Buying Guide
Standard Rug Sizes in Feet and Centimetres, with a Room-by-Room Chart
Every standard rug size converted between feet and centimetres, what each is used for, and the simple rules for choosing the right one for each room.
· Shabnam Overseas
Rug sizes are quoted in feet in some countries and in centimetres in others, which makes comparing them harder than it should be. This chart lists every standard size both ways, with what each is typically used for.
Standard area rug sizes
| Size (feet) | Size (cm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2 × 3 | 60 × 90 | Entryways, bedsides, in front of a sink |
| 3 × 5 | 90 × 150 | Small entrances, beside a bed, a reading corner |
| 4 × 6 | 120 × 180 | Small bedrooms, studies, under a coffee table |
| 5 × 8 | 150 × 240 | Small living rooms, under a double bed |
| 6 × 9 | 180 × 270 | Medium living rooms, dining tables for four |
| 8 × 10 | 240 × 300 | Most living rooms, a queen bed, dining tables for six |
| 9 × 12 | 270 × 360 | Large living rooms, a king bed, dining tables for eight |
| 10 × 14 | 300 × 420 | Open-plan rooms and large formal spaces |
| 12 × 15 | 360 × 450 | Very large rooms, halls and lobbies |
Runner sizes
Runners are long, narrow rugs for hallways, kitchens and the sides of beds.
| Size (feet) | Size (cm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 × 8 | 75 × 240 | Short hallways, kitchens, bedsides |
| 2.5 × 10 | 75 × 300 | Standard hallways |
| 3 × 12 | 90 × 360 | Long or wide hallways |
The rules for each room
- Living room: the rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of every sofa and chair to rest on it. For most rooms that means 8×10 or 9×12.
- Dining room: allow at least 24 inches (60 cm) beyond the table edge on every side, so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
- Bedroom: an 8×10 under a queen bed or a 9×12 under a king, placed so about two-thirds of the rug sits under the bed. Alternatively, a runner down each side.
- Hallway: leave 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) of floor showing on each side, and stop the runner short of the doorways.
- Any room: leave a border of bare floor — roughly 12 to 18 inches (30–45 cm) — between the rug and the walls.
When a standard size does not fit
Rooms are rarely standard, and a rug does not have to be either. Because every rug we make is made to order, we can weave to your own dimensions — a runner cut to the exact length of your hallway, or a living room rug sized to your seating plan. Each product page lists the standard sizes and a custom-size option.
For a fuller walk through each room, see our rug size guide in the Journal.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the most common rug size?
- 8×10 feet (240×300 cm) is the most common size for living rooms, and 5×8 feet (150×240 cm) for smaller rooms.
- What size rug goes under a queen bed?
- An 8×10 foot rug (240×300 cm). Place it so roughly two-thirds sits under the bed, leaving a soft border to step onto at the sides and the foot.
- What is a 5×8 rug in centimetres?
- A 5×8 foot rug is approximately 150×240 cm.
- Can I order a rug in a custom size?
- Yes. Every Shabnam Overseas rug is made to order, so it can be made in standard sizes or to your own dimensions. Custom orders take 8–12 weeks.
