Rugs are a simple yet effective way to define any space. A rug can also be used to divide a space into zones, such as a living space and dining area, or a living room and home office. On top of that, area rugs come in a wide range of layout designs to match the interior of each room in the home.
However, there is more to add an area rug than just rolling it out on the floor. You need to consider the size and placement before you start shopping for your best rug. The first reason to consider the size and placement is for aesthetic purposes, and the second reason is to ensure you are not creating a tripping hazard.
We have put together a guide to help you find the appropriate rug placement and size for different rooms of your home.
Distance Between The Rug and Wall
The first thing you want to do is determine the distance between your rug and the nearest wall. This is a factor that can be applied to almost any room of the home.
Your rug should be anywhere from 12 inches to 18 inches from the wall, depending on the size of the rug and your space. You may only be able to allow for 12 inches of clearance in a smaller room, but you can increase the distance in a larger room. Regardless of the size of your room, the key is to allow a portion of the floor between the rug and wall to be visible. By considering the distance between your rug and the wall, you are setting the tone for a balanced design.
Standard Rug Sizes
We’ve created a table of standard rug sizes in centimeters, feet, and inches to help you choose the right rug for your room. So, be sure to compare the individual measurements of each rug carefully before you order.
Standard Rectangular Rug Sizes
| Size: Feet | Size: Inches | Size: Cm |
| 4′ x 5’6″ | 47 x 67 | 120 x 170 |
| 4’5″ x 6’5″ | 55 x 79 | 140 x 200 |
| 5’3″ x 7′ 7″ | 63 x 91 | 160 x 230 |
| 5′ x 8′ | 60 x 96 | 152 x 243 |
| 6’5″ x 9’5″ | 79 x 114 | 200 x 290 |
| 8′ x 10′ | 96 x 120 | 243 x 304 |
| 8′ x 11′ | 95 x 130 | 240 x 330 |
| 9′ x 12′ | 108 x 144 | 274 x 365 |
| 10′ x 13′ | 118 x 157 | 300 x 400 |
Standard Runner Sizes
| Size: Feet | Size: Inches | Size: Cm |
| 2′ x 3′ | 24 x 36 | 60 x 90 |
| 2′ x 3’6″ | 24 x 43 | 60 x 110 |
| 2’3″ x 4′ 6″ | 28 x 55 | 70 x 140 |
| 2’3″ x 7’9″ | 28 x 95 | 70 x 240 |
| 2’6″ x 5′ | 32 x 59 | 80 x 150 |
| 2’6″ x 10′ | 32 x 118 | 80 x 300 |
Standard Square Rug Sizes
| Size: Feet | Size: Inches | Size: Cm |
| 3′ x 3′ | 36 x 36 | 91 x 91 |
| 5′ x 5′ | 60 x 60 | 152 x 152 |
| 6′ x 6′ | 72 x 72 | 182 x 182 |
| 8′ x 8′ | 96 x 96 | 243 x 243 |
| 10′ x 10′ | 120 x 120 | 304 x 304 |
SHOP
Rug Size and Placement In The Living Room
If you would like to take it on a room-by-room basis, you may want to start with the living room. After all, this is the place you relax with family and entertain guests.
You want to keep your furniture arrangement in mind when choosing your rug, as the two are going to go hand-in-hand when arranging your living room. There are several ways to arrange your living room seating with an area rug. Your seating may be positioned with just the front legs on the rug, all four legs on the rug, or all four legs off the rug. This is going to depend on your space and the arrangement you have in mind.
The arrangement you choose for your seating and the rug is going to depend on the size of your space. In a larger space, you may decide to place just the front legs over the rug. All four legs can be placed over it if you are working with a bigger rug. As for your chairs, you want the front legs to touch or hover on your area rug.
Rug Sizes For Living Room
The rug size for a living room is usually 5′ x 8′, 8′ x 10′ or 9′ x 12′, and if you are unsure of what size to choose, it is best to go with a larger rug. If you would rather not estimate the measurements, be sure to measure your living room before purchasing your rug. Remember, your rug should be 12 inches to 18 inches from the wall.
In a smaller living room with the sofa against the wall, the front legs of your sofa should be able to rest on the rug. You may decide to float your furniture in a larger living room. In this case, you want to choose an area rug that is big enough for all four legs of your furniture.
Also read: Ideas for Small Living Room with Furniture Arrangement Tips
Regardless of the size of your space, your area rug should be centered under all four legs of your coffee table. If the rug cannot accommodate all four legs of your coffee table, then you need to choose a larger rug.
Rug Size and Placement In The Dining Room
The next room to think about is your dining room, as you are going to consider the rug size and placement for a different set of furniture.
It is recommended to choose an area rug that is larger than your dining table and chairs. In fact, the rug should accommodate your table and chairs even when you pull them out. A rug that is too small and does not accommodate your furniture could become a tripping hazard.
One way to ensure you are choosing the appropriate size is to measure the length and width of your dining table, and then you want to add at least 4 feet to each measurement. There is a good chance you are going to need to invest in an 8-foot wide area rug to ensure it accommodates your dining table and chairs.
By ensuring your area rug is wide enough to accommodate your dining furniture, you are creating a dining room that is both aesthetically pleasing and safe for everyone.
Rug Size and Placement In The Bedroom
Finally, you need to consider the rug size for a bedroom, as well as the rug placement. Once again, you are working with an entirely different set of furniture, so the rules may change to accommodate these pieces.
Related; What Is The Average Bedroom Size?
For Small Bedrooms
Start with a smaller bedroom such as 10 by 10 feet or a bedroom with a bed against the wall. It may be best to choose a runner rug, which is a longer, more narrow rug, to place under each nightstand. This way, you can add your area rug without worrying about disrupting the scale in what is already a smaller space.
For Large Bedrooms
In a spacious bedroom, you want to choose an area rug that is large enough to accommodate your bedroom furniture, which usually includes your bed and nightstands. Another option is a rug that sits just below your nightstands, but it is still large enough to accommodate your furniture.
However, you want to avoid choosing a smaller rug to place at the foot of your bed, as it does not fit with the scale of your bedroom.
SHOP
When you are ready to choose a rug size for a bedroom, you want to keep the following measurements in mind, as they can help you choose a rug that is the appropriate size for your bed.
Full-Size Bed: If you have a full-size bed, you want to choose a rug that is 8′ x 5′, 10′ x 8′ or 12′ x 9′.
Queen-Size Bed: For a queen-size bed, you can also choose a rug that is 8′ x 5′, 10′ x 8′ or 12′ x 9′.
King-Size Bed: If you own a king-size bed, you are once again choosing a rug that is 8′ x 5′, 10′ x 8′ or 12′ x 9′.
As you can see, the measurements for the rug you are placing under each bed are the same. However, the rug you choose is going to depend on your bed and space. You may choose a rug that measures at 8′ x 5′ for a full-size bed in a smaller bedroom, while you may feel a 12′ x 9′ rug is an appropriate size for a king-size bed in a spacious bedroom. Remember, your rug should be 12 inches to 18 inches from the wall.
Also read; How to Make a Small Room Look Bigger With Flooring
If you keep the above tips in mind, you can easily select the appropriate rug placement and size for each room of your home.
