Styling
The Rug Size Guide: How to Get It Right Every Time
Going too small is the most common rug mistake. Here is a room-by-room guide to choosing the correct size for every space.
· Shabnam Overseas
A rug that is too small makes a room feel disconnected, with furniture floating around a mat in the middle. When in doubt, size up. The rules below cover almost every room.
Living room
Aim for at least the front legs of every seating piece to rest on the rug. For most living rooms that means a 6×9 or 8×10 ft rug. In a large or open-plan room, a 9×12 or 10×14 lets all the furniture sit fully on the rug and defines the seating area as its own zone.
Leave 30–45 cm of bare floor between the rug and the walls so the room still breathes.
Bedroom
Under a queen bed, an 8×10 placed with the top edge just in front of the bedside tables gives a generous border on three sides. For a king, go 9×12. If you prefer a smaller piece, a 5×8 at the foot of the bed or a pair of runners on either side works well.
Dining room
Chairs should stay on the rug even when pulled out. Measure your table and add about 60 cm on every side: a table for six usually needs an 8×10, a larger table a 9×12. A low-pile or flat-woven rug makes sliding chairs much easier.
Hallways and entries
Choose a runner that leaves 10–15 cm of floor visible on each side and stops short of doorways. For entries, a 3×5 or 4×6 sits comfortably inside the door swing.
Still unsure? Mark the outline on your floor with masking tape before you order. It is the single most reliable way to see the size in your own room.
