Rug Size Guidance

In this article, we’ll expand on tips for choosing the right area rug size for different rooms in your home. We’ll cover the living room, kitchen, dining room, bedroom, bathroom, hallway and entryway. FAQ and back to top sections are also included.
Choosing the right area rug size that isn’t too small or large for your space can refine and balance a room and make it warm underfoot. Rug size rules are flexible, and custom options are available. Consider these room-by-room tips in this rug-size guide to avoid mishaps in any room of your house.

Buying an area rug that’s too small for the room is a common mistake. The right size rug is more impactful, 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 between 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. This is also a good size for a 9 x 11-foot or 10 x 10-foot sectional sofa. Try maintaining 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.
When it comes to decorating your home, choosing the right rug size is crucial. Here’s how to select the perfect rug for various rooms in your home.

For spacious kitchens without a kitchen island, consider centering a 5 x 7-foot rug in the space to add warmth and style.

In a long, galley kitchen, placing a 2 x 9-foot runner can make the room appear wider. This technique also works when placing a runner in front of a long kitchen island; ensure it extends the island’s length for a balanced look. A runner on either side of the island is suitable for wider kitchens.

For a half-moon or rectangular area rug in front of the sink, opt for a 3 x 5-foot rug or a compact 2 x 3-foot rug for added padding and comfort.

In the dining room, follow the rule of thumb: select a rug size so that your table and chairs sit completely on the rug, with at least 8 inches of rug around the edges of the dining set. Ideally, chairs should still be on the area rug when pulled out. For an expandable dining table, measure for an area rug with the leaf in to accommodate the extended table.

For a large dining room, a 9 x 12-foot or 10 x 14-foot area rug can accommodate a table seating eight or more people. An 8 x 10-foot area rug fits well under a table that seats six people.

Choose an 8 x 8-foot or 6 x 6-foot rug for a round or square dining table, remembering to add a few feet to allow chairs to remain on the rug when pulled out.

For a table seating four people, select a 6 x 9-foot or 5 x 8-foot rug. These sizes ensure that chair legs comfortably fit on the rug, even if the table is round.

When choosing a rug size for your bedroom, consider the bed size and the presence of nightstands. Most of the bed and at least the two front legs of the nightstands should sit on an area rug.

A 10 x 14-foot rug is a grand choice for a king-sized bed and the nightstands beside it, extending at least 18 inches from the sides and foot of the bed.

A 9 x 12-foot area rug fits well under a queen-sized bed and can work under a king-sized bed if you leave the back legs of the bed and nightstands off the rug. Ensure the rug extends at least 18 inches from the side and foot of the bed.

An 8 x 10-foot rug is suitable for a queen-sized bed, with the front legs of nightstands on the rug. This size also works in a room with two twin-sized beds and a single nightstand in the middle, with 12 inches of rug extending from the sides of the beds.

For a runner at the bottom or sides of a queen bed or two single beds, opt for a 2 x 9-foot runner.

Bathroom Rugs:
Washable bathroom rugs are perfect for various bathroom sizes. Here are some standard sizes:
– 5 x 8-Foot Rug: Ideal for spacious primary bathrooms, considering shape and space. Circular rugs can soften sharp lines, while larger rugs complement standalone clawfoot tubs.

– 2 x 6-Foot Runner: Effective under double vanities or along narrow bathrooms.

– 3 x 5-Foot Rug: Suitable for compact powder rooms, adding personality and warmth, fitting under sink, toilet, or shower in small bathrooms.

Hallway and Entryway Rugs:
Runners are traditional for hallways and entryways, with other options available. Opt for lower-pile rugs for easier door operation.
– 2 x 9-Foot Runner: Classic for long, narrow hallways, keeping furniture legs off the rug for easy cleaning.

– 3 x 5-Foot Rug: A small entryway doormat, serving as a welcome element and focal point.

– 5 x 8-Foot Rug: For double entry doors, providing a soft and stylish welcome.

FAQ:
– How to Determine Rug Size: Use removable masking tape to outline the rug area, then measure the outline for the required size.

– Most Popular Living Room Rug Size: 8 x 10 feet and 9 x 12 feet are standard for typical living spaces.

– Size of an 8 x 10 Rug: Covers 80 square feet, fitting many living spaces and bedrooms.

Rug Size Guidance For Any Room

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