ideal for small areas and is a common rug size for entryways or near beds, which can help in adding colour or texture without being too much loud. It's also good for highlighting your existing decor or furniture and helps in making a cozy spot, that’s why it is suitable for any room.
The 4x6 rug is perfect for any of the smaller spaces in your home, like living rooms or as a rug by the bed. It can go under a coffee table too or you can choose to use it in hallways to make the area look welcoming. This size is great for making small rooms look bigger and more comfortable.
This size in a rug makes it very easy to add to any space and also flexible to pair it with your existing furniture and decor. A 5x8 rug is flexible and suitable for different places like living rooms and bedrooms. It can be placed under a small dining table or next to a sofa. Its size makes it good for setting up areas and offers a cozy spot for walking or relaxing.
You can choose a 6x9 rug as it is a good choice for rooms of various sizes, fitting in well in medium and bigger rooms. It works well as a living room rug size with a coffee table and seating, making a comfortable area. This size is perfect for improving the room's look without making it too busy or bulky with too many things.
Medium rugs, which have sizes from 5x7 to 8x10, are great for many different rooms. They can be placed under furniture or any mark-off areas in open spaces in your home. They're comfortable and stylish, so they're good for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas and can add great value to your home decor.
They are a very popular choice when it comes to choosing a rug for your home. Round rugs make corners softer and spaces more interesting due to their shape. They look great under tables or in seating areas and also help in drawing attention to the area, furniture, or decor. Their shape helps a lot to improve the room flow and makes it feel welcoming.
An 8x8 rug is a standard area rug size option that works well in square rooms, which help in giving and defining a seating area or under a small dining table, to add a unique style and coziness to your home. You can choose the colors and patterns for your 8x8 rug according to your likes, preferences, and your home decor style.
Whether you are buying the rug first and using it as inspiration for the room, or buying the rug last and using it to tie all the elements of the room together – getting the size right is the first step. When the rug is the right size it creates a properly balanced room. Remember, your rug is the anchor and foundation to the space – so proportion is key!
Exactly how much flooring should show around your rug is up for debate and is really your preference. Using a bed sheet folded to different sizes is a great way to visualize how different sized rugs will look in your room. This will give you a good idea of how much floor is covered with each different size and if the room still feels in balance. In most situations, we do not want to carpet the room, nor do we want our rug to look like a deserted island floating in the middle of a grand sea of wood!
To go under or just in front of the sofa – that is the million dollar question! You can really do either – you just want to make sure that the rugs length is covering the length of the couch. Take what you consider the center of your room and visualize framing that space. How big does your frame extend? Are you wanting to tie all the seating together?
In smaller spaces, you can get away with having the rug just in front of the sofa – 6” to 18” in front of the sofa is a typical distance that shows a nice border of wood, but again, it is your preference. Remember we are accenting your floors – so we want them to shine at their maximum potential as well!
I find that in larger rooms - the space is anchored better when the rug goes under the sofa and comes out on the sides. This really works well with L-shaped sectional sofas – being a larger furniture piece, you need to make sure the rug is big enough to ground it. Usually an 8x10 rug at minimum would suffice (not taking into account the room size).
In larger sized living rooms – it’s best to go with a larger rug and have all your furniture sit on the rug. Make sure that there is enough rug extending out behind the furniture pieces so you can comfortably walk behind them (and you’re not walking one foot on the rug and one foot off!). This look creates cohesion and sense of grandeur. You would need a 10x14 rug up to 12x18 rug to allow this.
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That being said, most people use between a 5x8 and a 9x12 in their living rooms. A 5x8 rug can go in front of your sofa with no furniture going on it, but then larger sized rugs are best practiced to have the front legs of your furniture on the rug. Of course, if your space allows it, you can always have multiple rugs in the living room – say a runner is running behind the sofa, or an additional rug is in front of the fireplace. This can help balance out the room if the current rug feels too small. It all depends on the layout of the room, the amount, the size of the furniture, and how much flooring you want to show.All these factors can help you in finding the rug size for the living room.
