Rug Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Rug for Every Room
The most common rug mistake is choosing one that is too small. A small rug floating in the middle of a room makes the space look disjointed; the right size pulls furniture together. Here is how to choose, room by room.
The basic rules
- Leave a border of bare floor around the rug — usually 20–45 cm (8–18 in) to the walls in a living room or bedroom.
- Furniture should either sit on the rug (at least the front legs) or clearly off it. A sofa with one leg on and one off looks accidental.
- When in doubt, go one size larger.
- Mark the size on the floor with masking tape before you order. It takes two minutes and shows instantly whether a rug will work.
Living room
Place the rug so that at least the front legs of the sofa and armchairs stand on it. Ideally the rug is a little wider than the sofa — about 15–20 cm on each side. In a small living room, a rug of around 120 × 160 cm (47 × 63 in) or 140 × 200 cm (55 × 79 in) under the coffee table defines the seating area; larger rooms usually need 160 × 230 cm or more.
Bedroom
- Under the bed: the rug should extend roughly 45–60 cm (18–24 in) on both sides of the bed, so you step onto something soft. For a 140–160 cm wide bed, that means a rug of at least 230 cm width.
- Beside the bed: if a large rug is not practical, place a smaller rug on each side — 60 × 90 cm (24 × 36 in) or 80 × 120 cm (31 × 47 in) works for most beds.
- Runner at the foot of the bed: a long, narrow rug across the end of the bed is another option.
Dining room
The rug should extend about 60–75 cm (24–30 in) beyond the table on every side, so the chairs stay on the rug when they are pulled out. A low-pile, easy-to-clean rug is the practical choice under a dining table.
Kitchen
In front of the counter or sink, use a runner that leaves about 10–15 cm of floor at each end. Sizes such as 40 × 120 cm (16 × 47 in) or 50 × 80 cm (20 × 31 in) fit most kitchens. A non-slip backing matters here more than anywhere else.
Hallway and entrance
A hallway runner should leave roughly 10–15 cm (4–6 in) of floor on each side and stop short of door swings. At the front door, a rug of about 60 × 90 cm or 80 × 120 cm catches dirt and gives the entrance a finished look.
Rug sizes at a glance
| Where | Typical sizes |
|---|---|
| Bedside, bathroom, entrance | 40 × 60, 50 × 80, 60 × 90 cm |
| Kitchen and hallway runner | 40 × 120 cm and longer |
| Reading corner, under a small coffee table | 80 × 120, 100 × 150 cm |
| Small living room | 120 × 160, 140 × 200, 160 × 200 cm |
| Larger living room or under a bed | 160 × 230 cm and larger |
Our William Morris Strawberry Thief style rug comes in 11 sizes from 40 × 60 cm to 160 × 200 cm, including a 40 × 120 cm runner, with a non-slip rubber backing. For a farmhouse look, see the round cow print rug and the botanical kitchen rug.
Rug size FAQ
Should the rug go under the sofa?
At least the front legs should stand on it. A rug that stops short of the sofa makes the seating area feel smaller.
How much floor should show around a rug?
Usually 20–45 cm to the walls in living rooms and bedrooms, and 10–15 cm on each side of a hallway runner.
Do I need a rug pad?
Rugs with a rubber non-slip backing usually do not. Rugs without one are safer with an anti-slip underlay, especially on wood and tiles.
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With love, Emma at BohoArtis