Choosing the right area rug size that’s not too small or large for your space can help refine and balance a room in addition to making it warm underfoot. Rug size rules are flexible, and custom options are available. Consider these room-by-room tips to help you avoid basic area rug size mishaps in any room of your house.

Rug Size Guidance For Any Room

Buying an area rug that’s too small for the room is a common mistake. The right size rug is more impactful, it helps make the space look larger and acts as an anchor to unify elements in a room. Here are more general area rug dos and don’ts when it comes to selecting the right size:

• Fit all four legs of major pieces of furniture on the rug. If that’s not possible, make sure at least the front two legs are sitting on the area rug.
• Think about shape as well as size. For example, a round rug underneath a round table makes the space appear more cohesive.
• Allow for equal floor space clearance on all sides of the rug, typically anywhere from 6 to 24 inches beyond the furniture.
• Keep at least 10 to 24 inches of rug clearance from the edge of the carpet to the walls to create a more balanced border.
• Mark possible rug measurements with painter’s tape on the floor to help you better visualize how a certain size area rug will look and function in the room.

Living Room

Your furniture layout will dictate how to choose an area rug for your living room. The legs of your seating should ideally sit on the area rug. In a limited space, you might just have the coffee table sitting on an area rug. Below are standard living room rug sizes and details of where to use them.

10 x 14-Foot Rug

This size is a statement-making area rug which is ideal for a large living room. This size rug allows you to unify the seating area and put all four legs of the furniture pieces on the rug. You will still have a generous amount of rug around the edges of the furniture with this size area rug. This is also a good size for a 9 x 11-foot or 10 x 10-foot sectional sofa. Try to maintain a wide border of about 4 to 12 inches between the rug and the wall on all sides.

9 x 12-Foot Rug

This medium-sized area rug anchors the living room’s seating area but you may just be able to put the two front legs of each piece on the rug. An 8 x 10-foot rug also works in this scenario.

6 x 9-Foot Rug

In a smaller living room, opt for a compact rug that floats in the center of your seating arrangement or sits underneath just the coffee table. A centered and intentional floor covering adds warmth, cohesion, and a focal point. A 5 x 7-foot rug also works for this purpose. This size area rug works for a 6 x 8-foot sectional sofa but the couch will not sit on the rug at all.

Kitchen

Add an easy-to-clean area rug to add warmth and practical non-slip surfaces to kitchen floors. Runners or small rugs in front of functional spaces, like the sink, tend to be the best choices. Here are more options:

5 x 7-Foot Rug

If you’re lucky enough to have a roomy kitchen and you don’t have a kitchen island in the way, consider centering a larger rug in the space.

2 x 9-Foot Runner

Placing a runner in a long, galley kitchen may make the room look wider. This trick also works when placing a runner in front of a long kitchen island. Ensure the runner extends the island’s entire length to avoid an awkward, unbalanced look. A runner on either side of the island works in a wider kitchen.

3 x 5-Foot Rug

Set a half-moon or rectangular area rug or mat in front of the sink for extra padding and comfort. A compact 2 x 3-foot rug works here, too.

Dining Room

There’s a rule of thumb when choosing a rug size for your dining room. Select a size so your table and chairs sit completely on the rug but still have at least 8 inches of rug around the edges of the dining set. Ideally, the chairs should still be sitting on the area rug when you pull them out. Consider these sizes:

Tip

If you have an expandable dining table, measure for an area rug with the leaf in so you can make sure the dining set sits comfortably on the rug when the table is extended.

9 x 12-Foot Rug

If you have a large dining room, a 9 x 12-foot or a 10 x 14-foot area rug can fit under a table that seats eight or more people. An 8 x 10-foot area rug is a good fit under a table that seats six people.

8 x 8-Foot Rug

Select an 8 x 8-foot or 6 x 6-foot rug for a round or square dining table. When measuring, remember to add a few feet to allow chairs to remain on the rug when they are pulled out from the table.

6 x 9-Foot Rug

Choose a 6 x 9-foot or 5 x 8-foot rug for a table that seats four people. The table may be round but these sizes ensure the chair legs will comfortably fit on the rug.

Bedroom

The rug size you choose for your bedroom largely depends on the size of your bed and if you have nightstands flanking the bed. Most of the bed and at least the two front legs of the nightstands should be sitting on an area rug. Here are some tips:

10 x 14-Foot Rug

This is a good-sized rug to fit under a king-sized bed and the nightstands beside it. A large size like this will give your bedroom a grand, luxurious appearance. The rug should extend from the sides and foot of the bed by at least 18 inches.

9 x 12-Foot Rug

A 9 x 12-foot area rug is often an ideal size that fits under a queen-sized bed. It can also work under a king-sized bed if you leave the back legs of the bed and nightstands off the rug. Make sure your area rug extends from the side and foot of the bed by at least 18 inches.

8 x 10-Foot Rug

A queen-sized bed will also fit comfortably on an 8 x 10-foot rug though you may only be able to have the front legs of nightstands on the rug. This size rug works in a room with two twin-sized beds that have a single nightstand in the middle. You should have 12 inches of rug extending from the sides of the beds.

2 x 9-Foot Runner

Put down a runner at the bottom or sides of a queen bed or two single beds.

Bathroom

Washable bathroom rugs are ideal for bathrooms of all sizes. Here are some standard bathroom rug sizes below:

5 x 8-Foot Rug

Go bigger for a spacious primary bathroom, and consider the shape too. Circular rugs soften sharp lines in a bathroom design. Larger rugs work well underneath a standalone clawfoot tub.

2 x 6-Foot Runner

Runners work well below a double vanity or along the length of a narrow bathroom.

3 x 5-Foot Rug

Smaller 3 x 5-foot or 2 x 3-foot rugs are great options for adding a splash of personality or warmth in a compact powder room. They’re also perfect for sitting under the sink, toilet, or shower in a small bathroom.

Hallway and Entryway

Runners are traditional choices for hallways and entryways but there are other choices, as well. Remember to choose a rug with a lower pile to ensure the front door opens easily.

2 x 9-Foot Runner

A 2 x 9-foot or 2 x 6-foot runner is the classic choice for a long, narrow hallway. There’s an opposite rule of thumb when it comes to hallway runners and rugs: the legs of all furniture should be kept off the rug so you can easily access and clean the floor. The width of your door is a good measuring guide for choosing a foyer rug, and add a couple more inches on either side.

3 x 5-Foot Rug

A 2 x 3-foot or 3 x 5-foot doormat can be the perfect option for a small entryway. Its main function is for wiping your feet but it’s also a welcoming element and focal point for a small foyer.

5 x 8-Foot Rug

If you have a double entry door, opt for a larger rug or mat to run the width of the entryway. This substantial-sized rug will be the perfect soft and stylish welcome for your guests.

FAQ

• What’s the most popular size rug for a living room?The most popular size area rugs for living rooms are 8 x 10 feet and 9 x 12 feet to fit typical living spaces.
• How do you clean a large area rug?Clean a large area rug that is too unwieldy to move by renting a carpet shampooer from a home improvement store. It is the best DIY way to thoroughly clean an entire carpet. Alternatively, call in a professional carpet cleaner to do the job. It’s a good idea to clean a large area rug twice a year.
• What are the best materials for a high-traffic area rug?The best materials for a high-traffic area rug are synthetic. Consider nylon or polyester area rugs that are made to stand up to heavy foot traffic; they’re easy to clean and very affordable.