Generally, when it comes to design with rugs, there are no set rules. We encourage you to experiment and discover what works for you and your home, depending on your space and of course your preference.

How to Select the Right Size Rug

A well-chosen area rug can add warmth and personality to a room. It can also serve to visually anchor your furniture layout and absorb noise in high-traffic rooms. But, while shopping based on appearance is often easy, finding the perfect rug size to suit your room is often much less straightforward. A rug that's too small will look lost in your space, while a rug that's too large will make your room look crowded and overly busy. So, it's crucial to find a size that will fit with the shape and dimensions of your room, and the positioning of your furniture. Here's a handy area rug guide below to help you find the right area rug for your space!

Living Room

Graphic of how an extra large rug fits in a living roomGraphic of how an extra large rug fits in a living room

For large rooms with furniture in the center, your rug should be big enough to hold all furniture without feeling cramped.

Recommended: Extra Large Rugs (9' x 12' and over)
Graphic of how a large rug fits in a living roomGraphic of how a large rug fits in a living room

For rooms with furniture against the wall, you'll want the front two legs of all the furniture on the rug.

Recommended: Large Rugs (between 6' x 9' and 9' x 12')
Graphic of how a medium sized rug fits in a living roomGraphic of how a medium sized rug fits in a living room

For small or narrow spaces, this layout plays off the room's scale to make it feel larger. If you're working with a small room, consider a medium rug that floats in the center of your seating arrangement.

Recommended: Medium Rugs (between 4' x 6' and 6' x 9')

Dining Room

Consider the shape of your dinner table to help determine the size of your seating area. Your rug should extend at least 2'-3' around all edges of the table. This prevents the chairs from awkwardly going off the rug when they're pushed back as you sit down or stand up.
Graphic of how an extra large rug fits in a dining roomGraphic of how an extra large rug fits in a dining room

Rectangular dining tables look best centered over rectangular rugs. A large table for 8 or more chairs fits best on a 9' x 12' rug offering enough room for all chairs to be on the rug, even when pushed back.

Recommended: Extra Large Rugs (9' x 12' and over)
Graphic of how a square rug fits in a living roomGraphic of how a square rug fits in a living room

The shape of the room can help determine the rug shape you choose. If you're working with a square table, then a square rug will emphasize its shape and enhance the look of your room.

Recommended: Square Rugs
Graphic of how a round sized rug fits in a dining roomGraphic of how a round sized rug fits in a dining room

Round dining tables can be complemented by both square and round area rugs. A round rug works with the shape of your dining table to create a cohesive visual statement. Or, if you want to create a look that's unexpected, opt for a square rug!

Recommended: Round & Oval Rugs
Runner rug on narrow kitchen floorRunner rug on narrow kitchen floor

Kitchen

Graphic of how a runner rug fits in a kitchen roomGraphic of how a runner rug fits in a kitchen room

Placing a runner in your kitchen enhances style and comfort underfoot during daily routines such as cooking and washing dishes. Add warmth to the space by arranging a runner between the counter and aisle.

Recommended: Runners
Graphic of how a small rug fits in a kitchenGraphic of how a small rug fits in a kitchen

For simple comfort, place a small rectangular rug in front of the sink.

Recommended: Small Rugs (4' x 6' and under)
Runner rug on narrow hall entrywayRunner rug on narrow hall entryway

Hall, Entryways, & Stairs

Not only do runner rugs look beautiful, they'll also protect your flooring from excessive wear, tear, and sun damage. Placing a beautiful runner in a high-traffic area keeps your style flowing throughout your home.
Graphic of how a runner rug fits in a hallwayGraphic of how a runner rug fits in a hallway

Don't forget about your hallways and entryways when choosing rugs for your home. Entryway rugs help create a welcoming ambiance when guests pass through your front door.

Recommended: Runners
Graphic of how a runner rug fits on a stairwayGraphic of how a runner rug fits on a stairway

For stairs that are approximately 3 feet wide, we would suggest a 2 inch runner width. This width allows for good coverage so that you don't feel like you are walking on a narrow strip, while not too wide to overpower the stairs. For wider stairs of about 4 feet or 5 feet, a 32" or 33" runner is a good option, as it will leave a nice amount of floor showing on each side without being diminished by the size of the stairs.

Recommended: Runners for Stairs (Custom Length)
Rug on bedroom floor underneath bedRug on bedroom floor underneath bed

Bedroom

Graphic of how a extra large rug fits in a bedroomGraphic of how a extra large rug fits in a bedroom

All Furniture On

If you're working with a large master bedroom, consider a rug size large enough to fit your bed and both nightstands when it's placed underneath them. For a larger room, a 9' x 12' rug is the perfect size to accommodate a king- or queen-size bed and end tables.

Recommended: Palace (Extra Large) Sized Rugs (9' x 12' and over)
Graphic of how a large rug fits in a bedroomGraphic of how a large rug fits in a bedroom

Just The Bed On

If you have attractive flooring but want some comfort, then tuck a 6' x 9' or 8' x 10' rug under the bed just up to the nightstands to provide soft cushioning where it matters most. Smaller rugs are more cost effective and won't completely hide your beautiful floors.

Recommended: Large Rugs (between 6' x 9' and 9' x 12')
Graphic of how a small rug fits in a bedroomGraphic of how a small rug fits in a bedroom

Flanking the Bed

A great budget-friendly way to achieve the comfort of a larger rug is to place a runner or small rug on either side of the bed. This gives you the soft underfoot feel when getting in and out of bed for a fraction of the cost.

Recommended: Small Rugs (4' x 6' and under)
Graphic of how a medium size rug fits in a bedroomGraphic of how a medium size rug fits in a bedroom

Foot of the Bed

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, then you probably aren't looking for a rug to provide comfort - but you can still get the style and panache of an area rug by placing it just under the foot of the bed. This technique can give you space in front of the bed to create a seating arrangement with accent chairs or a bench, adding more functionality to your room.

Recommended: Medium Sized Rugs (between 4' x 6' and 6' x 9')
Graphic of how a round sized rug fits in a dining roomGraphic of how a round sized rug fits in a dining room

Twin Beds

For bedrooms with one of two twin beds, consider placing a runner to the side or between them.

Recommended: Runners
Rug on office floor between sofa and deskRug on office floor between sofa and desk

Office

One of the first considerations for choosing your office rug is what size it will be. Standard office rugs come in various sizes from the smallest to the largest office space. Determining the size of your office rug begins by understanding your needs. If you want a rug purely for decorative reasons, the size should fit your decor idea. For example, you may wish to have a small round rug for a seating area, or you may want it to be almost wall-to-wall. If you want the office rug under the desk, ensure it is large enough for the desk and all chairs to be comfortably on the rug even when pushed out. The rug should entirely cover all seats with a minimum of three inches extra around the parameter for a seating area. For a rug to fill the room, leave just three inches from the carpet and the walls or the furniture it borders.
Graphic of how a large rug fits in an officeGraphic of how a large rug fits in an office

If you want the office rug under the desk, ensure that it is large enough for the desk and all chairs to be comfortable on the rug even when pushed out.

Recommended: Large Rugs (between 6' x 9' and 9' x 12')
Graphic of how a small rug fits in an officeGraphic of how a small rug fits in an office

For a simple way to add comfort under your chair and feet, try a small rug in front of your desk.

Recommended: Small Rugs (4' x 6' and under)
Once again, when it comes to design with rugs, there are no set rules. We encourage you to experiment and discover what works for you and your home, depending on your space and of course your preference. Have fun shopping and we'll be here to help every step of the way!