Rug Size Guide

January 07, 2024 4 min read

 

Looking to buy a new rug but don’t know what size to get? 

 

Here are some tips




What's the number one mistake that people make when buying a rug?


(We'll assume that you've already decided to buy a non-toxic, organic rug.)


The #1 mistake people make when buying a rug is buying a rug that is too small for their space. 


Choose the biggest rug that your room and your budget will allow.


A "floating rug" - one that sits under the coffee table, framed by the furniture, will make your room look congested and smaller.


Unless your room is very small, opt for a rug that will cover more floor space - it will anchor the furniture and make your room feel more spacious.

"Rugs - the bigger the better. Nothing shrinks a room faster as a postage stamp rug"

Mary Foley and Michael Cox

Finding the right sized rug

Looking for a rug but don't know what size to get? 


The size of a rug can easily alter how a space looks. A common mistake is buying a rug that is too small. We recommend sizing up when in doubt.


Rugs serve multiple aesthetic and functional purposes. 


They help ground spaces, absorb sound, add visual interest, and more.  Rugs can define a seating area. 


Finding the rug size rug can make pull your room together. Let’s explore what size fits best for each room of your house.



rug size graphic

Living Room Rugs






We always recommend sizing up for a living room rug - the goal is that most of your furniture should be on the rug.

The right size rug for your living room

When styling a living room with a rug, you should consider the furniture layout as well as the size of the room itself.


A good rule of thumb: measure so that all of the furniture rests on the rug, leaving 18"-24" bare around the perimeter of the room.

Erica Rug in Living Room
Organic Weave
10x14 rug in living room

A 10’x14’ rug (or bigger) fits well in an open-plan living room. It helps define the space and anchors your furniture.

9x12 rug in living room

 

A 9’x12’ rug is large enough to accommodate the front legs of your furniture.

8x10 rug in living room

An 8’x10’ rug exposes a bit more floor material. It can accommodate the front legs of most furniture. 

5x7 (small) rug in living room

For a smaller living room, a 5’x7’ rug sits well in the middle of your furniture layout, framing your coffee table.

Bedroom Rugs

For your bedroom, most people choose their rug size based on the size of their bed.


King = 10x14 or 9x12

Queen = 9x12 or 8x10

Twin = 5x7, 6x9 or 8x10


If you want a larger rug to fill your bedroom floor,  you can measure the room and deduct 18"-24" around the perimeter - and that would be the size of the rug. (We are happy to make custom sized non toxic bedroom rugs!)


A rug can add a nice focal point as well as comfort for your feet.

Seersucker Ivory Rug in bedroom
Organic Weave
9x12 rug with king sized bed

A 9’x12’ or 10’x14’ rug fits well under a king bed. It can accommodate other pieces of furniture like the nightstands.

8x10 rug with queen size bed

An 8’x10’ or 9’x12’ rug is best for a queen bed. It provides a soft landing for your feet all around the bed.

twin bed with 5x7 rug
twin bed with 8x10 rug

Twin Beds


An 8’x10’ (or larger) rug is perfect if you wish all the furniture to rest on it. It also adds comfort and warmth to the room.


A 5’x7’ or 6’x9’ rug serves more as a focal point in the bedroom and provides a nice playing area for your child.

Dining Room Rugs

In a dining room, focus on the size of your table and chairs. The rug should be large enough to have your chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. A good rule of thumb is to add 24” to each side of your dining table.


Note: A wool rug is always better for a dining room, as wool is naturally stain and soil resistant. The tighter the weave, the better - the weight of dining room chairs can take a toll on your rug.

Gallerie Blue Rug in Dining Room
Organic Weave
rectangular rug in dining room

Rugs of size 8’x10’ and 9’x12’ (and bigger) fit tables for six or eight best.

round rug in dining room

A 10’-diameter round rug fits well with a 60” circular table. Chairs stay on the rug even when pulled out.

Nursery + Children's Rugs

Imagine your child playing on a non toxic rug!


A rug is a cozy addition to a child's bedroom or a nursery as it provides a soft and comfortable area for your little ones to play on.


The best size may be based on the overall size of the room, or based on the furniture - for example, if you have a crib, you may wish to place the rug under the crib, or you may prefer a rug that will sit in front of your crib.


Read our size guide to help you find the right size for your child's room.

twin bed with 5x7 rug
twin bed with 8x10 rug
nursery with 5x7 rug
nursery with 8x10 rug

A 5’x7’ or 6’x9’ rug offers enough room for your baby or child to sit or play on. The rug sits well in the middle of your layout and can serve as a focal point.


An 8’x10’ (or larger) rug can accommodate all the furniture in the nursery. A larger rug provides a big soft surface for your baby to crawl on.

Rug Size Tip: If you're choosing between two sizes, choose the larger one.

The right sized rug will anchor your furniture, define a seating/conversation area and has the potential to make your room feel larger.


Our non toxic rugs come in all sizes and shapes!


Get in touch if you need assistance or if you want to order a custom sized, GOTS certified organic rug for any room in your home.


We would be happy to help you with selecting the right sized rug or if you need help with a custom sized rug.

Linda Alexanian Image

The Author: Linda Alexanian

Linda is the Founder of Organic Weave. As a third generation rug merchant, Linda is passionate about the art of making handmade rugs with all natural materials.


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