The key to a rug under your dining room table is making sure the chairs are still comfortably on the rug when pulled out and away from the table. You don’t want your chairs half on half off the rug when pulled out.
Try this:
This is the minimum size you would want.
I recommend buying a rug that fits the size the table is kept at normally – if you only use the leaves (extensions) twice a year, try to take that into consideration.
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To Over Simplify – Usually These Sizes Will Suffice:
With all of the dining table sizes in this day of age, it is best to measure your table and room to make sure you are getting the best size for your situation. We have a variety for every recommended size!
Also Read: Rug Size for Dining Room
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The bedroom offers many options for rug placement. I have found that the preferred and most popularly accepted way is to lay the rug perpendicular to the bed, and pulling it half way under – stopping before your side tables.
This maximizes the amount of useable rug – giving you a soft, plush goodness to stand on when getting out of bed. Giving you a nice anchoring frame to your bed while still accenting your floors.
8x10 allows you to have 2’6” on each side of the bed and 3’6” at the end of the bed.
9x12 allows you to have 2’10” on each side of the bed and 4’ at the end of your bed. Of course, the amount of rug at the end of the bed depends on how close you bring the rug up to the side tables. Ideally, you just want to make sure that your feet land on it when you get out of bed.
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the use of accent rugs are popular as well. Be creative. Maybe, have a 4x6 next to the bed on just one side or 2x4’s on the sides of the bed with a coordinated 4x6 or 5x8 in front. You could even use a nice round accent rug to soften the room. The possibilities are endless with our wide variety of area rug sizes!
The first rug your guests see will set the tone for your home.
Make sure the rug is in balance with the room.
If your foyer lends itself to the use of a round or octagon rug – they can add interest and a dramatic effect – especially when mirroring a chandelier or a fabulous fixture. Consider rugs with pattern and personality – often foyers can benefit from the anchoring effect of a rug that is both strong in presence & aesthetically pleasing.
Your hallways are highly traveled routes that are yearning to be brought to life. Like foyers, hallways can be very simply decorated spaces, which allows the rug to be a focal point. Have fun with this space!
Runners come in many lengths and sizes – from 6 feet all the way to 12 feet. A good rule of thumb is that your runner covers at least 75 % of the length of the hallway – and that wood is showing on both ends of the runner.
The average hallway uses a runner of 2x8. For extra-long hallways – sometimes people use multiple runners allowing about 6” between them.
Your office cannot be complete without a rug that makes it your own. Whether it shows your traditional nature or your creative side – be sure you are setting the right tone for the room where big decisions are made.
If the room setup is traditional, maybe you have your desk and then two chairs directly in front of you – you have a couple options:
Also, based on the setup of your office, if you have a larger open space, you can place the rug in the center – giving the room a foundation and sense of purpose.
A nice plush rug in the kitchen is a must have. As much time as we spend cooking and washing dishes, we deserve a rug that provides us with comfort and makes us happy. Please remember, just because a rug is not “a kitchen rug” does not mean it wouldn’t be perfect in a kitchen. A rug can be both stylish and durable, and can be a great addition to an outdoor kitchen or patio area!
Smaller rugs seem to find their homes in the kitchen. In front of the sink – 2x4 can be perfect; in front of the stove – 2x3. Runners may be the answer if you have long counters. An aesthetically pleasing and fun alternative can be having a round rug in the center of a large kitchen. Remember, the larger the space, the more you should cover to make sure the room feels balanced.
When picking a rug for a kid's room, thinking about the size is important, so look for a rug that's big enough for the room. Rugs that are 5x8 or 6x9 in size are good because they fit under the bed or in a play area perfectly, and for a cozy spot for reading, a 3x5 rug is ideal.
Since we are talking about the kid's rooms, to go with the room's theme, you can consider different area rugs with some bright colours and fun designs. Also, choose rugs that are soft, durable, and easy to clean to make a comfortable play area for your kids.
