Selecting the Best Rug Size for Your Space

Deciding which rug to use in a room can be pretty overwhelming. Once you start looking, you’ll find that there are several sizes, styles and colors to choose. We’ve put together this handy rug size guide to show you some options and to help you select the right size and style of rug – the color that works best in your room is a matter of personal taste and is entirely up to you!

How to Choose a Bedroom Rug

1. Start by measuring the size of the bed.
   • Leave 24″ of rug (or more) on each side of the bed so your first step of the day, as well as your final step of the night, will be on your area rug, not the cold floor beneath.
2. Choose the style of rug you want.
   • Consider a runner rug in the bedroom, especially if the bed is pushed against the wall or you have a blanket chest or bench at the foot of the bed.
   • In a room with twin beds, center a rug between the two.

Helpful Tip: Here’s a chart of standard US mattress sizes (may vary by product and manufacturer):

• Twin: 39″ x 75″
• Twin XL: 39″ x 80″
• Full: 54″ x 75″
• Queen: 60″ x 80″
• King: 76″ x 80″
• Cal King: 72″ x 84″

How to Choose a Dining Room Rug

1. Measure the dimensions of the room (the rug size should be based on these dimensions as well as the dimensions of the table).
2. Measure the dimensions of the dining room table.
3. Choose the size dining room rug you want.
   • A dining room rug should be at least 30″ larger than the dining table so diners can push their chairs back without going off the rug.
4. Choose the style of rug you want for the space.
   • If you have a small space, choose a round rug with a round table.

How to Choose a Living Room Rug

1. Measure the dimensions of the room.
   • Design tip: large rugs tend to make rooms appear larger.
2. Measure the dimensions of your furniture.
3. Select the size of living room rug that will fit the space.
   • Decide whether you want all the furniture legs on the rug. If you don’t, be sure to be consistent throughout the room (see diagrams).
   • Use a 6′ x 9′ rug in small space apartments.

How to Choose a Rug for an Apartment

1. Measure the dimensions of the main room.
2. Select the size of rug that best suits the room.
   • Room-Size Rug – Makes room feel larger and pulls entire room together.
     • Use: to cover up an unattractive floor.
     • Sizes: 9′ x 12′ – 12′ x 14′; 10′ x 14′ – 12′ x 15′; leave 12″-18″ of viewable floor area if possible.
   • Area Rug – Defines a particular space inside a room.
     • Use: As an accessory to a room’s decor and to create individual “rooms” inside a small space or loft apartment.
     • Sizes: 8′ x 10′ – 9′ x 12′
   • Accent Rug – Grounds furniture or highlights entry points.
     • Use: Under a coffee table, dining table or place at entry points to a room.
     • Sizes: 4′ x 6′; 5′ x 8′ – 6′ x 9′

How to Choose an Entryway Rug

1. Measure the dimensions of the entryway.
2. When selecting the size of entryway mat you want, keep in mind:
   • Entryway rugs should be at least as wide as the doorway.
   • If placed in front of a door, choose a low-profile rug that will not snag when the door opens and closes.
   • Use a rug pad to keep rugs from slipping.