How to Choose a Rug Size: Basic Tips for Styling with Rugs

Whether you’re looking to spruce up a cozy corner or a large living area, our definitive Guide to Rug Sizes has everything you need to know for choosing the perfect rug for your space.

1 | Measure Your Spaces

To help you get a sense of which rug size you need, record the dimensions of the designated space.

Using a measuring tape, measure the length and width of the space for which you want a rug. If you want the rug centered within a single room, measure the length of the base of each wall. If you want it to separate one space from another – such as a dining area from a living area – measure the space meant for the rug as well as the room as a whole. Make note of any protrusions or odd angles that could affect a rug’s fit.

As a general rule, keep at least four inches of exposed floor space between a wall and the edge of a rug.

2 | Know Your Rug Size Options

Small Rugs: 2’ x 3’ and 2’ x 4’
Best for: Slim corners; walk-in closets; nooks and crannies.

Medium Rugs: 4’ x 6’ and 5’ x 8’
Best for: Separating spaces; entryways; layering over large rugs.

Large Rugs: 8’ x 10’ and 10’ x 13’
Best for: Centering a room; layering under medium rugs.

Narrow down your search for the perfect rectangle rug by choosing from three categories of rug sizes: Small Rugs, Medium Rugs and Large Rugs.

Rug Sizes	Recommended Minimum Room Size	Common Rug Types
2' x 3' Rugs	4' x 5'	Bathroom Rugs, Kitchen Rugs, Bedroom Rugs
2' x 4' Rugs	4' x 6'	Bathroom Rugs, Kitchen Rugs, Bedroom Rugs
4' x 6' Rugs	6' x 8'	Living Room Rugs, Bedroom Rugs, Office Rugs
5' x 8' Rugs	7' x 10'	Living Room Rugs, Bedroom Rugs, Office Rugs
8' x 10' Rugs	10' x 12'	Living Room Rugs, Dining Room Rugs, Bedroom Rugs
10' x 13' Rugs	12' x 15'	Living Room Rugs, Dining Room Rugs, Bedroom Rugs

In a small bedroom with a Twin bed, all you need is a small rug to tie the pieces together.

In a small dining room, a small rug offers a small border of a few inches peeking out from the perimeter.

In a medium-sized bedroom with a Full bed, a medium rug covers more floor area with spanning wall to wall.

In a medium-sized dining room, a medium rug will reach just beyond the chair backs.

For a fuller effect, make a large bedroom rug extend further than the edges of a bed.

Adding a few extra inches in rug size helps to keep proportion in large dining rooms.

3 | Determine Your Floor Plan

Rug Sizes for Living Room Areas

Small Floor Plan:

Tip: Arrange Furniture Around Rug
This rug placement is the perfect way to define and distinguish the center of your seating arrangement.

Large Floor Plan:

Tip: Arrange Furniture On Rug
To keep this space feeling open yet grounded, float your furniture in the middle.

Rug Sizes for Dining Room Areas

For your dining room, the best options depend on the dimensions of the table.

Rug Sizes	Recommended Floor Plan
4' x 6' Rugs or 5' x 8' Rugs	Small
8' x 10' Rugs	Classic
10' x 13' Rugs	Large

Rug Sizes	Recommended Floor Plan
8' Round Rug or 8' Square Rug	42" - 48" (Round Dining Table)
8' x 10' Rugs	76" x 32"
10' x 13' Rugs	120' x 30'

Adding 24" to 30" to each side of your table will help you find the right rug size, as this ensures plenty of room for chairs to slide in and out.

If your dining table is situated in the center of your space, your rug should be placed at least 4" away from the walls.

Dining tables with leaves should be measured with the extensions included, so you can ensure the perfect fit.

Rug Placements in Home Office

For home office rugs, you have a few options. One is the one-rug plan, in which one large rug covers most fo the floor area, over which the desk legs and any other seating, such as a loveseat, are placed. The second option is the two-rug plan, in which rugs define areas within the room: a small rug is placed under the desk and desk chair, and another, separate small rug is placed under a loveseat or accent chair. You can also try one small rug in a larger room, in which a small rug sets apart the "working " area, whilst the leisure-seat area (loveseat, accent table, etc.) is left without a rug for a minimalist vibe. When placing furniture over a rug in a home office, go with two legs on the rug and two legs off (to keep a balanced and non-cramped feel).