What size rug do I need?
Simple spacing rules for every room, and how to measure before you buy.
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Leave about 6 to 18 inches of bare floor between the rug and the walls. A rug that nearly touches the walls makes the room look smaller.
Put at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug. In most living rooms that takes an 8x10. Larger rooms and big sectionals often need a 9x12 or 10x14. A rug smaller than 5x8 rarely holds a seating group together.
Dining room
Chairs should stay on the rug when someone pulls them out. Allow about 24 inches of rug beyond the table on every side.
A table for six usually needs an 8x10. A table for eight usually needs a 9x12, or larger in a big room. For a round table, choose a round or square rug about 4 feet wider than the table.
Bedroom
A common choice is to place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed, so it shows on both sides and at the foot. Aim for 18 to 24 inches of rug beyond each side of the bed.
An 8x10 usually suits a queen bed and a 9x12 suits a king. A 5x8 works for a twin, or as a rug at the side or foot of a larger bed.
Hallways and entries
A runner should leave about 4 to 6 inches of floor on each side and some floor at each end. Measure the hall, then subtract those margins to find the runner size.
At a front door, a 3x5, 4x6 or 5x7 usually works. Check that the door swings clear of the rug.
How to measure
Measure the room, then mark the rug size on the floor with painter’s tape or sheets of newspaper. Live with the outline for a day before you buy.
Handmade rugs vary from their listed size, often by a few inches. Check the true measured size, and order a rug pad cut about an inch smaller than the rug on every side.
Quick answers
What is the most common rug size for a living room?
An 8x10 is the most common, because it lets the front legs of a typical sofa and chairs rest on the rug. Larger rooms often take a 9x12.
Is it better to go too big or too small?
In most rooms, slightly too big looks better than too small. A small rug floating in the middle of the furniture makes a room look disconnected.
Should the rug go under the furniture?
In a living room, at least the front legs should sit on the rug. In a dining room, the table and all the chairs should sit on it.
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