icon
0

Your Cart is Empty

March 29, 2017 7 min read 46 Comments

 

One of the most important questions you need to ask yourself before you start your rug search is:

“What rug sizes do I need for each room?”

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!

Nyla NY 18 Living Room Rug just in front of the sofa  

LIVING ROOM

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).

Watercolors 6233 Rugs for large living rooms 

Shop Living Room Rugs Now!

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.

  Valen VAL-06 5x8 Living Room Rugs Kasuri KB-05 9x12 living room rug

Shop large living room rugs Now!  

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.

  DINING AREAS

Trinity of Dining Room Rug by Magnolia HomeCrew CRE-02 Black and White Magnolia Home Dining Room Rug

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:

  • Go to your table and pull out all of the chairs like you are going to sit down.
  • Leave them out.
  • Take a tape measure and measure just beyond where your chairs are.

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.

Shop for dining room rugs Now! 

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!

 

Shop for dining room rugs Now! 

BEDROOM

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.

For a queen size bed – 8x10 allows you to have 2’6” on each side of the bed and 3’6” at the end of the bed.

Shop for bedroom rugs Now!

For a king size 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.

Phillip PK-01 Turquoise Bed Room Rug by Magnolia Home 

Shop for large bedroom rugs Now! 

For smaller bedrooms – 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!

EUPHORIA EDDLESTON ASH GREY 90263 5913 RUG

Shop small bedroom rugs Now! 

FOYER

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.

LUXOR CD-39 EBONY Foyer/ Entryway RUG

Shop for foyer rugs Now! 

HALLWAY

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.

 

Shop for runners Now!

 OFFICE

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:

    1. You can go with a large rug that runs perpendicularly under your desk and the 2 chairs – say a 9x12 – this would be ideal for a larger office
    2. You could have a rug that runs parallel to your desk and just put the back legs on - allowing for 2 chairs to be on the rug, but your chair to be directly on the floor – say a 5x8

 

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.  

Shop for office rugs Now! 

KITCHEN

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!

 

Shop for kitchen rugs Now!

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.

 

Shop for kitchen rugs Now!

No matter what room you would like to accent, there is a rug that will complement it beautifully. If you need help deciding what will work best in your home? Contact our team of interior designers and get a professional's opinion.

 

46 Responses

Teshia
Teshia

July 10, 2020

What size rug should go under a rectangle 76"L X 41"W table?

Kim
Kim

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?

Janis Carson
Janis Carson

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?

Cher
Cher

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!

Jean Henderson
Jean Henderson

July 23, 2018

What size rug should be used under a 36″ × 36″ breakfast room table?

Sue
Sue

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.

Didi Younginer
Didi Younginer

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

Heather
Heather

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! :)

Kaitlin Mararche
Kaitlin Mararche

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

Rug & Home
Rug & Home

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.

Jo
Jo

May 10, 2018

Hi Im trying to figure out the best size rug for my 8 by 7 kitchen. Can you help?

Rug & Home
Rug & Home

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.

Tiff
Tiff

April 05, 2018

What rug to use for a round dining table with 6 chairs?

DIane d'Estries
DIane d'Estries

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?

Deb
Deb

March 27, 2018

Square table is 40 × 40 with four chairs what size round rug what I use

Carol Vincent
Carol Vincent

March 26, 2018

Looking for round 4×4 area rugs

Patrina Lake
Patrina Lake

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!

Sharon Colagiovanni
Sharon Colagiovanni

February 21, 2018

I have a 3×4 oval coffee table. What size round rug would I use?

gail peterson
gail peterson

February 08, 2018

I have a 42 inch round table (seats 4 people) what shape and size area rug should I being looking at?

Lourdes E  Taboada
Lourdes E Taboada

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.

Judy
Judy

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.

RIta Seaver
RIta Seaver

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.

Randi
Randi

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?

Shri
Shri

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!

SHaron
SHaron

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

Ruby Addison
Ruby Addison

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.

Terrie
Terrie

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.

Lesly M
Lesly M

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?

Geri
Geri

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?

WHat sIze rug for 8 x 10 ft sectional 5 fT 9 inches by 11 Foot 4"
WHat sIze rug for 8 x 10 ft sectional 5 fT 9 inches by 11 Foot 4"

May 28, 2017

What size rug for sectional 5’9" deep and 11 ft 4" long

Marsha Susa
Marsha Susa

April 04, 2017

What size rug is used for a 36in round pub table ?

Carrie
Carrie

March 01, 2017

This was most helpful, thank you for taking the time to provide all the numbers and theory behind them.

Zequek Estrada
Zequek Estrada

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

ian febres
ian febres

January 22, 2017

I used this as a source for a presentation in my public speaking class. Thank you.

Martha Reichard
Martha Reichard

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

Annette
Annette

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!

Kathy Meadows
Kathy Meadows

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

Luellen
Luellen

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?

Sandra
Sandra

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!

mary wasacz
mary wasacz

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.

CIndy
CIndy

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

MEredith
MEredith

June 21, 2016

Hi! I have a farmhouse table that is 40″×106″. What size rug do you recommend? Thank you!

Anthony
Anthony

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?!

Peggy
Peggy

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?

Thresa
Thresa

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!

Kathy
Kathy

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!

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.