Size, pattern, color, style — when it comes to finding the perfect rug, the sheer number of options can make au naturel floors seem suddenly inspired, but the choices don’t have to be overwhelming. To help, we’ve outlined some common rug layouts for the living room, dining room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Once you’ve decided on a layout that works for your space, you can easily estimate the rug size needed to pull off your favorite look.
What Size Rug is Right for Living Rooms?
Among the biggest rugs you’ll be buying for your pad is the living room rug. But how do you decide what size rug is right for the living room? While there are infinite rug orientation options to choose from, we’ve broken down three easy scenarios that take into account a need for both more or less coverage.
One thing all these living room rug options have in common? They all account for a base rug that’s at least 5′ x 8′ in size. For the most part, you’ll want to avoid smaller-sized rugs for a living room since they can break up a room’s visual flow. Rather, 8′ x 10′ rugs, 9′ x 12′ rugs, 11′ x 14′ rugs will likely be your sweet spot.
Go Big
World’s biggest decorating mistake? Your rug’s too small. Pro tip: Leave 12-18” of floor between the rug and the wall. Common Sizes 9′ x 12,’ 11′ x 14′.
Go Big-ish
Make sure at least the front two legs of the room’s sofa and chairs score a spot on the rug. Common sizes 8′ x 10,’ 9′ x 12,’ 11′ x 14′.
Layered Effect
Use a statement accent rug layered over a large foundational rug, like sisal that extends wall-to-wall. Common sizes 4′ x 6,’ 5′ x 8′.
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What Size Rug is Right for Kitchens?
If you didn’t think kitchen rugs were a thing, you’re not alone. Not every kitchen needs a rug, or can even accommodate one. That said, a rug can really cozy up the space. If your kitchen is a standard design, a runner is likely going to be your best, since center islands often occupy the floor space that could otherwise be allotted to a rug. And since this is the kitchen we’re talking about, look for a runner with a low pile and some pattern. In case it wasn’t obvious, a patterned runner is ideal for camouflaging the inevitable spots and spills.
Run with It
A stylish runner looks great and adds some cushion under foot for cooking or cleaning up. Common sizes 2’6″ x 8′, 3′ x 5.’
What Size Rug is Right for Dining Rooms?
In a word, dining room rugs are big. Not only do they need to accommodate your table and chairs, but they should also accommodate your chairs when they’re pulled out from the table. If you’re inclined to allow just enough room for your pulled-back chairs to clear, you’re likely looking at either a 8′ x 10′ or 9′ x 12′ rug. If you’re feeling a bit grander, go 11′ x 14′ or even 12′ x 15.’ For the sake of scale, a dining room rug that extends 3 feet beyond the table on all sides is ideal, and don’t forget to factor in your dining table’s leaves.
All Aboard
Anchor on a rug that’s bug enough for the chairs to remain on the rug, even when pushed back. Common sizes: 8′ x 10,’ 9′ x 12′.
Opt for Oversized
Base your rug size on your table’s max length, extension leaves included, aiming for it to extend around 36” beyond the table on all sides. Rule of thumb: bigger is better. Common sizes 11′ x 14,’ 12′ x 15.’
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What Size Rug is Right for Bedrooms?
If there’s a theme to be had with bedroom rugs, it’s the more softness underfoot the better. Or said another way, make sure any bedroom rug you introduce into your space acts as a drop zone for your feet when you first hop out of bed in the morning. An oversized rug ( 9′ x 12′ and 11′ x 14′) will have you covered on either side of the bed and at the foot as well. If you’re not looking to go quite so big, try opting for a 8′ x 10′ bedroom rug for a full or queen bed or 9′ x 12′ for king and cal king bed. Depending on the size of the room, these sizes may not be big enough to carpet your entire room exactly, but they will provide a wide enough landing strip to keep toes cozy when walking to and from bed.
Cover Up Job
A rug that leaves 12”-18” of floor between the rug and the wall means that you’ll always have a bit of fuzzy underfoot. Common sizes 9′ x 12,’ 11′ x 14.’
Cozy Wake-Up
For slightly smaller rugs (or rooms), ensure the placement covers the areas where you’ll be walking. Common sizes 8′ x 10′, 9′ x 12.’
Do Double Up
When used in duos, runners can provide a soft landing along either side of the bed. Common sizes 2’6″ X 8,’ 3′ x 5.’
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What Size Rug is Right for Bathrooms?
If you thought your only rug option for the bathroom was a bath mat, think again. Try a 2′ x 3′, 2’6″ x 8′, or 3′ x 5′ rug in the bath to stand up to the run-of-the-mill terry cloth mat. Among the benefits of choosing a real rug over a bathmat, you’ll score a smidge more coverage (bath mats can be almost comically small), and you’ll also have more opportunity to personalize your look. Persian mats, Turkish Soukis (which maintain that covetable terry cloth feel), and even some outdoor rugs all make for ideal bathroom rugs, offering up plenty of absorbency as well as unexpected color and character.
Beyond Terry Cloth
An accent rug or runner is an unexpected choice for the bath, and can cover more ground. Common sizes: 2′ x 3,’ 2’6″ x 8,’ 3′ x 5′.
Featured photo, courtesy of Old New House
