There are many different rug sizes available, but how do you know which size will fit your space? Our room-by-room layouts and foolproof tips are here to help – so when it comes time to unroll the rug, it will be a perfect fit.

Rug Sizing Tips for All Spaces

Bigger Is Better

A few inches can make all the difference between a rug pulling the room together or making it feel disjointed. Opting for the larger option, especially if you're choosing between sizes, will prove that it is worth the extra expense every time.

Read the Room

When choosing rug size and orientation, make sure it is proportional to the space (large rooms demand large rugs) and placed to echo its dimensions (orient the rug lengthwise in a long room).

Visualize the Final Look

Use painter's tape to mock the rug placement before you buy. This trade secret is an easy way to check that you have the right fit from every vantage point.

Rug Sizing by Room

To find the right rug sizes for your home, consider the size of each room and the room's furniture groupings. Measure the room and the furniture as a first step. Then choose a rug layout from the common options below.

Living Room

Your living room shape, not just the furniture, should dictate the rug size and orientation to make the space look larger and feel connected. There are three main layouts: all furniture legs resting on the rug, just the front legs on the rug, or all furniture – except for the coffee table – off the rug. If you choose a layout with the sofa on the rug, the rug should extend at least 6" on each side for proper scale. Learn more about these layouts below.

All Legs on the Rug

This layout, which requires the largest rug, is the best choice for anchoring a living room within an open-concept space or for any furniture grouping that floats (has no furniture against a wall). Placing all furniture on the rug will unify the pieces and create a defined seating area.

Front Legs on the Rug

This versatile option works especially well when one edge of the furniture grouping is against a wall. For a cohesive look, choose a rug size that allows for only the front legs of every piece of furniture in the grouping to be on the rug.

Only a Coffee Table on the Rug

Perfect for small or narrow spaces, this layout plays off the room's scale to make it feel larger. To get the proportions right, base the rug size on the interior dimensions of your seating area – and not just the coffee table – so it fills the negative space created by your furniture grouping.

Dining Room

Both the shape of your room and dining table should impact whether you choose a rectangular or round rug.

All Legs on the Rug

We recommend sticking with all legs on the rug for this room for safety's sake. The rug should extend at least 24" and no more than 36" beyond all sides of the table, so the chairs can sit on a flat surface even when they are pushed back. Don't forget to account for extendable leaves if your table has them.

Bedroom

As the focal point of the room, your bed should be the base for rug placement. Not only will this further define the space, but it will also give your feet a soft spot to land each morning.

All Legs on the Rug

This all-inclusive layout extends beyond the bed to its accompanying furniture (like nightstands or a bench), but it does not include bedroom pieces (like dressers) along other walls. We recommend having the rug extend at least 18" – 24" past the edge of your bed. If possible, do not allow the rug to encroach upon any main walkways.

2/3 Bed on the Rug

Frame your bed with this popular option that doesn't quite extend up to your nightstands but still allows for 18" – 24" of room on the sides and past the foot of the bed. For a symmetrical finish, an 8ʹ x 10ʹ rug is best for queen beds and a 9ʹ x 12ʹ rug is best for king beds.

Runners on Each Side

This flexible choice works for spaces and beds of all sizes – and it is a great option if two sides of the bed sit against a wall. Scale matters for this look: The runner shouldn't extend beyond the bed itself, but it should be a bit wider than your nightstand.

Pro Tip:

Area rugs for kids' bedrooms or nurseries are available in a wide variety of fun shapes and patterns – some are even educational.

Kitchen

Runner

A well-placed runner can visually extend the space, whether you have a galley kitchen or a large island.

Rug In Front of Sink

For U-shaped layouts, a small rug in front of the sink centers the space nicely.

Hallway

Runners are the go-to choice for corridors. It's best not to clutter these thoroughfares, so leave all furniture legs off the rug in this space.

Entryway

Let the shape of the space dictate the choice of a round rug, a rectangular rug, or a runner, and use the width of your front door as a baseline for how wide the rug should be. Check the pile height to ensure your door will clear the rug when it’s opened.

Rug Pad Sizing

When buying an area rug for your home, don't forget a rug pad. A rug pad will help keep your rug from sliding around under your household's foot traffic.

A good rule for choosing the right rug pad size is to leave 1" of rug overhang on all sides of the rug pad. This means that the ideal rug pad for a rug will be 2" shorter and narrower than the rug. For example, the perfect rug pad for a 5' x 8' rug is 4'10" x 7'10".

Keep in mind that rug pads can easily be cut to size. If you can't find a rug pad that perfectly suits the rug you've chosen, always size up – you can trim a rug pad to the right dimensions, but you can't add length if it's too small.

Explore These Popular Rug Sizes

Rectangular

Round & Square

Runner