You’ve found the perfect rug design, and now it’s time to find the perfect rug size. The right rug size can make all the difference in a space, whether you’re going with a custom rug or choosing from our standard-sized collection.
With decades of experience under our belt, we’ve got tons of advice for getting it right when it comes to rug size. Here’s how to pick out your ideal-sized rug for every type of room.
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When to Consider a Custom Rug
Sometimes, a custom, made-to-measure rug is the right way to go. Before you take measurements (more on that below!), read our rules for getting your custom rug size right for every room.
Living Room
Choose a rug that can accommodate at least the front two legs of your seating. We recommend ordering a rug large enough that it extends 6” to 8” beyond the arms of your sofa, and sits between 12” and 18″ away from the wall to prevent an overcrowded look. (Hint, hint! With the exception of halls, entries, and kitchens, this is a great rule of thumb for all rooms.)
For more spacious rooms, opt for a larger rug that allows all four feet of your seating to rest on it. Rugs that are too small may make your space appear smaller than it is.
Dining Room
We recommend choosing a rug that’s large enough to hold both the table and chairs with plenty of room to spare so chairs don’t get caught on the edge of the rug when scooting in and out. Aim to have the edges of your rug extend at least 36” out from the edges of your table.
Bedroom
With the exception of the headboard, your rug should extend 24” beyond all sides of your bed and underneath nightstands. If your room has seating, it should cover that area, as well.
Alternatively, you can opt for a smaller rug and position it so that the head of the bed and nightstands remain on your floor, just behind the edge of your rug.
Hallway, Kitchen, and Entryway
In narrow spaces, leave 3” to 5” between your runner’s edges and the walls or kitchen cabinets. You can also use a runner in these areas to elongate and make them appear wider.
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How to Measure for a Custom Rug
Cut to fit your space, our custom rugs can be sized to the inch to fit dimensions of up to 12′ wide and 27′ long. Getting your rug size just right can be tricky, so follow these instructions to help you measure flawlessly and like a pro.
Step 1: Finalize the furniture layout in your space.
Step 2: Decide where you want to place the rug, then take the measurements with a steel measuring tape—keeping in mind the sizing recommendations suggested above.
Step 3: To be extra sure, try this trick: Use blue painter’s tape to map out the dimensions and make sure you’re happy with the size and placement of your future rug.
How to Choose a Standard-Sized, Ready-Made Rug
Not every space requires a custom rug! Here’s how to pick out the perfect standard-sized design for your space. Pro Tip: For the best look, bear in mind the spacing conventions recommended for custom rugs. They apply here, too!
When to Consider Large Rugs (9’x12’+)
Our general rule of thumb is that larger rugs make big rooms feel cozy, and make small rooms feel more spacious.
Living Room
Choose a size that will allow 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
When you lay the rug down, make sure 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’x9’–8’x10′)
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 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. The front 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-Right Spots for Small Rugs (3’x5’–5’x8′)
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. Alternatively, consider twin runners! See below for a great design idea.
In addition to working beautifully on their own, small rugs make terrific accents when layered over other rugs!
Bathroom
Depending on the size of your bathroom, this can be a fun, unexpected space to add a rug. 2’x3′, 3’x5′, and 4’x6′ rugs or runners are best for these spaces. As with hallways, entries, and kitchens, it’s best to leave 3” to 5” between your rug or runner’s edges and the walls, vanities, or tubs.
Learning Curve: Round and Oval Rugs
Perfect in the kitchen, especially under your kitchen table or in your breakfast nook, round and oval rugs 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.
Winning Runners
They’re not just for hallways anymore! Try placing one in your entryway, kitchen, or bath. They’re also amazing when used in tandem on either side of the bed to make your first steps of the day extra soft.
Try 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 a more concrete way to envision how a rug will look in your home? Check out the “View In Room” tool on our product pages. There, you can upload a photo of your room right from your phone and preview what it’ll look like in your space virtually.
It takes just three easy steps:
1. Take a photo of your space on your phone.
2. Visit RugsUSA.com on your phone and find a rug you love.
3. Tap the “View In Room” button under the product photo.
4. Upload your room photo. The rug will appear in the photo, and you can adjust it to the size you want.
Now, Find Your Perfect Rug!
We hope these guidelines and tools help you feel ready to choose the right rug size. Get started by clicking the button below, then filter through to find rugs in the size you have in mind.