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Rug Guide: How To Choose the Right Size
Laying down a rug is one of the best ways to make an indoor space feel more cozy, cohesive, and stylish. Rugs add character and color, help define a space, and lend a unique decorative flavor. But before you consider different rug styles, materials, or colors, it's crucial to get the size right.
An oversized rug can overshadow other elements in the room, while a rug that's too small creates a disjointed or incomplete look and can affect spatial harmony.
That's why knowing how to choose a rug size is essential to achieving a balanced look. This rug size guide covers every room in the house, including sizes and placement tips, to help you decorate your floors with class and confidence.
Rugs for Living Rooms
Living rooms are a fantastic place to lay down rugs. Place them under a coffee table or entertainment set or use them to define an open space for kids to play.
Try this living room rug size guide:
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5 x 7: Perfect for compact living rooms, a rug this size can help punctuate a space under a table or in front of a sofa. The smaller size also lets it serve as an accent rug.
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8 x 10: In medium-sized living rooms, this is a good size for defining spaces.
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9 x 12: If you have more room to work with, consider a large rug to avoid any awkwardness when centralizing it.
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10 x 14: Reserved for the most lavish and expansive rooms, a rug this size will likely steal the show and become the room's focal point.
Placement tips
Centralized
Put the rug in the middle of the room and arrange the furniture around it (but not on it!) to create an open concept with lots of flow.
Anchored
Put at least the front legs of your sofas, recliners, or accent chairs on the rug to tie the space together.
Layered
Lay out a large, neutral area rug (in white or beige) as the base for a smaller, more decorative rug for added texture and interest.
Rugs for Bedrooms
A bedroom is the perfect place for a comfortable rug.
Sizes (in feet)
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3 x 8: Also known as "runners," narrow rugs are common in bedrooms.
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8 x 10: In bedrooms with a queen or king-sized bed, this size rug fits nicely underneath.
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8 x 10: In bedrooms with a queen or king-sized bed, this size rug fits nicely underneath.
Shop nowPlacement tips
Under the bed
Position the rug directly under your bed to help define the space.
Anchored
In bigger rooms, a large rug can go beneath the bed, nightstands, and dressers for a more inclusive aesthetic.
On the sides
If you want less floor space covered, consider putting two runners on either side of the bed for extra class.
Rugs for Dining Rooms
Defining and dividing space are two reasons area rugs work well in dining rooms.
Sizes (in feet)
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6 x 9: For a small dining table with seating for four to six people, this rug size is usually sufficient.
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8 x 10: If your table has enough seating for eight people, choose a slightly bigger size to ensure it extends beyond the table and chairs can comfortably sit on it.
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9 x 12: If you're set up to host big meals and events with eight people or more, a 12-foot rug is large enough to fit under the table and chairs.
Placement tips
Under the table
The best place to lay down a rug in a dining room is under the table. When measuring for size, remember to account for when people are dining! As a general rule, get a rug that extends at least 4 feet beyond the table on all sides to accommodate pulled-out chairs.
Match the Shape
For a rectangular dining table, get a rug that matches the shape. Alternatively, if your table is round, oval, or square, choose a similar-shaped rug to maintain visual harmony.
Leave a perimeter
When choosing a larger rug that covers the entire room, leaving around 12 inches of space creates a boundary around the perimeter. This prevents rugs from looking like carpets and is a common design trick for defining space.
Rugs for Hallways and Entryways
Incorporating rugs into hallways, foyers, porches, and entryways is another way to add style and infuse some character into the home. Rugs provide a soft footpath and add visual interest to otherwise empty spaces.
Sizes
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Runners: Most runners are between 2 and 3 feet long. Depending on the space you're considering, a runner's length can be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet.
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Small area rugs: Area rugs for small spaces are usually 3 feet by 5 feet or 4 feet by 6 feet. Their compact size makes them highly versatile, letting you experiment with decor in hallways and entrances.
Shop nowPlacement tips
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Centralized: In any narrow passageway, put rugs exactly in the middle to avoid creating disharmony or a visual distraction.
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Leave open spaces: When laying down long, narrow rugs, make sure they don't extend the entire length of a hallway. Leaving some space at both ends will create a proportioned look.
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Account for doors: In entrances, check whether the rug you want comfortably fits beneath a swimming door to ensure it doesn't snag.
Finding the Perfect Rug
Nothing makes living spaces feel cozy quite like a rug. But the perfect rug adds more than just comfort. It can also anchor statement pieces by creating a focal point, harmonizing your decor, and defining your living spaces.
And while style, material, and color matter for interior design, size is one of the first things you'll need to consider. Using the above rug size guide, you can ensure your rugs look good and are appropriately sized to create a cohesive look.