How to Choose the Right Size Rug For a Room

One Kings Lane gives us the breakdown on what the perfect fit looks like.

Not sure what's the right rug size for your space? From rugs for your living room and kitchen to runners for your hallways, we break down the essentials to help you find the perfect size.

1. Big Space? Cover It Up
For large rooms with furniture floating in the center, a rug should be big enough so that the furniture fits completely on top without feeling cramped.
Standard sizes: 9' x 12', 11' x 14'

2. Furniture Along the Wall? Cover Halfway
When furniture is against the wall, aim to have the front two legs of all the furniture on the rug.
Standard sizes: 6' x 9', 8' x 10'

3. Small Living Room? Center It
Smaller rugs can be used just under the coffee table or to define specific seating areas.
Standard sizes: 4' x 6', 5' x 7'

Good to know: For a room-size area rug, most designers favor a 1'-2' border of exposed floor all around.

The choice is clear: Your table and chairs should all rest on the rug. Just remember that you need 24" or so extending beyond each side of the table to avoid chairs going off the rug when pushed back.
Standard sizes: 8' x 10', 9' x 12'

1. Go For a Small Landing
For the kitchen where there's lots of foot traffic, a small, half-round, or rectangular rug in front of the sink works best.
Standard size: 2' x 3'

2. Find a Narrow Fit
If you have a center island or a narrow galley kitchen, runners that extend the length of the kitchen are a great way to add padding underfoot and fill up the space.
Standard sizes: 2' 6" x 8', 3' x 5'

1. Frame Your Bed
When laying down an area rug in your bedroom, it should extend 36" or so all around the bed. Alternatively, it could extend just on the sides, leaving the foot of the bed directly on the floor.
Standard sizes: 8' x 10' (queen), 9' x 12' (king)

2. Runners All Around
Runners are a great alternative to use on either side or along the foot of the bed. Even in a bedroom with wall-to-wall carpet, you can add runners on either side of the bed and across the foot for a cozier foundation.
Standard sizes: 2' 6" x 8', 3' x 5'

1. Flank With Furniture
A long central runner can be used down the center of a hallway, with furniture pushed to the sides resting on bare floor.
Standard sizes: 2' 6' x 8', 3' x 12'

2. Keep It One-Sided
More common is to have a runner take up just one side in a hallway with furniture against the opposite wall.
Standard sizes: 2' 6" x 8', 3' x 12'

Good to know: Either way, the total width of the runner(s) should be half of the width of the hallway.

BREAKOUT POLL: DESIGNERS WEIGH IN!
We asked a handful of designers: "Do you prefer furniture on or off a rug?" Here's what they think:

60% say all on

20% say all off

20% say half on, half off

Related link

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Rug Pile: The 5 Things You Need to Know

Good to Know: A Glossary of Common Rug Styles