Choosing the right rug size for your entryway is very important because it's the first thing people see when they enter any room. A 3x5 or 4x6 rug is ideal for most entryway spaces, as it's just right for the space and makes it inviting. For bigger entryways, a 2x6 or 3x8 runner normal rug size can help guests feel welcomed, so make sure to opt for durable rugs that can withstand dirt and moisture for easy cleaning and a stylish look.
When choosing rugs for stairways, wondering what sizes are area rugs for safety and style, so using stair runners, which are long and narrow and match the stair width, is an ideal choice. The normal standard size is 2 feet wide and long enough to fit many steps, which actually helps in reducing slipping and also improves the stair aesthetics. You should make sure to securely affix the runner to the stairs to prevent any kind of mishaps, so select a durable and washable material to keep the stairs safe and appealing.
Standard area rugs are available in sizes that fit various areas of your house like 5x8, 6x9, and 8x10, suitable for various rooms in your home. For living rooms, an 8x10 rug is the best choice according to the rug sizes chart to keep under the furniture for a comfortable space for guests. In bedrooms, a 5x8 rug under or in front of the bed is good. For dining areas, a 6x9 or bigger rug can define the space and protect the floor, so choose a rug size based on your room's dimensions and design.
Round and oval rugs bring a special look to any space, they come in sizes like 5 feet and 8 feet for round rugs and are really perfect to place under round tables for easy chair movement in dining areas. Oval rugs, such as 4x6 or 5x8, as per the rug size guide are great for entryways or living rooms, and can greatly help to show the corners. You should choose these shapes depending on your furniture and room size to show your room's design and make it more decorative.
Different and uniquely shaped rugs, like stars, hearts, or animal rugs, add personality to your room. They also come in different sizes, from small, like a heart-shaped rug for a bedroom, to large, like a star-shaped rug for a play area. So, you can choose a rug that fits your room and furniture/decor as they're fun and make your space feel more personal.
Choosing the right rug size can be tricky, but here are some common errors to avoid and know to maintain the appearance and atmosphere of your room.
A common mistake is getting a rug that's too small for the room. A small rug can make the room look even more smaller in size, and cammed. So, its best to always pick a rug that fits with your furniture and room size for a warm and inviting space.
Don't overlook furniture placement in your room when choosing a rug, and ensure it fits under or around your furniture for a clean and cohesive look.
Ignoring the room's shape can cause issues, for instance, a long, narrow room-like entryway might require a runner rug, while a square room could use a circular or square one. So, always think about the room's shape to pick the right rug size like common XL rug sizes.
For a small living room, a 5x8 size of rugs examples is usually a good choice as it fits nicely without crowding the space.
Yes, a 6x9 rug is a standard rug sizes,a s it works well in many rooms, providing a good balance of coverage and space.
A 5x7 rug is a medium-sized, typical rug size perfect for small rooms like living rooms or bedrooms, offering a comfortable space without being too large.
It depends on your space, as a 6x9 rug is better for smaller living rooms, while an 8x10 rug fits larger areas more comfortably.
So, what are standard rug sizes for a queen bed, a 6x9 rug can work under a queen bed, but it may be small, so consider a larger rug for better coverage and comfort.
A 6ft rug is 72 inches long and wide, it is often round or square and works well in smaller spaces or as an accent rug.
September 17, 2018
I have a sectional which Is 8’ x 8’ and it’s going on wood floor. We definitely want a rug to add warmth. What size rug? And how would you place it?
August 07, 2018
I am thinking about putting a small rug that will just be under the coffee table rather than a large rug in my living room. Would this look ok?
July 23, 2018
I’m interested in the 9×12 rug that you show in the picture for the king size bed. I love it but can’t find it on your website. Great article. Thank you!
July 23, 2018
What size rug should be used under a 36″ × 36″ breakfast room table?
July 16, 2018
I have a 7 × 10 hallway. I’m not sure what size I should go with and what shape (round or square). Thank you for your help.
