Rug Size Guide
The right size makes a room feel finished. Too small and the rug floats; too large and it crowds the walls. Use these simple rules, then measure your space.
Before you buy: measure
Measure the room, then mark the rug's outline on the floor with painter's tape. Walk around it for a day.
- Leave 12β18 inches of bare floor between the rug and the walls in most rooms.
- In small rooms, 8 inches is enough.
- Keep the rug clear of door swings.
- When in doubt, go one size larger.
Living room
Choose one of three layouts:
- All legs on the rug β the rug holds the whole seating area. Usually 9 x 12 ft or larger.
- Front legs on β the most common choice. Sofa and chairs rest their front legs on the rug. Usually 8 x 10 ft.
- Coffee table only β for small rooms. Usually 5 x 8 ft.
The rug should be at least as wide as your sofa, ideally 6 inches wider on each side.
Dining room
Pull a chair out as if to sit down: all four legs should stay on the rug. Add at least 24 inches to every side of the table.
A table for six usually needs an 8 x 10 ft rug. For a round table, choose a round rug about 4 ft wider than the table.
Bedroom
Place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so you step onto it when you get up.
- Queen bed: 8 x 10 ft
- King bed: 9 x 12 ft
- Full or twin bed: 6 x 9 ft or 5 x 8 ft
Or use a runner or a 3 x 5 ft rug on each side of the bed.
Hallway and entry
For a runner, leave 4β6 inches of floor on each side and stop 6β12 inches short of each end. At the entry, a 3 x 5 ft or 4 x 6 ft rug works well, as long as the door opens freely over it.
Standard rug sizes
| Size (ft) | Size (cm) | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x 3 | 60 x 90 | Doorways, bathrooms, beside a sink |
| 3 x 5 | 90 x 150 | Entries, beside a bed, small spaces |
| 4 x 6 | 120 x 180 | Entries, kids' rooms, under a small table |
| 5 x 8 | 150 x 240 | Small living rooms, under a desk, end of a bed |
| 6 x 9 | 180 x 270 | Small living rooms, full and twin beds |
| 8 x 10 | 240 x 300 | Living rooms, dining tables for 4β6, queen beds |
| 9 x 12 | 270 x 360 | Large living rooms, dining tables for 6β8, king beds |
| 10 x 14 | 300 x 420 | Large open rooms, long dining tables |
| 2.5 x 8 | 75 x 240 | Hallways and kitchens (runner) |
| 2.5 x 10 | 75 x 300 | Long hallways (runner) |
Sizes are approximate. Handmade rugs can vary slightly from the stated size.
Need a size that isn't listed?
We make rugs to your exact measurements, including round, oval and irregular shapes. Order a custom size.
Common questions
What size rug do I need for my living room?
For most living rooms, an 8 x 10 ft rug with the front legs of the sofa and chairs on it. Large rooms suit a 9 x 12 ft rug; small rooms, a 5 x 8 ft rug under the coffee table.
What size rug goes under a queen bed?
An 8 x 10 ft rug, placed under the lower two-thirds of the bed. It leaves about 2 ft of rug on each side.
What size rug goes under a dining table?
Measure the table and add at least 24 inches on every side so the chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. For a table for six, that is usually 8 x 10 ft.
Can you make a custom size rug?
Yes. We make rugs to your exact measurements and shape. Tell us what you need.
Keep reading
- Weaving Techniques β Hand-knotted, hand-tufted, handloom and flatweave. What each one means for you.
- Rug Materials β Wool, jute, wool & jute and viscose. How each one feels, wears and cleans.
- Rug Care β Everyday care, spills, shedding and deep cleaning.