What size rug does your room need?
The most common mistake in a room is a rug that's too small. Here's how to size it.
A rug should hold the furniture together, not float in the middle of the floor. When in doubt, go bigger.
Living room
At minimum, the front legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on the rug. Let it run a few inches past each end of the sofa, and leave a border of bare floor — usually 12 to 18 inches — between the rug and the walls.
| Room | Typical rug |
|---|---|
| Small living room, loveseat | 5′ × 8′ or 6′ × 9′ |
| Most living rooms, 84–96″ sofa | 8′ × 10′ |
| Large room or sectional | 9′ × 12′ or 10′ × 14′ |
Bedroom
Lay the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so it reaches 18 to 24 inches past each side — enough to land on when you get up. A queen usually wants an 8′ × 10′; a king, a 9′ × 12′. Nightstands can sit on or off the rug.
Dining room
Chairs need to stay on the rug when they're pulled out. Add about 24 inches on every side of the table: a 72″ × 36″ table needs at least an 8′ × 10′.
Blank Space sizes the rug from the room and the furniture it just placed, then trims it to stay clear of walls and doorways.