June 17, 2018
Hi. We bought a house with a foyer that is 15′ × 24′. I am at a loss as to what to do carpet wise. The floors are a gorgeous marble throughout but I feel like we need some carpet for sound absorption. The staircase is off to one side and there is an arched double doorway straight across from front doors, leading to a dining room. The front doors and chandelier are centered, however, the double doorway is off centered. We would like to have a round table centered under chandelier but we are open to other possibilities. Should we do a large rectangular carpet ( covering most of the floor), a large round in center under chandelier or some other suggestion? Note that the staircase to one side lends an even more off center feel. Please help!
Thank You
June 16, 2018
I don’t have any questions, just wanted to say I appreciate this article with the images and graphics! My hubby and I are decorating our first home and this helped tremendously! :)
June 12, 2018
Hi there,
I have a 14×15 sized livingroom in my apartment and I wasnt sure what size rug I should get. I have an L-shaped sectional with an ottoman and a large TV console. No other furniture pieces yet. Id like to decently fill the space.
Thanks!
-Kaitlin Marrache
May 21, 2018
Hi, Jo,
Of course we can help you find the right sized rug for your kitchen, but I need to know a few more details first. Are you looking for a rug to go under a table, or a runner to go in front of your sink. You are free to respond here, but I have forwarded your inquiry to one of our design associates who will reach out to you through email.
May 10, 2018
Hi Im trying to figure out the best size rug for my 8 by 7 kitchen. Can you help?
May 05, 2018
Hello, Tiff,
If you are looking for a round rug to go under your round dining room table. You would measure the same way as with a rectangle table. Pull out two chairs on opposite sides of the round, and measure from just beyond the back of each chair. This is going to be the minimum width/diameter you want for a rug. I’m assuming that a round dining room chair with 6 chairs is going to be about 5 to 6 feet across. Leaving a foot to foot and a half for your chairs to be pulled out on you want a rug that is going to be 7-8 feet round, or an 8×10 if you want a rectangle rug.
April 05, 2018
What rug to use for a round dining table with 6 chairs?
April 03, 2018
Hello…..
I am looking for pet family rugs for foyer ..kitchen…den… My dogs nails get caught in my rugs and I know it’s painful…the are active pups and need safe but functional rugs with style at the same time….
Thoughts?
March 27, 2018
Square table is 40 × 40 with four chairs what size round rug what I use
March 26, 2018
Looking for round 4×4 area rugs
March 04, 2018
My living room measured out to 13×13. I saw we’re at least 18 inches around the edges should be exposed, if so, what size is recommended because, the standard rug sizes would be either too large or too small, if I went with this recommendation. Thanks!
February 21, 2018
I have a 3×4 oval coffee table. What size round rug would I use?
February 08, 2018
I have a 42 inch round table (seats 4 people) what shape and size area rug should I being looking at?
February 02, 2018
I live in a condo. My dinning area is somewhat of a nook. I have a round 48 inch table a bench and 2 dinning chairs.
What shape rug should I go with! A round, square or rectangle?
Please advise.
November 17, 2017
I need an 11 foot long kitchen runner rug. On line they are measured in centimeters. What length in centimeters do I look for?
Thank you.
September 22, 2017
I have a bedroom with large furniture. I need a rag to go partly under the bed and come out on the floor at least 4 to 5 feet more. I am putting a bench at the foot of the bed. The room is 20 by 25. What size rug would you recommend? The bed is a king size.
July 26, 2017
Hi! I am moving into a single form for college. The dimensions of my room is 14 foot long, 7’3’’ wide. I am wanting to get a rug that wont be too overwhelming in the room. What would you recommend?
July 20, 2017
Hi, Should the area rugs in the family room, breakfast nook and kitchen runners match?
Or should the kitchen runners match the area rug in the breakfast nook? And the family room can have a different rug?
Please help!
