Pick a rug big enough for at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs to rest on it. In most living rooms that is 5' x 8' (150 x 240 cm) or 8' x 10' (240 x 300 cm). Under a dining table, the rug should reach about 24" (60 cm) beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
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Why does rug size matter so much?
A rug that is too small makes a room look disjointed, with furniture floating around a little island in the middle. A rug that ties the furniture together makes the room feel larger and more finished. If you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually the better choice.
Living room
- All legs on the rug: the most generous look. The rug sits under the whole seating group, usually 8' x 10' (240 x 300 cm) or 9' x 12' (270 x 360 cm).
- Front legs on the rug: the most common choice. The front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug and the back legs on the floor. A 5' x 8' (150 x 240 cm) or 6' x 9' (180 x 270 cm) rug suits most living rooms.
- Floating: a smaller rug sits just under the coffee table. It works in small rooms, but the rug should still be wider than the coffee table.
- Leave 8-18" (20-45 cm) of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the walls.
Dining room
How big should a rug under a dining table be?
Measure the table and add about 24" (60 cm) on every side, so chairs stay on the rug when someone sits down. A table for six usually needs an 8' x 10' (240 x 300 cm) rug. Use a round rug under a round table, and a rectangular rug under a rectangular or oval one.
Bedroom
What size rug goes under a bed?
Place the rug so it starts a little in front of the bedside tables and shows 18-24" (45-60 cm) on each side of the bed and at the foot. As a guide, a queen bed suits an 8' x 10' (240 x 300 cm) rug and a king bed a 9' x 12' (270 x 360 cm) rug. For a smaller budget, two runners or 2' x 3' (60 x 90 cm) rugs either side of the bed also work.
Common rug sizes
| Size | Approx. cm | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 2' x 3' | 60 x 90 | Doorways, bedsides, bathrooms |
| 3' x 5' | 90 x 150 | Entryways, beside a bed, small reading corners |
| 4' x 6' | 120 x 180 | Under a small coffee table or a single chair |
| 5' x 8' | 150 x 240 | Most living rooms with front legs on the rug; small dining tables |
| 8' x 10' | 240 x 300 | Larger living rooms, dining tables for 6, queen beds |
| Round 5'-6' | 150-180 diameter | Round dining tables for 4, entryways, nurseries |
| Runner 2' x 6'-8' | 60 x 180-240 | Hallways, kitchens, beside a bed |
Most of our rugs come in several sizes, chosen in the product options, and every size is listed in feet and inches with centimetres. About two thirds of our rugs are rectangular, and we also have round, oval and runner shapes.
How long should a hallway runner be?
Leave about 4-6" (10-15 cm) of floor showing on each side and at least 6-12" (15-30 cm) at each end. For a long hallway, use one long runner or two of the same design with a small gap between them.
Do I need a rug pad?
A rug pad stops a rug from slipping on hard floors and adds cushioning. Many of our rugs have a non-slip backing, and the specifications tell you when a pad is recommended.
How do I check the size before I buy?
Mark the rug outline on the floor with masking tape or lay out sheets of newspaper, then walk around it and pull out the chairs. It is the quickest way to see whether a size works in your room.
Can I get a custom size?
We handle customisation case by case. Email hello@clearhalo.com with the product link and the size you need, and we'll tell you what's possible before you order.
