How to Choose a Rug Size: The Definitive Guide for Every Room
The rug sizing rules designers actually use — living room layouts, bed sizes, dining tables, runners, standard sizes in feet and centimeters, pile, materials and rug pads.
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Rug size calculator.
Enter your room and furniture and get the right rug size — with a scaled diagram, standard sizes in feet and centimeters, and where to buy.
Recommended rug8 × 10 ft
Shop this sizeCustom size? Get it made
How it works
The rules behind the numbers
- Living room: leave 8–18 in (20–45 cm) of bare floor to the walls, and make the rug at least 6 in (15 cm) wider than the sofa on each side so it anchors the seating.
- Bedroom: the rug should extend 18–24 in (45–60 cm) beyond each side of the bed and start just in front of the nightstands.
- Dining: add 24 in (60 cm) on every side of the table so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
- The calculator then rounds to the nearest standard size that fits the room, because custom sizes cost more and take longer.
Read the full rug size guide for pile heights, materials and rug pads.
FAQ
Good to know
What is the most common living room rug size?
In the US, 8 × 10 ft (about 240 × 300 cm) suits most living rooms with a standard three-seat sofa. In smaller rooms, 5 × 8 ft (160 × 230 cm) works for a front-legs-on layout.
Is a bigger rug always better?
Usually — an undersized rug is the most common mistake. But keep at least 8 in (20 cm) of floor showing around the edge so the room doesn’t look carpeted.
What if my ideal size isn’t standard?
Order a custom size. Hand-tufted and flatweave rugs are commonly made to size with modest minimums — our sourcing desk can quote them.
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