collage of different sized rugs in home room scenes

The Ultimate Guide for Using Rugs of Every Size

Choosing the right size rug for your space can be challenging, and measuring before buying is always recommended. Below is a guide for common rug sizes, some ideas for where they can be used, and how to use them. 

2' x 3' 

  • Entryway/foyer - in front of the door with a little floor showing between the rug and the door
  • Bathroom - outside a tub or shower (note: it should be a washable fiber that is moisture and humidity tolerant)
  • Kitchen - in front of a sink or prep area 

3' x 5'

  • Entryway/foyer - in front of the door with a little floor showing between the rug and the door; under a bench
  • Beneath a coffee table - with a few inches of rug extending from all sides 
  • Small mudroom or laundry room
  • Next to a bed 
  • Kitchen - in front of a sink or prep area 
  • Reading nook - with front legs of chair (s) and furniture on it 

4' x 6'

  • Small living room/seating area - with front legs of seating and sofa on it
  • Small dining area - under a small dining set; all four legs of chairs should still fit on it when pulled out 
  • Bedroom - beside or at the foot of the bed, or to anchor a small seating area 
  • Office - underneath the desk 
  • Entryway/foyer

5' x 7 & 5' x 8'

  • Bedroom - placed horizontally at the foot of a full or queen size bed or beside a bed that is against a wall 
  • Living room/seating area - with front legs of seating and sofa on it
  • Small dining area - under a small dining set; all four legs of chairs should still fit on it when pulled out 
  • Entryway/foyer -with several inches of flooring showing on all sides

6' x 9'

  • Medium size living room -  with front legs of seating and sofa on it
  • Bedroom - placed horizontally at the foot of a full or queen size bed 
  • Dining room - under a dining set with 4-6 chairs; all four legs of chairs should still fit on it when pulled out

8' x 10'

  • Living room - with front legs of all chairs and sofa on it (this is the most popular living room rug size)
  • Dining room - under a 6-8 seat rectangular dining set; all four legs of chairs should still fit on it when pulled out
  • Bedroom - under a queen size bed with nightstands off the rug; under the lower two-thirds of a king size bed 

9' x 12'

  • Living room - with at least the front feet of all seating and the sofa on it
  • Dining room - beneath a large dining table; all four legs of chairs should still fit on it when pulled out
  • Bedroom - under a king size bed 

Runners

  • Foyer/entryway - ideal for a narrow entryway
  • Hallway - should be slightly shorter than the hallway and have floor showing on either side 
  • Kitchen - horizontally in front of a large island or long counter 
  • Bedroom - beside the bed; runner should be slightly shorter than length of bed 

While this certainly doesn't cover all spaces where you might use an area rug, it should serve as a guide to help you choose the right size handmade natural area rug for most spaces in your home. 

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