The most common rug mistake isn't the color or the pattern. It's the size. A rug that's too small makes a room feel disconnected; one that's too big can swallow the furniture. Use this room-by-room guide to pick the right size the first time.
Before you start: measure the room
- Measure the length and width of the space you want the rug to cover, not the whole room.
- In most rooms, leave 12–18 inches of bare floor between the rug and the walls.
- Mark the outline with painter's tape and leave it for a day. If you keep stepping off the edge, go bigger.
Living room
The goal is to connect the seating area.
- Front legs on the rug (the most popular layout): the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug. For most living rooms this means a 5.25' × 8' or larger rug.
- All legs on the rug: best for large, open rooms. Choose the biggest size that still leaves floor around the edges, such as 6.5' × 10'.
- Coffee table only: a 4' × 6' rug under the coffee table works in small apartments, but keep it at least as wide as the coffee table plus a foot on each side.
Bedroom
- Queen or king bed: place a 5.25' × 8' or 6.5' × 10' rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so you step onto it when you get up.
- Bedside rugs: two 2.6' × 4' rugs, one on each side, are an easy alternative.
- Kids' rooms and nurseries: a 4' × 6' rug or a 5–6 ft round rug creates a soft play zone in the middle of the room.
Dining room
The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. For a table for four, that usually means 5.25' × 8' or larger; a round table looks best on a round rug.
Entryway and hallway
- Small entry: 2' × 3' inside the door, or a 1.5' × 2.5' doormat outside.
- Larger foyer: 3.3' × 5' or 4' × 6', leaving floor visible on all sides.
Kitchen and bathroom
- In front of the sink: 2' × 3'.
- Bathroom: a 20" × 30" bath mat in front of the tub or shower.
Home office and dorm room
A 4' × 6' rug under the desk chair protects the floor and defines the workspace. In a dorm, a 3.3' × 5' rug next to the bed makes the room feel lived-in.
Round rugs: what diameter?
- 2–3 ft: bedside, reading nook, under a plant stand.
- 4–5 ft: under a small round dining table or in a kids' corner.
- 6–6.5 ft: the center of a playroom or under a round table for four.
Our rug sizes at a glance
| Size | In centimeters | Works best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2' × 3' | 61 × 91 cm | Entry, kitchen sink, bedside |
| 2.6' × 4' | 80 × 120 cm | Bedside, small entry, desk |
| 3.3' × 5' | 100 × 150 cm | Foyer, dorm, reading corner |
| 4' × 6' | 120 × 180 cm | Under a coffee table, office, kids' room |
| 5.25' × 8' | 160 × 240 cm | Living room, dining room, under a queen bed |
| 6.5' × 10' | 200 × 300 cm | Large living room, under a king bed |
Every size in our washable rug collection has a soft low-pile surface and a non-slip backing, and goes in the washing machine. If you want a rug that means something too, our custom song rug comes in all six sizes.
Rug size FAQ
Is it better to go too big or too small?
Too big, as long as some floor shows around the edges. A rug that's slightly large looks intentional; one that's too small looks like an afterthought.
Can I layer two rugs?
Yes. A smaller patterned rug on top of a larger neutral rug adds personality without having to replace the base layer.
Do washable rugs come in large sizes?
Ours do, up to 6.5' × 10'. Check your washing machine's drum capacity for the largest sizes, or use a laundromat's large-capacity machine.