When selected and measured accurately, a rug can enhance warmth, bring furniture pieces together, and create an illusion of a larger room. Rugs are especially beneficial in open-concept layouts or versatile spaces as they delineate different areas to define sections. However, selecting a rug for your home involves more than just focusing on quality and style; size plays a crucial role too.
Opting for the incorrect rug size in relation to your room and furniture can disrupt the cohesion and intent of your interior design, detracting from the effort you've invested in creating a perfectly balanced space.
What are the Standard Rug Sizes?
The typical rug sizes include 3’x5′, 5’x8‘, 8’x10′, 9’x12′, and 12’x15′. One common mistake homeowners make is selecting a standard rug and assuming it will suit any room, but this is not accurate. Rugs are never one-size-fits-all, as each room has its unique factors to consider when shopping for a rug.
Small Area Rugs
Rugs that are 4’x6′ or smaller are ideal for bathrooms or by the kitchen sink. They can also be used on patios, near the front or back door, or in a bedroom with hardwood floors.
Medium Area Rugs
Medium-sized rugs like 5’x8′ and 6’x9′ offer the flexibility to experiment with various designs within a specific space. While they might not be prevalent in many households, they are often found in smaller rooms and apartments.
Large Area Rugs
Typically, large rugs come in sizes like 8’x10′, 9’x12′, or even bigger. They play a significant role in defining the room's style and can also delineate specific areas in an open space. These rugs are instrumental in establishing a particular room design and sectioning off the space for a distinct purpose.
Extra Large Area Rugs
Larger area rugs, such as 9’x12’ or bigger, work well in expansive open floor layouts or to create the impression of wall-to-wall carpeting in tighter areas.
What are The Perfect Spaces for Area Rugs?
At The Perfect Rug, you have the freedom to design an area rug in any size you wish. Whether you need a rectangle (including runners), a square, or a round rug in a specific non-standard size, you can easily select your preferred rug material and border. Begin with your exact size specifications and customize from there to create the perfect area rug for your space.
Kitchen Rugs
In a bustling kitchen, a small 2'x3' rug is perfect for placing in front of the sink. For a galley kitchen or a center island, a 2'6"x8' decorative runner can fill the space elegantly while offering a comfortable cushion underfoot. Common sizes for kitchen rugs include 4x6, 5x7, and runners can extend to 12' or more for high-traffic areas.
Living Room Rugs
Both 8'X10' and 9'x12' are commonly chosen sizes for living room rugs. Depending on the room size and furniture layout, a custom area rug might be the ideal choice to ensure proper spacing both on and off the rug. For smaller areas, a 4'x6' rug or a 6' round rug can be placed under a coffee table or used to define an outdoor seating space. These rugs can be tailored to fit any dimensions you need.
Featured Living Room Rugs
Dining Room Rugs
When determining the size of a rug for a dining room table, ensure it is large enough to comfortably fit the table and chairs entirely on the rug, even when moving the chairs. This may involve measuring the rug to extend up to 30" beyond the dining table on all sides, or around the table for a round rug. Allow for at least 24" of space around the table to accommodate the chairs when they are pulled out. In a smaller room, ensure that the front legs of the chairs remain on the rug by 6" when pulled out.
Featured Dining Room Rugs
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Bathroom Rugs
Standard bath rug dimensions typically range from 2' x 3', 3' x 5', to 2' x 6'. The choice depends on your bathroom layout and desired aesthetic. Smaller sizes (2' x 3' and 3' x 5') are ideal for powder rooms, half baths, small bathrooms, and master baths with double vanities. A 2' x 6' runner can also complement a double vanity or run along the length of a compact bathroom.
Hallway Rugs
When determining the size of your runner, remember that furniture should be placed directly on the floor. In a hallway, a long central runner can be used with furniture and accent pieces arranged on both sides or against a focal wall. Runner widths typically vary from 2 to 3 feet, and lengths may extend to 9 feet or more.
Outdoor Rugs
Consider the layout of your furniture and the dimensions of your patio, deck, or porch to determine the size of an outdoor rug. To achieve a visually pleasing result, aim to have 12-24 inches of visible floor space surrounding the rug.
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Nursery Rugs
If you aim for your rug to cover most of the room, opt for a size that extends beneath the front legs of all furniture without touching the walls. Leave around a foot of space between the rug and the wall. The rug's size should match the room's scale and meet your objective, whether it's a subtle accent or a cozy area that ties different parts of the room together.
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Bedroom Rugs
When choosing a bedroom rug, take into account color, pattern, material, and size to achieve the ideal appearance and comfort.
- For larger rooms with a king-size bed, opt for a larger rug that can extend under the bed.
- Smaller rooms and beds work well with runners, a great fit for kids' bedrooms with twin beds.
- Ideally, a bedroom rug should extend approximately 36" around the sides of your bed.
Standard rug sizes include 8'x10' for a full or queen bed, 9'x12' for a king bed, and 6'x9' for twin beds.
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How to Measure the Area and Choose the Right Rug Size?
To determine the appropriate size for your rug, measure the length and width of the intended space. The rug's dimensions depend on the room size and furniture layout. To ensure the rug fits well, follow these guidelines: Leave at least a 6-inch gap between the rug and the walls to maintain room balance and prevent it from feeling cramped.
For living rooms and dens, align the rug with the seating area, not the room's center. In dining rooms, center the rug under the table and extend it 1 to 2 feet beyond each side to accommodate the chairs comfortably.
Extra Tips
- Visualize how a rug will appear in your room by creating a border on the floor with painter's tape.
- Optical illusion: Opt for a rug that mirrors the shape of your room to create the illusion of a larger space.