This article comes from Wayfair.
How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes
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.
Bigger is Better
A few inches can make all the difference between the 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 = large rugs), and placed to echo its dimensions (long room = orient lengthwise).
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.
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. (You don’t need to pay for a rug to cover a spot no one sees!) 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 it’s rectangular or round.
- 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 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 also be the base for rug placement. Not only will this further define space, but 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 does not include bedroom pieces along other walls, like dressers. We recommend having the rug extend at least 18″ – 24″ past the edge of your bed. If you can, do not allow the rug to encroach upon any main walkways.
- 2/3 Bed on the Rug – Frame your bed with this popular option, which 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 8×10 rug is best for queen beds and a 9×12 for a king.
- Runners on Each Side – This flexible choice works for spaces and beds of all sizes – and 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 should be a bit wider than your nightstand.
Kitchen
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 narrow thoroughfares, so leave all furniture legs off the rug in this space.
Entry
Let the shape of the space dictate the choice of round, rectangular, or 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.
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