Rug Size Guide – How to Pick the Right Rug for Every Space

Getting the right rug can change a room in seconds, but most people aren’t sure what size to buy. This guide walks you through the basics, so you can pick a rug that fits, looks good, and stays out of the way.

First, think about the function of the room. A living room rug should anchor furniture, a bedroom rug adds comfort under your feet, and a hallway rug protects flooring. Knowing the purpose helps you decide how much floor you want covered.

Measure the Space Like a Pro

Grab a tape measure and write down the length and width of the area you want to cover. For a living room, most designers suggest leaving at least 18‑24 inches of bare floor around the rug. That creates a border that makes the room feel balanced.

Example: If your sofa is 80 inches long, add 24 inches on each side. The total width you need is 128 inches (about 10.5 feet). Look for a rug in a standard size close to that – 9×12 feet or 8×10 feet – and place a rug pad underneath for stability.

Common Rug Sizes and When to Use Them

5×8 ft – Great for small living rooms, dining tables, or a single seating area. Works well under a coffee table with a sofa set back about 12‑18 inches.

6×9 ft – A popular choice for medium rooms. It lets all pieces of a 3‑piece sofa sit on the rug while still showing floor around the edges.

8×10 ft – Ideal for larger living rooms or open‑plan spaces. With this size, most of the furniture sits entirely on the rug, which creates a cohesive look.

9×12 ft – Best for spacious areas, such as big living rooms or dining rooms with a large table. The extra length ensures the rug runs under the chairs, protecting the floor when you pull them out.

Runner rugs (2.5×8 ft, 3×10 ft) – Perfect for hallways, entryways, or beside the bed. Choose a length that leaves about 6‑12 inches of floor visible at each end.

When you can’t find an exact match, consider a slightly larger rug and trim it later, or use a rug pad to keep it from shifting.

Placement Tips That Save You Headaches

Put furniture on the rug, not the other way around. For a sofa, the front legs should sit on the rug; the back legs can stay off. This rule keeps the room grounded and makes cleaning easier.

If you have a coffee table, make sure the rug extends at least 12 inches beyond the table on all sides. That gives enough space for chairs to glide without catching the edge.

In a bedroom, a 6×9 rug placed under the bed works well if the rug starts 18 inches from the nightstand on each side. For a larger master bedroom, a 8×10 rug can sit under the bed and extend outward, covering the nightstands too.

Don’t forget the rug pad. A thin felt pad prevents slipping and adds a bit of cushioning, which is especially helpful on hardwood floors.

Now you’ve got the basics: measure, match a standard size, and follow simple placement rules. Pick a rug that fits the room’s shape, leaves a border of floor, and supports your furniture. With this rug size guide, you’ll feel confident buying the right rug every time.