How to Choose the Right Area Rug Size

A simple rug has the power to tie an entire room together. They’re offered in a variety of textures, materials, and sizes and come in circular and geometric shapes.

Keep in mind that you can play with shape to add dimension to a space. Rectangular rugs in a rectangular room under rectangular- and square-shaped furniture may look a little boxy. Instead, choose a circular rug to shake things up. All this being said, it can be challenging to find the perfect rug for your home.

The size of a room informs the size of an area rug. Surely, you don’t want a 7 x 10 rug placed in a 7 x 10 room; if you did, you’d install carpeting. When deciding on rug sizes, there are two options to consider: either a rug large enough to contain all the furniture on it or a rug that furniture is partially on. We’ll get more into these details with the below examples.

Dining Room Area Rug

As mentioned in the intro, it’s up to you to place a rug beneath all the furniture or only some of it, but the dining room is an exception to this rule. It’s best to contain all dining pieces on the rug, otherwise chairs will snag it.

Rugs in smaller dining areas are typically no more than 8 x 10, while more massive dining rooms can easily fit an 11 x 15. That being said, measure your room and the space your table and chairs cover and opt for a rug that can accommodate everything, and then some.

This is the preferred practice for dining areas, but you will have more jurisdiction in the rest of the house.

Bedroom & Living Room Area Rugs

Area rugs in small living rooms or bedrooms could work well both under all of the furniture or only some of it. For example, if only placing living room furniture partially on the smaller rug option (5 x 7), make sure to include the coffee table and all the front legs of seating and side tables.

Anchoring a part of each piece on this rug will ensure everything is cohesively tied together. It’s best to use this method when working in a small space, as trying to fit all furniture and decor within a smaller rug can look cramped.

Medium area rugs are typically 8 x 11 or 11 x 14 in size while large ones are 11 x 14 and up. Both of these categories can fully or partially accommodate furniture and decor more flexibly. Medium and large rugs have the capability to host part of or entire beds, sectionals, and tables. It’s all about personal preference!

Hallway Runner

Hallways tend to be the least-decorated spaces within the home, but a rug will quickly add a welcoming and completed look to this area. The standard width for hallway runners is 2′, but if you need something narrower or wider, they’re out there.

In terms of length, these rugs vary and can be found in 3′, 6′, 10′ and everything in between. Additionally, if you have specific rug needs, you can customize one on sites such as Boundless Rugs.