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Rug Placement Guide
TIPS FOR SIZING A NEW RUG
It's time to choose a new rug.
You've decided it's just the thing your space needs and you know exactly where it's going to go. Okay, maybe not exactly. Because while you've got the space all picked out, you're not 100% sure what size you need. Just as a rug's pattern and color can make all the difference in a space, the size of that rug makes a huge difference in the look and feel of a room; it can be the difference between open and inviting or tight and cramped. Choosing the right size rug is very personal to a given space, but we've put together this simple guide to start you in the right direction.
Measuring Helps
Measure and, if possible, tape it out. Determining the size of your space is the best way to ensure you purchase the right sized rug. Measure the area where you plan to use the rug and tape out a placement with painters tape to get an idea of how it will look in the space. This makes it easy to try different sizes and placements without even having a rug on hand.
Leave 18-24” of exposed floor around the perimeter of your rug.
Living Room
The center of a modern family's activity, this is a big one to get right.
The focal point of any living room is the seating area, and its dimensions and layout will be the most important factor when choosing a rug size. A too-small rug can make a sweeping space feel cramped while a larger rug will give even tiny rooms a spacious, coordinated look. No matter the size, you’ll want to leave 18 to 24 inches of exposed floor around the perimeter. If you like to keep your furniture legs off the rug a 5x7 size is recommended. An 8x10 rug will fill the visual space of the seating area and should have the front legs of your furniture placed around the edges. A 9x13 rug will fill most rooms and all furniture should be placed directly on top to keep the space intimate.
Sizing for the Room
Keep at least 18 inches of space from the rug edge to the wall to ensure the room does not look cramped.
For Smaller Rooms
Choose a rug that is at least the width of the sofa to keep visual balance in the space.
For Larger Rooms
Pick a rug large enough to fit all the furniture within its boundaries to keep everything looking cohesive.
Legs Off
If you want to keep your furniture legs off the rug, a 5x7 size is recommended for a compact but spacious-looking room.
SHOP NOWLegs Half On
An 8x10 rug will fill the visual space and should have the front legs of your furniture placed around its edges.
SHOP NOWLegs All-In
A 9x13 rug will fit most rooms and all furniture should be placed directly on top to keep the space open but intimate.
SHOP NOWThe Bedroom
This space is a sanctuary and the right rug can make it feel so much warmer and cozier.
For a bedroom rug, the size of your bed will determine the size of the rug. Placement is traditionally perpendicular to the bed with the front legs on top and plenty of rug visible on all sides. The foot of the bed will reach about halfway across the rug. For a twin or full-sized bed, a 5x7 rug fits nicely while an 8x10 or 9x13 is best for a queen-sized bed. A king-sized bed needs a king-sized rug so get the largest one you can to keep the room looking magnificently spacious. All placements should leave 18 to 24 inches of floor space around the rug.
This traditional look is one way of doing things, but there are lots of ways to use a rug in a bedroom so try the one that works best for your space!
Sizing for the Room
All placements should leave 18 to 24 inches of floor space around the rug to ensure the room does not look cramped.
Sizing for the Bed
Traditional placement is perpendicular to the bed with the front legs on top and plenty of rug visible on all sides.
Using Runners
For a different look that covers the same visual area but with less rug, lay runners on the front and sides of the bed.
Dining Room
A place to gather, relax and enjoy good food with good company.
The right rug here adds an extra depth of feeling to any meal.
Here it’s all about the table, how big it is and how many people it sits.
Chair legs should remain fully on the rug whether tucked in or pulled out, with 18 to 36 inches of rug extending from each edge of the table. Remember to account for any extendable leaves and keep 18 inches of floor space between the rug and wall. For oval and rectangular tables a 5x7 rug is best for seating 2-4 people. To seat 6-8, an 8x10 or 9x13 rug is recommended. Square and round tables seating 4-6 pair perfectly with a 7 or 9-foot round rug.
Sizing for the Room
Keep at least 18 inches of space from the rug edge to the wall to ensure the room does not look cramped.
Sizing for the Table
Keep 18-36 inches of space from table edge to rug edge so you can see the pattern and keep chair legs on the rug.
Sizing for the Chairs
For level sitting, ensure chair legs remain fully on the rug whether tucked in or pulled out.
Seating 2-4
For oval and rectangular tables, a 5x7 rug is best for cozily seating 2-4 people.
SHOP 5X7 RUGSSeating 6-8
To seat 6-8, an 8x10 or 9x13 size is recommended for the best pattern visibility and seating area.
SHOP 8X10 & 9X13 RUGSSquare and Round Tables
Square and round tables seating 4-6 pair perfectly with a 7 or 9-foot round rug. A two-person dinette is well served by a smaller 5-foot round size.
SHOP ROUND RUGSKids Room
Use the same size rules as for an adult's bedroom. Choose a smaller rug that will extend beyond either side of the bed. Or a large one that will cover the majority of the floor space to provide a soft surface for the little ones to walk on.
Sizing for the Room
All placements should leave 18 to 24 inches of floor space around the rug to ensure the room does not look cramped.
Sizing for the Bed
Traditional placement is perpendicular to the bed with the front legs on top and plenty of rug visible on all sides.
Using Runners
For a different look that covers the same visual area but with less rug, lay runners on the front and sides of the bed.
The Nursery
Use the same size rules as for an adult's bedroom. Choose a smaller rug that will extend beyond either side of the bed. Or a large one that will cover the majority of the floor space to provide a soft surface for the little ones to walk on.
Hallway and Entryway
Your hallway rug should extend down at least 75% of the length of the hallway. You should also be able to see your flooring on either side of the rug.
The Kitchen
Rugs in front of the sink or stove help ease pain in the feet, legs and lower back. Whether you choose a larger rug or a slim runner, keep the edge at least six inches away from cabinets. And if your rug doesn't have a slip-resistant backing, a rug pad can help prevent sliding and falls.
Porch and Patio
Porches and patios are outdoor spaces, but with the right rug and furniture, your family will find themselves spending more time there than on the couch in the living room.
If you're going for a living room feel in your outdoor space, follow the same guidelines as you would for a living room. You should still leave 18-24" of space between the edge of your rug and deck or patio. This lets you walk around the furniture and can make the space seem larger than if the rug goes all the way to the edge. For living-room-style seating areas, size according to your furniture. If you like your legs just off the furniture, a 5x7 rug is a good choice. If you prefer legs partially or fully on the furniture, you'll usually want to go with an 8x10 or 9x13 size.
For dining areas, a favorite for barbecues and summer dinners outdoors, chair legs should remain fully on the rug whether tucked in or pulled out, with 18 to 36 inches of rug extending from each edge of the table. For oval and rectangular tables a 5x7 size is best for seating 2-4 people. To seat 6-8, an 8x10 or 9x13 rug is recommended. Square and round tables seating 4-6 pair perfectly with a 7 or 9 foot round rug.
Of course, there are plenty of other places to put an outdoor rug, even when it's not the center of the space. Try a 2x3 mat or even a 2x7 runner for an entryway or to fill in a walkway or odd open spot.
