Appropriate Area Rug Size

Foyer or Entrance

• If you are fortunate enough to have a separate foyer or entry hall, either is an ideal place to feature an area rug. Depending on the size of the entry door, you can substitute a 3, 4 or 5-foot long rug for an inside doormat. For a rectangular foyer, you can position a 5-foot by 8-foot rug down the length of the space. For large or open foyers, you can approximately center a 6 or 8-foot round or square rug in the space and place a foyer table on it.

Living Room or Family Room

• In the room where family or guests gather to relax, watch television or enjoy conversation, you can place a single 8-foot by 10 or 11-foot rug or a 9-foot by 12 or 13-foot rug to cover approximately two-thirds to three-fourths of the floor area. However, you can also use a combination of sizes, as well as coordinating patterns, to anchor each conversation or activity area. For the area that contains the sofa, several sizes of rug may be possible. A 5-foot by 8-foot rug would be large enough to place in front of the sofa, with a coffee table on it and one or two chairs pulled up to its edges. A 6 or 7-foot by 9-foot rug would allow the front legs of the sofa to rest on it. If the sofa will be seen from the back, an 8-foot by 10 or 11-foot rug could display a decorative edge behind it. Smaller seating or activity areas will dictate the size rugs they need.

Bedroom

• There are many ways to incorporate area rugs of various sizes in the bedroom. One large 8 or 9-foot by 10 to 13-foot rug can be placed horizontally or vertically under the bed. However, some of the pattern that you may like on the rug will be hidden. Another option is to place a 4-foot by 6-foot or larger rug on one or both sides of the bed, or at the foot of the bed. You may enjoy a rug of the same size in front of the dresser to cushion your feet while standing. If there is a separate seating area, choose a rug size that will accommodate and anchor the furniture there.

Dining Room

• A single area rug should be used in the dining room; and it should anchor the dining table and chairs. It should be large enough for all chair legs to rest on it when people are seated at the table. This amounts to at least an additional two feet all the way around the table, whether your table is round, square, oval or rectangular. For example, if your rectangular table is 4 feet wide by 6 feet long, your rug should be a minimum 8 feet by 10 feet in size.