Rug Size Calculator
Recommended Rug Dimensions:
How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug Size
Choosing the right rug is more than just aesthetics; it's about the proportions of your furniture and the architecture of your room. A rug that is too small can make a room feel disjointed and cluttered, while the correct size anchors the space and makes it feel expansive and intentional.
The Living Room Rule
In the living room, there are three common layouts:
- All Legs On: Requires a large rug (typically 9×12 or 10×14) where all sofas and chairs sit entirely on the rug. This works best in large, open-concept spaces.
- Front Legs On: The most popular choice. The rug sits under the front legs of the seating, connecting the pieces together. Usually requires an 8×10 rug.
- The "Coffee Table" Only: Only the coffee table sits on the rug. This is generally discouraged unless you have a very small room or a statement rug with unique shapes.
The Dining Room Math
Your rug must be large enough to accommodate the table and the chairs, even when they are pulled out for guests to sit. A good rule of thumb is to add at least 24 to 36 inches to all sides of your dining table. This prevents chair legs from catching on the edge of the rug.
Bedroom Placement
Ideally, the rug should frame the bed. For a Queen or King bed, an 8×10 or 9×12 rug placed perpendicularly under the bed—stopping just before your nightstands—is standard. You want at least 18-24 inches of rug visible on both sides and at the foot of the bed for a soft place to step in the morning.
Example Calculation
If you have a 12′ x 15′ living room and want a "Front Legs On" look with an 18-inch border of flooring showing around the perimeter, your math would look like this:
- Room Width: 12ft – 3ft (1.5ft border on each side) = 9ft
- Room Length: 15ft – 3ft (1.5ft border on each side) = 12ft
- Ideal Rug: 9′ x 12′