June 27, 2017
I was told to turn my oblong table at least 45 degrees to leave space to walk straight across room to get to bedroom , now I’m unsure what size rug to fill the space
June 13, 2017
I have a 8by10 rug my cock tail table will go in front of the sofa, how much rug should be extending from the back of the table.
June 07, 2017
Thank you for this wonderful resource. I plan to keep it and share with everyone!
I have a 55’ in. glass round table with 4 chairs. I plan to place a round rug and would like your recommendation on the best size. I was thinking a 9’in. based on the article.
June 05, 2017
My couch is a sectional w a chaise. It’s 12.6×8.4×5.3 and the room is 17×17.5. What size rug do you recommend?
June 01, 2017
Hi. I have dark brown floors with a 7ft dark brown sofa. I also have a dark brown coffee table with red blotches as accent. On the side i hace 2 dark camel colored accent chair with a small coffee table in between. What size and shade of rug would be best?
May 28, 2017
What size rug for sectional 5’9" deep and 11 ft 4" long
April 04, 2017
What size rug is used for a 36in round pub table ?
March 01, 2017
This was most helpful, thank you for taking the time to provide all the numbers and theory behind them.
January 26, 2017
My husband and I spend a month designing the interior of our living room. However, we both felt that something was missing. I’m beginning to think that I need a rug for my living room. Foundations are important. If it’s like you say that the rug is the foundation and anchor of the room, then maybe that’s what I’ve been missing. http://www.bijan.com.au
January 22, 2017
I used this as a source for a presentation in my public speaking class. Thank you.
October 24, 2016
I have a 48 in round table.. 4 chairs need to know what size rug I need ? My room space is limited, 7×7
Please advise. Thank you
October 16, 2016
I have a round 48" table but it is a drop leaf and will likely have the leafs down most of the time giving it more of a rectangular shape. I am not sure what style rug I should have underneath. A round or square? and what size for either round and square? Any suggestions would be great!
September 21, 2016
I am looking for a 3×3 or 4×4 round or octagon rug. My walls are a sunshine yellow. There is a mural with brown tree and limbs, green leaves and magnolias. This is for my foyer that has white ceramic floor. I need something with character but not iverpowering in appeaeance or price. Can you help me. Kathy Meadows
August 30, 2016
I have a 48" round table. It sits on hardwood that is 11’6"from wall to carpet. On carpet side is main walk way from hall to kitchen ( open on carpet side to living rm)—open concept. Should I have round or rectangle rug and what size?
August 09, 2016
One great thing about not having living room seating entirely on the rug is that it’s much easier to turn the rug. I have the front legs of the seating on the rug and the rug extends about 6" under the seating, just as the article suggested. It works well and looks great.
For bedrooms I no longer use a big rug that goes all of the way under the bed and extends out to the sides, I now use small rugs on the sides of the bed. Easier to position, easier to clean, and much much cheaper!
July 22, 2016
I need an outdoor rug for my porch which is 12 by 12. What size would be best and would wild colored patterns be OK or would a beige, brown be better. Thank you.
June 21, 2016
I have a round 48 width 48 depth table with 4 chairs. I would like to use a round rug underneath. What size rug should I get My dining room and living room is combined
June 21, 2016
Hi! I have a farmhouse table that is 40″×106″. What size rug do you recommend? Thank you!
April 27, 2016
I have a 43" round dining table with 4 chairs. I want a round rug. BUT my dining room is only 9′ × 10′ 8." What size rug should I get?!
April 19, 2016
I have a round rug that I want to put under my rectangle dining table. Is that a no no?Any suggestions?
February 07, 2016
Thresa: Thankful for that advice about various rug sizes and placements. . Would particularly be interested in knowing about rug placement in a large rectangular room that includes entrance and living room/ kitchen combined. Thanks!
January 29, 2016
Thank you! Your advice is sensible and right on. Went from purchasing a 5 × 7 rug to an 8 × 10 for 60" dining table with 6 parsons chairs. Looks stunning!
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Teshia
July 10, 2020
What size rug should go under a rectangle 76"L X 41"W table?