When you’re shopping for a rug, even after you’ve pored over a dazzling array of colors and styles and finally settled on your favorite designs to purchase, there is still one—and arguably more vexing—choice to make: how do I choose the right size? It can be daunting, we know. With a perfectly-proportioned rug in place, the whole vibe of a room is just right. And when the rug size is a little too big or small, even the most charming space can feel inexplicably . . . off.
No one wants to make a decorating mistake. And we don’t want you to! For that reason, we’ve created this convenient rug guide, bringing together our decades of experience in placing rugs in rooms to help you find your best match. Consider these simple scenarios (with accompanying eye candy) to help make this sometimes-maddening process easy breezy. And, hint: you can also use our “See this Rug in Your Room” tool (see below) to help seal the deal.
When to Consider Large Rugs (9×12+)
Our general rule of thumb is that larger rugs make big rooms feel cozy, and make small rooms feel bigger. That means:
Living room
Choose a size that allows all four feet of the furniture to rest comfortably on the rug if possible—go big or go home!
Dining room
Pick a rug that is large enough to hold all chair legs, even when they are pulled out from under your table.
Bedroom
Make sure that when you lay the rug down the longer side of the rug is parallel to your headboard, and that the foot of the bed rests at a point halfway across the rug.
Perfect Settings for Medium Rugs (6×9–8×10)
Make no mistake—whether you’re short on space or just looking for a more intimate vibe, medium rugs can be the secret weapon to making your home sparkle. In fact, there’s a clear reason why 8×10 rugs are the most popular rug size: They’re incredibly useful around the house, as you’ll see below.
Living room
For smaller living rooms, or for a larger living room with a full-size sofa, a medium rug covers ground without overwhelming the space. Two legs of the sofa can rest on the rug!
Dining room
Pick a well-proportioned medium rug to make a design statement in larger dining nooks and under smaller dining tables.
Bedroom
Rest easy every night knowing that you have created a balanced decorative scheme—these sizes make a cozy spot at the foot of a full or queen bed.
Just the Right Spots for Small Rugs (4×6–5×8)
Living room
Smaller rugs help define specific areas, such as a reading nook or under a desk, within a much larger space. They also liven up more petite living rooms when placed under a coffee table.
Bedroom
A small rug can add some beautiful color and texture next to a twin bed. Also, have you considered runners? (See below!)
In addition to working their own vibe, small rugs are a terrific accent when layered over another rug!
Learning Curve: Round and Oval Rugs
Perfect in the kitchen, especially under your kitchen table or in your breakfast nook, rounds and ovals can make a terrific living room centerpiece or add a welcoming feel to an entryway. They’re also gaining popularity as bedroom rugs, their curves lending a serene and homespun feel.
Runners That Are Winning
They’re not just for hallways anymore! Try placing a runner in the entryway, kitchen, bath, or on either side of the bed to make your first steps of the day extra soft.
Go Natural with Organic Shapes
Cowhide and sheepskin rugs bring their naturalistic shape to any corner of a room, at the foot of a bed, or under your small desk. They make excellent layering pieces, too.
Can’t Picture It? Use This Tool!
Looking for more concrete visuals about how something is going to look in your space before you hit that ‘Buy’ button? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Check out the “See This Rug in Your Room” tool on our product pages: it literally takes a photo on your phone, then virtually places the rug into the space. Share the results with friends and family easily via text.
It just takes three easy steps:
1. Using your phone, take a picture of your room.
2. Go to RugsUSA.com on your phone and select a rug you love!
3. Tap “see it in your room” under the product photo.
4. When prompted, upload your room photo. The rug will appear in the room! Then adjust the rug size you want.
We hope that these guidelines and tools help you feel ready to choose the right rug size and decorate like the boss you are. Happy rug hunting!
