How to Choose Area Rug Size
Choosing a rug is a little bit like the story of the three bears—you’re looking for not too small, not too big, but just right. But with so many layout options, furniture arrangements, and room sizes, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. A rug that’s too small can make a space feel disconnected, while one that’s too large might overpower the room. Here, I’m answering some of your most common questions and including my area rug size guide to help you ]choose the right size.
You can use this guide for living rooms, bedrooms, dining areas, and other areas. Whether you’re layering rugs, defining a space, or figuring out ideal furniture placement, I’ve got you covered.
Rugs pretty much just set the whole vibe of a room. Plus, they anchor the furniture so it feels grounded. Otherwise, items can feel like they’re just floating around! They also add texture and pattern (two of the Interior Design Elements).
How to Determine Area Rug Size
Before diving into rug shopping, take a few minutes to measure your space and layout. It’s so easy to get lost in the world of rugs—trust me, I’ve been there! I’ve spent countless hours scrolling through gorgeous patterns only to miss the point of what my space needs.
That’s why it helps to start with a clear plan. Measure the area where you want the rug, think about furniture placement, and decide how much floor you want visible. This simple step instantly narrows your choices, making it way easier to find a rug that actually fits your space and your style. Once you’ve got your size figured out, you can fully enjoy the process of picking the perfect design.
In addition to the guide below, I like to use painter’s tape to measure out and plan for an area rug. This gives me a good idea of how it will work in a space and if there are any unforeseen obstacles! (There usually is 🙂
Rug Size Guide Chart
Steps to Choose a Rug Size
- Measure actual room from wall to wall
- Lay out the room furniture in the optimal layout (considering flow, spacing, etc.)
- Use the rug size guide below to choose the common rug sizes for the room & layout
- Use painter’s tape to create a rough “sketch” of how the rug will look in the space.
- Since not all rugs have exact standard sizing, be open to ones that are close (for example, 8′ x 10′ is a common size, however, you might also see a 8’4″ x 11’6″ which might still work)
What is the best size living room rug?
Living room rugs can be the trickiest to choose area rug sizing because there are so many variables. From small, cozy rooms to larger grand living rooms, there is a lot to consider. Plus, each living room has unique layout needs.
It’s crucial to make sure the main furniture legs are on the rug. Otherwise you end up with a rug island! In general, living rooms work well with rugs sized approximately 6’x 9′, 8′ x 10′ and 9′ x 12.’ These tend to be proportionate and functional for most living rooms.
Rug Size Dos & Don’ts
- DO anchor rug with the front legs of the main furniture items
- DO leave at least 8″ -10″ of bare floor around edge of rug
- DON’T put a rug floating in the middle of floor without furniture items anchoring it
- DON’T use a wall to wall rug
Rug Sizes for Different Rooms
| Room or Space | Standard Rug Size |
| Kitchen, Small Entryways, Bathrooms | 2′ x 3′ |
| Foyer | 4′ x 6′ or 5′ x 7′ |
| Small Dining Room | 6′ x 9′ |
| Large Dining Room | 8′ x 10′ or 9′ x 12′ |
| Bedroom with Twin | 5′ x 7′ |
| Bedroom with Full | 6′ x9′ |
| Bedroom with Queen or King | 6′ x 9′ or 8′ 10′ |
Area Rug Size FAQs
Yes! Area rugs are often a great solution in the dining room. Usually a low pile, easy to clean rug works best. Dining room rugs should be large enough to accommodate all the chairs. Sometimes, this isn’t possible given the room size. In that case, skip the rug as it will just feel awkward and the chair legs will catch the edge – annoying!
An area rug should fit the space proportionally but not completely cover the floor. As a general guideline, the rug should be no less than 12-18″ from the edge of the rug to the wall.
Generally speaking, for bedrooms, you want the rug under the bed and to extend on both sides. There should also be 1′-2′ of the rug at the foot of the bed. This really anchors the bed in the room and also allows for a cozy element getting in and out of the bed.
Additional Area Rug Details
This guide covers only area rug size details but of course there other aspects to choosing a rug. You’ll want to think about different types of rugs and the material. I tend to use low pile rugs, which are more flat, in high traffic areas like a hallway, family room, and kitchen. While more plush, thick rugs are my go-to for bedrooms and livings rooms.
Also, it’s important to consider durability and whether cleaning the rug is something you’ll likely need to tackle. When we lived out in the country, I choose a more scratchy jute rug for the entryway, it kept a lot of debris from being tracked indoors.
Final Thoughts on Rug Size
Getting the right size area rug makes all the difference in how a space looks and feels. Too small, and your furniture can feel disconnected—too big, and it might overwhelm the room. The key is to measure first, consider furniture placement, and use painter’s tape to visualize how it will fit. With the right size, your rug will anchor the space, add warmth, and pull everything together. I hope this guide is helpful in finding the perfectly sized rug for your space.
Looking for more rug inspiration? I rounded up my Favorite Neutral Rugs for Each Space and if you’re wondering how to put it all together, check out my step by step guide, How to Arrange Living Room Furniture.
