The Ultimate Area Rug Size & Placement Guide

Create a unified look in your living room with an area rug large enough to accommodate all of your furniture. The key to styling your seating area on top of a large rug is to maintain at least a few inches of space beyond where your sofa and chairs sit. The rug size helps organize the seating area and create distinction in the room.

You can still create a cohesive look without the cost of a room-size rug. If your seating configuration doesn’t allow for all your living room furniture to be placed on the rug, tuck it just under the front legs of your sofa and chairs to keep your seating area unified.

While not usually recommended, sometimes a small rug can be a budget-friendly option and still add style and comfort to your living room. If you’re working with a smaller room, consider a small rug that floats in the center of your seating arrangement. So long as it’s properly centered among your furniture, a smaller area rug will look intentional and well-styled.

For an unconventional option, choose a large round rug to distinguish your sitting area. Opt for a standard-size rug that is large enough to accommodate all of your furniture with a few inches to spare, or at least large enough to accommodate the front legs of each piece.

If you’re working with a large master bedroom, consider a rug size large enough to fit your bed and both nightstands when it’s placed perpendicular to them. For a larger room, an 8- by 10-foot rug is the perfect size to accommodate a king- or queen-size bed and end tables.

If you have attractive flooring but want to add more comfort, then tuck a 6- by 9-foot rug under the bed just up to the nightstands to provide soft cushioning where it matters most. Smaller rugs are more cost effective and won’t completely hide your beautiful flooring.

One great budget-friendly way to achieve the comfort of a larger rug is to place a runner rug on either side of the bed. Runner rugs and 2- by 6-foot rugs will give you the soft underfoot feel when getting in and out of bed for a fraction of the cost of a bigger rug size.

If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, then you probably aren’t looking for a rug to provide comfort – but you can still get the style and panache of an area rug by placing it just under the foot of the bed. This technique can give you space in front of the bed to create a seating arrangement with accent chairs or a bench, adding more functionality to your room.

Rectangular dining tables look best centered over rectangular rugs. If there is a generous gap between the edges of the rug and your other dining room furniture, like a buffet or bar cart, then consider sizing up to get the most coverage possible under your dining chairs.

The shape of the room can help determine the rug shape you choose. If you’re working with a square room for instance, then a square rug will emphasize its shape and enhance the look of you room, regardless of the shape of your dining table.

Square dining tables are commonly paired with rectangular or square rugs to reinforce the overall silhouette of the table and room. However, if you’re looking for a more playful design, you can pair a square table with an oversized round rug for a bold look.

Similar to square tables, round dining tables can be complemented by both square and round area rugs. A round rug works with the shape of your dining table to create a cohesive visual statement. If you want to create a look that’s unexpected, opt for a square rug.

Placing a runner in your kitchen enhances style and comfort underfoot during daily routines such as cooking and washing dishes. Add warmth to the space by arranging a non-slip runner between the counter and aisle or under the kitchen table. For help picking a rug with a cleanable weave, read our Tips on Choosing a Kitchen Rug.

Don’t forget about your hallways and entryways when choosing rugs for your home. Entryway rugs help create a welcoming ambiance when guests pass through your front door. Not only are they a practical option for protecting floors from tracked-in dirt, but they’re an immediate introduction to your home’s style. Center your runner in front of doorways create a clear path from one room to the next, or place it opposite of hallway furniture, such as a console table.

24 by 60 inches is the standard rug size for a bath runner, but whether you have a half bath or master bath, the rug should be placed in front of the tub or shower to help you avoid slipping. For help picking a rug material that’s durable, antibacterial, and water resistant, read our guide on How To Choose Bath Rugs and Mats.