The right rug size ties a room together; the wrong one makes even a beautiful rug look lost. Here is how to choose the right size for every room, with the simple rules designers use. Every rug at Rugs.net lists its exact size, and if a rug is not right for your room, you can return it free within 31 days.
Measure First
Measure the room, then the furniture the rug will sit under. Mark the outline of the rug on the floor with painter's tape and live with it for a day: it shows you instantly whether a size feels generous or cramped. As a rule, leave 12 to 18 inches of bare floor between the rug and the walls, a little less in small rooms.
Hand-knotted rugs are woven by hand, so their sizes are rarely exact. A rug sold as 9x12 may measure 8'10" x 12'2". Always check the exact size in the listing.
Living Room
The rug should anchor the seating area. Choose a size where at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs rest on the rug; in larger rooms, all furniture can stand fully on it. Ideally the rug is a little wider than the sofa on each side.
- Small living room or apartment: 5x7 or 6x9
- Most living rooms: 8x10 or 8x11
- Large living rooms: 9x12, 10x13 or 10x14
- Great rooms and open plans: 12x18 and oversize rugs
Dining Room
Chairs should stay on the rug when they are pulled out. Add about 24 to 30 inches to each side of the table and choose the next size up.
- Table for four: 6x9, or a round rug under a round table
- Table for six: 8x10 or 9x12
- Table for eight or more: 9x12, 10x14 or larger
A square table looks best on a square rug. A dense, low pile makes it easier to move chairs.
Bedroom
Place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so it reaches beyond the sides; the first step out of bed lands on the rug, not on the floor.
- Twin or full bed: 5x7 or 6x9
- Queen bed: 8x10
- King bed: 9x12
- Alternative: a runner on each side of the bed, or a 3x5 at the foot
Hallway, Entry and Stairs
In a hallway, a runner should leave a few inches of floor on each side and about a foot at each end. Runners usually measure 2'6" to 3' wide and 8' to 14' or more long. For an entry, a 3x5 or 4x6 works well; a round or square rug suits a square foyer.
Kitchen and Office
In a kitchen, a runner along the counters or a small rug in front of the sink is ideal; dense hand-knotted wool hides small spills and cleans well. In an office, choose a rug large enough for the desk chair to roll on it without catching the edge, usually a 5x7 or 6x9.
Quick Reference
| Room | Common rug sizes |
|---|---|
| Small living room | 5x7, 6x9 |
| Living room | 8x10, 8x11, 9x12 |
| Large living room | 10x13, 10x14, 12x18 |
| Dining room for six | 8x10, 9x12 |
| Queen bedroom | 8x10 |
| King bedroom | 9x12 |
| Hallway | Runner |
| Entry | 3x5, 4x6, round or square |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common rug size?
For living rooms in the US, 8x10 is the most common size, followed by 9x12. For bedrooms, 8x10 under a queen bed and 9x12 under a king bed are the usual choices.
Is it better to choose a rug that is too big or too small?
When in doubt, go bigger. A rug that is too small makes a room look disconnected and the furniture look like it is floating. A larger rug makes a room feel calmer and more spacious.
Should a rug go under the sofa?
At least the front legs of the sofa should rest on the rug. This connects the seating area and keeps the rug from shifting.
Why are Persian rug sizes not exact?
Every hand-knotted rug is woven by hand on its own loom, so sizes vary by a few inches. That is a sign of a real handmade rug, not a flaw. Each listing on Rugs.net gives the exact measurement in feet and meters.
What if the size turns out wrong?
Returns are free within 31 days in the US and Canada, with no restocking fee. See Shipping & Returns.