These are the secrets to rug-sizing success.
You’ve got your eye on the perfect rug that mirrors your room’s aesthetic flawlessly. Now it’s time to whip out the measuring tape and ensure that new rug arrives ready to slide right into place.
As you decide what size rug to buy, there are some common best practices to abide by. (And a few you can opt out of, depending on your home decor style.) You’ll want to consider the size of the space and the area of the room the rug will occupy. Whether you’ll use the rug as an accent piece or as a divider to break up an open layout will also impact the right size rug for your space.
How to measure for a rug
Big spaces need big rugs, and cozy corners love a little carpet underfoot. Here’s how to measure your space and choose a rug size that’s not too large, not too small, and just right. And remember, like all home decor decisions, rug size is really all about personal preference. Use these tips as a guide but feel free to do what feels right for your room.
Measure the space
A quick measurement of the room can help avoid buying something too large or too long. Typically, you’ll want to leave some open floor space around the perimeter of the rug—up to 24 inches between the walls and the rug. Going too big with a rug can give the awkward look of wall-to-wall carpeting that didn’t quite make it wall-to-wall!
Rug size tip: The rug should mimic the orientation of the room. In a rectangular living space, the right size rug will run the length of the room, rather than across the room.
Consider the furniture placement
Generally, a rug should extend at least a couple inches beneath each piece of furniture, or just under the front legs. The weight of the furniture can help anchor the rug place. This placement of the furniture also keeps the rug from feeling like it’s floating in the space.
Alternatively, you can also place your furniture fully on the rug and allow the edges to peek out behind your pieces. This can be helpful in defining a living space in a large, open area of a home like a great room.
Rug size tip: Vintage rugs are typically one-of-a-kind and don’t have size options. If you’ve found one you love and it’s too small for your space, layer it! Lay down a larger natural fiber jute rug. Then add your decorative vintage rug on top.
Visualize your new rug
Measure twice, lay a rug down once … or something along those lines! Use removable painter’s tape to outline the area your rug will occupy. This allows you to double check how far it will extend under your furniture, how much open space is left between the rug and walls, and whether it lands in an awkward spot like right across a walkway.
Rug size tip: Runner rug sizes are long and narrow and are ideal for hallways. Plan to leave between 4 and 6 inches between the edge of the rug and the walls. As you measure for the length of your runner rug, try to avoid the end landing right in the middle of a doorway or walkway.
Measuring for round and oval rugs
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You may find that the standard rug sizes don’t quite work in your space for one reason or another. Many Etsy shops offer custom rug sizes, or you can explore an alternate shape like a round rug under a round coffee table. Oval rugs can be a great swap for rectangle rugs.
Round rugs are sold by the diameter, which is the total width across the widest part of the rug. Oval rugs will carry a width and length measurement, much like a rectangle rug.
Ready to shop for a rug? Use these expert tips for finding the perfect rug.
How to measure for a rug pad
Using a rug pad to help prevent slips is recommended and can help reduce the wear and tear on your flooring, too. As a general rule, a rug pad size should allow for a 1-inch overhang on all sides of the pad. You'll want a rug pad that's 2 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than your rug to allow for this overhang. For a 5’x8’ rug, look for a rug pad that’s 4’10”x7’10” or so.
Rug size tip: For custom rug sizes or hard-to-match dimensions, choose a larger rug pad and trim it down.
Common rug sizes for each room
Overall size, traffic patterns, and other decor and furniture all influence the proper rug size for each room (not to mention how to clean an area rug you've got your eye on). Use these standard rug sizes as a guide. As you shop for a rug on Etsy, you can filter by common rug sizes (plus more helpful features like shipping cost, shipping time, rug material, and more!).
- 8’x10’, 9’x12’, and beyond: These larger-size rugs are typically a great fit for living rooms with several pieces of furniture, dining rooms, and bedrooms. They’re also good area rug sizes for open patios and seating areas in outdoor spaces.
- 6’x9’: This scaled-down rectangle rug is ideal for small living rooms or under a four-person dining table.
- 4’x6’ and 5’x7’: These common rug sizes are great for designating a small seating area in a larger space or in a large entryway.
- 3’x5’: A rug this size is a welcoming addition to a foyer or laundry room.
- 2’x6’ and longer: Runner rug sizes are commonly two or three feet wide and vary in length, depending on your hallway or area where you want to display a long and narrow rug.
- 2’x3’: This compact rug is ideal for in front of a vanity or kitchen sink or for layering under a welcome mat.
Bedroom rug size
Bedrooms are a place to experiment with rug size and placement. Typically, a bedroom rug is placed under the bed. It may extend under your entire bed and your nightstands, or it may lay about two-thirds of the way under the bed. A general rule of thumb is to choose an 8’x10’ rug for a queen bed and a 9’x12’ rug for a king bed.
Rug size tip: In bedrooms, the bed typically covers most of your rug. This means that the pattern you love could be mostly undercover. To keep the rug’s design on full display, choose two runners and place them on either side of your bed.
