One of the first considerations when deciding on the right rug for your home is determining the perfect size. And while there are some hard-and-fast rules to help you do this, we also have a few styling tips that can give you an expert's perspective while you’re designing. Choosing the right rug size is part art, part science. We’re here to help with both.
A rug is the anchor of the space it occupies. Its design interacts with everything in its environment — from your decor to furniture to wall art, and of course, to the people who pass through. What kind of relationship do you want your rug to have with these other elements… What size rug will help create a space you love?
Practical considerations will factor into your choice, too
- What is the size of the room?
- What furniture do you already have?
- How much of the floor do you want to see?
Despite all the different elements, choosing a rug size doesn’t need to be stressful. It’s less about right or wrong and more about what feels good to you. Every step of the way, we’re here to help guide you in your design journey.
Rug Sizes
There are common and conventional rug sizes but don’t feel like these are firm boundaries — at abc carpet & home, we have many uniquely sized rugs in addition to standard sizes.
For example, a large room doesn’t necessarily require a large rug. Maybe you prefer a smaller rug that allows the floor beneath to share some of the spotlight. Or perhaps you prefer a mélange of smaller layered rugs that affords you the ability to change their layering and orientation in the room. This layering technique can also help fill an awkward space or unconventional room shape.
If you are looking for something unconventional or a specific size, feel free to message our team to inquire. We love taking creating and collaborating with our clients to make their dreams a reality. Our consultations are always complimentary!
Common Rug Sizes
When deciding on a rug size, it can be helpful to acquaint yourself with a few basics. Below are some of the most common rug sizes and rug types you’ll see on the market.
Again, take these as simple suggestions. If you’re looking for a rug for a room that’s an unusual size, asymmetrical and uniquely sized rugs may be a great fit. Alternatively, we also have a custom rug department that can cut a rug to the exact size you need — perfect for cutting longer runners, geometric shapes, and more.
Accent Rugs - 3x5 and 4x6
For a relatively small size area like a foyer or next to a bed, 4x6 and runner rugs can have a significant impact. Just because you have a small space doesn't mean you can't make it completely unique. Accent rugs with intricate designs are an easy way to create a focal point as well.
Shop all of our 4x6 rugs here.
Area Rugs - 5x7, 8x10, 9x12
For a relatively small size, a 5x7 area rug can have a big influence on a room's overall look and feel. Whether you are looking for a centering area rug with an eye-catching design or a bright pop of color, 5x7 rugs are the perfect size for an apartment living room or spare room with a twin or full-sized bed.
Shop all of our 5x7 rugs here.
8x10 area rugs are known in the industry as the “Goldilocks” of rug sizes — not too big, not too small. An 8x10 rug's size is a popular rug size because it is generous enough to make a statement but not so large that it will take over a room. 8x10 area rugs create a subtle, soft surface below a sofa, table, or queen-sized bed in your living room, dining room, or bedroom.
Shop all of our 8x10 rugs here.
Considered a large rug, 9x12 rugs are the perfect fit for formal dining rooms with a large table or larger living rooms. A 9x12-sized rug allows you to place your living room furniture fully on the rug while allowing you to still see the design. 9x12 size rugs are the perfect fit under a king-sized bed as well.
Shop all of our 9x12 rugs here.
Large Rugs - 10x14 and Oversized Rugs
Despite their assertive size, 10x14 and oversized rugs are surprisingly versatile. 10x14 rugs are large enough to cover a significant portion of the floor, so they can completely transform the look of a room. 10x14 and oversized rugs are a great size to take center stage in a large, airy loft-type environment or open-concept living room.
Shop all of our 10x14 rugs.
Shop all of our oversized rugs.
Runner Rugs
Runner rugs look beautiful and help protect your floors from excessive wear and tear in high-traffic areas like entryways and kitchens. If you are looking for a more minimalist look, placing runner rugs on either side of the bed is an easy way to achieve this. Whether you are looking to elongate a narrow hallway or provide comfort underfoot in common spaces, runners are a stylish addition to your everyday routines.
Shop all of our runners.
Steps to Find the Right Size + Fit
Whether it’s setting a table or combining vintage and modern, we like to mix high and low, vintage and modern, and always encourage you to do the same — break the rules until you find an aesthetic that is just as unique as you are.
However, it can be helpful to learn the rules and determine the best size rug you need and then adjust accordingly. Below, you’ll find a tried-and-true formula for sizing a rug for your space.
We encourage you to experiment — perhaps you’ll find that you like the look of two separate rugs to fill out an awkwardly-sized space. Or maybe you’ll buck tradition and choose a round rug — one of our favorite rug shapes. Or perhaps you’ll play with layering rugs to bring different colors and textures into a space… the possibilities are endless.
1. Use tape to create a border on the floor
Using removable tape (We recommend using painter’s tape or artist’s tape! Both are easy to remove), draw up a border on the floor to visualize how much of the room you’d like the area rug to occupy. Alternatively, you can choose from common rug sizes and tape out a specific size in your space. This technique can help you understand how much space the rug or rugs will take up.2. Maintain at least 18" of bare floor around the rug
The “industry standard” is to leave about 18 inches of empty space around the perimeter of the room to help frame the room and let your rug fill up the rest. Using the tape as a barrier, you can get a sense of whether you prefer more or less coverage. But you know how we feel about rules … feel free to make that space smaller or larger, depending on your gut instincts.3. Leave 8" of space if a room is smaller
For smaller spaces, the 18-inch rule can be reduced relative to the size of the room. The industry standard is to leave about 8 inches of space around the room.4. Give yourself a 2" margin of error
Remember: handmade rugs and your measuring tools aren’t always exact. It’s smart to leave two inches all around your measurements just in case your rug ends up being a little larger than expected. (It happens, trust us!)5. Jot down the dimensions
It’s tempting to think that you’ll remember the measurements — but why leave room for human error? Be sure to jot down the dimensions of your desired rug so you don’t forget, whether it’s on a notes app or your favorite scratch pad.
Room Sizing
Living Room Rug Sizing
When considering a living room rug, in addition to considering the size of the room, you may want to consider the following:
- Where will you place the rug?
- Will it be under a table and/or sofa? If so, what are the dimensions?
- How much of the floor do you want to see?
Our sales associates often recommend putting the rug about halfway under your sofa and seating, rather than having it fully on top of the rug.
Bedroom Rug Sizing
When considering rug options for a bedroom, don’t feel as though you need to stick to specific sizes. It’s all about how you want the room to feel.
For instance, instead of one large rug, you might consider using two smaller rugs or two runners on either side of the bed as we mentioned earlier. This allows some of the ground to be exposed and natural hardwood to shine.
