What Size Rug Do You Need for Your Living Room?

The most common rug mistake is choosing one that is too small. A rug that is sized to your furniture pulls the room together; one that floats in the middle makes it feel smaller. These simple rules help you get it right.

Common rug sizes

Standard rug sizes include 5 x 8 ft (about 160 x 230 cm), 6 x 9 ft, 8 x 10 ft (about 240 x 300 cm), 9 x 12 ft and 10 x 14 ft. In most living rooms, 8 x 10 ft or 9 x 12 ft works best. Smaller sizes suit compact rooms or reading corners.

If none of these fit your room, a made-to-order rug can be woven to any size.

Three layouts that work

All legs on: the rug is large enough for every piece of seating to sit fully on it. This feels the most luxurious and suits large and open-plan rooms.

Front legs on: the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug and the back legs on the floor. This is the most popular layout and works in most rooms.

Floating: only the coffee table sits on the rug. It suits small rooms, but the rug should still be at least as wide as the sofa.

Leave a border of floor

In most rooms, leave around 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) of bare floor between the rug and the walls. In a smaller room, 20 cm (8 in) is enough. The rug should also extend roughly 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) beyond each end of the sofa.

Measure before you buy

Mark the outline of the rug on the floor with masking tape and leave it there for a day. Walk around it and check that doors open freely and that the main seating sits on it the way you want.

Frequently asked questions

Is 5 x 8 too small for a living room?

Often, yes. A 5 x 8 ft rug only works in a small room or with a floating layout. Most living rooms need at least 8 x 10 ft so the front legs of the seating can sit on it.

Should the rug be bigger than the sofa?

Yes. Ideally the rug extends about 15 to 20 cm beyond each end of the sofa.

Can I get a rug made in a non-standard size?

Yes. Our rugs are made to order, so we can weave one to your exact measurements.