Rug Size Guide
What size rug for a living room, bedroom, dining room or hallway, how to measure for one, and standard rug sizes in feet and centimetres.
How to Measure for a Rug
- Clear the Space. Move small furniture and anything on the floor out of the area the rug will cover.
- Measure the Area. Measure the length and width of the room, or of the area the rug should cover.
- Decide on the Furniture. All legs on the rug, only the front legs, or none: this decides the size more than the room does.
- Leave a Border. In a living room or bedroom, leave about 12–18 in of floor between the rug and the walls.
- Mark It with Tape. Outline the rug with painter's tape and live with it for a day before you order.
Size Recommendations by Room
Living Room
Front legs on the rug is the usual choice
- 5' x 8' — Small seating area: Front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug
- 8' x 10' — Most living rooms: Front legs of every seat on the rug
- 9' x 12' — Large living room: All legs of the seating on the rug
- 10' x 14' — Open-plan room: Defines the whole seating area
Bedroom: What Size Rug for a Queen or King Bed
Laid across the bed, under its bottom two-thirds, stopping short of the nightstands
- 5' x 8' — Twin bed: About 29 in of rug on each side
- 6' x 9' — Full bed: About 27 in of rug on each side
- 8' x 10' — Queen bed: About 30 in of rug on each side
- 9' x 12' — King bed: About 34 in of rug on each side
Dining Room
Allow 24 in beyond the table on every side, so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out
- 8' x 8' — 4-seat table, up to 48 in: Square or round rug for a square or round table
- 8' x 10' — 6-seat table, about 40 x 72 in: Chairs stay on the rug when pulled out
- 9' x 12' — 8-seat table, about 40 x 96 in: Room for every chair to move
- 9' round — Round table, 60 in: Match the rug's shape to the table
Runner Sizes for Hallways and Stairs
A runner is measured the same way: width first, then length
- Width: leave 4–6 in of floor on each side. A 2 ft runner suits a hallway about 3 ft wide; a 2.6–3 ft runner suits one 3.5–4 ft wide.
- Length: leave 4–6 in of floor at both ends, and check that doors open freely over it. In a long hallway, one long runner looks better than two short ones.
- Beside a bed: one runner on each side, about 2.5 x 8 ft, starting a few inches under the bed.
- Stairs: measure the depth of one step and the height of one riser, multiply by the number of steps, and add about 6 in.
Standard Rug Sizes in Feet and Centimetres
| Size (ft) | Size (cm) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 x 3 | 61 x 91 | Doormat, bathroom, beside a sink |
| 3 x 5 | 91 x 152 | Entryway, beside a bed, small reading corner |
| 4 x 6 | 122 x 183 | Small room, under a desk or armchair |
| 5 x 8 | 152 x 244 | Small living room, twin bed |
| 6 x 9 | 183 x 274 | Medium room, full bed |
| 8 x 10 | 244 x 305 | Most living rooms, queen bed, six-seat table |
| 9 x 12 | 274 x 366 | Large living room, king bed, eight-seat table |
| 10 x 14 | 305 x 427 | Open-plan living and dining |
| 2.5 x 8 | 76 x 244 | Runner: hallway, kitchen, beside a bed |
| 2.5 x 12 | 76 x 366 | Runner: long hallway |
How Rugs Are Measured
A rug's size is its width by its length, measured across the woven body from edge to edge and end to end. The fringe is not included: it adds a little at each end.
Because every rug is knotted by hand, the finished size can differ slightly from the size ordered. If your rug has to fit an exact space, send us your measurements before you order.
Any Size, Woven to Order
Every rug in the shop can be woven to the width and length you need. Enter them on the rug's page and the price updates as you type.
A made-to-order rug is woven in 15–20 days in our family workshops in Morocco's Rabat-Salé region, then standard shipping takes 7–14 business days to every destination. Shipping is free on every order.
Choose Your Rug Shape
Rectangular
The most versatile choice for any room
- Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms
- Keep it in proportion to the room
- Leave 12–18 in of floor visible around the edges
- Lay it along the longest wall for visual balance
- How to measure: Measure the length and width of your seating area, then add 24 in to each.
Square
For square rooms and symmetrical spaces
- Works well under a square dining table
- Defines a zone in an open-plan room
- Good for reading corners and small seating areas
- Sits neatly in a square entryway
- How to measure: Measure the width of your furniture arrangement; the rug should reach at least 6 in beyond it.
Round
Softens a room full of straight lines
- Made for round dining tables
- Adds softness to an angular room
- Good in entryways and foyers
- Works as a statement piece in any room
- How to measure: Measure the diameter of your table, then add 48 in so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Custom
Woven to your exact measurements
- For rooms that standard sizes do not fit
- Runners for long or narrow hallways
- Around fireplaces, alcoves and built-in furniture
- Every rug in the shop can be woven to your width and length
- How to measure: Enter your width and length on any rug's page, or send us your room's measurements and we will help.
Furniture Placement Options
All Legs On
Every leg of the sofa and chairs sits on the rug, which pulls the seating together. Needs a large rug in a spacious room. Ideal for: Large living rooms and main bedrooms.
Front Legs On
Only the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug. Balanced, and works with a smaller rug. Ideal for: Medium-sized rooms.
All Legs Off
The furniture sits around the rug, which becomes the centrepiece. Works for accent rugs and small spaces. Ideal for: Small spaces and accent areas.
Can't Measure Your Space?
Send us your room's measurements, or a photo, and we will suggest a size. We can also help you measure on a phone or video call.