A rug that is too small is the most common decorating mistake. This picks the biggest standard size that fits your room and still suits the furniture.
Rug size calculator
Enter the room, then the furniture the rug goes with.
The rules we use
- Leave floor showing: 12 to 18 inches between the rug and the walls in most rooms, more in big rooms. You can change it above.
- Living room: wide enough for the sofa plus a little on each side, so at least the front legs of the seating sit on it.
- Bedroom: the rug runs sideways under the lower two-thirds of the bed and shows 18 to 24 inches each side. That usually means 8 x 10 ft for a queen and 9 x 12 ft for a king.
- Dining room: at least 24 inches beyond every edge of the table, so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Standard rug sizes
2 x 3, 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 5 x 8, 6 x 9, 8 x 10, 9 x 12, 10 x 14 and 12 x 15 ft. Many brands label 5 x 8 as 5 ft 3 in x 7 ft 6 in or similar, so check the exact size.
Sources
- Room & Board: how to choose a rug size (24 in around a dining table; 18 in to the wall)
- Nebraska Furniture Mart: rug buying guide (8 x 10 for a queen, 9 x 12 for a king; 18 to 24 in beyond the bed)
Sources last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug for a queen bed?
Usually 8 x 10 ft, laid sideways under the lower two-thirds of the bed.
What size rug for a dining table that seats six?
About 8 x 10 ft for a 72 x 38 in table, since the rug should reach 24 inches past every edge.
How far should a rug be from the wall?
Most designers leave 12 to 18 inches of floor showing.