Standard Size for Living Room Rugs
When selecting a living room rug, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right size. The rug should be large enough to define and anchor the space, but not so large that it overwhelms the room. Generally, the standard rule is that the front legs of furniture should rest on the rug. However, every living room is unique in terms of size, layout, and style. By understanding some general size guidelines as well as your room's specific needs, you can choose a rug size that brings harmony and cohesion to your living room.
With the right knowledge, choosing that perfect living room rug size becomes much easier.
Typical Guidelines for Standard Living Room Rug Sizes
While every living room is unique, there are some general size guidelines to inform your search for the perfect rug:
- Plan for 18-24 inches of bare floor showing around edges of rug. This creates enough walking area around furniture.
- Size rug so front legs of primary furniture rest atop it. Makes furniture appear anchored.
- For large rooms, a rug spanning 9x12 feet or larger works well. Provides sufficient coverage.
- In medium rooms of 12x15 feet, target rug sizes around 8x10 feet. Well-proportioned with space.
- For small living rooms under 12 feet square, stick to smaller sizes like 5x8 feet. Avoids overly crowded feel.
Understand Standard Rug Dimensions
Rugs generally come in a range of standard sizes, usually increasing by increments of 3 feet. Some typical dimensions include:
- 3 x 5 feet
- 4 x 6 feet
- 5 x 8 feet
- 6 x 9 feet
- 8 x 10 feet
- 9 x 12 feet
These standard sizes allow for easier shopping and returns. They also let you compare prices more efficiently on rugs of equal dimensions from different retailers.
Mind Room Proportions with Size Choices
When beginning your search, start by taking careful measurements of your living room's length and width. Account for any irregularities or bay windows. Then consider the room's proportions relative to typical rug sizes:
- A narrow living room may require a rectangular rug to span its length.
- A wide but shallow living room may dictate a nearly square rug.
- Particularly small rooms might do best with a 5x8 foot or 6x9 foot rug.
- Especially large spaces may need a custom-sized rug to fully furnish.
Measuring Your Living Room
Since every room is unique, accurately measuring your living room's dimensions serves as the critical first step for choosing the right rug. Follow our step-by-step guide:
Sketch Layout and Record Exact Dimensions
Using graph paper and a tape measure, carefully sketch your room layout. Note all pieces of existing furniture. Record the room's exact length, width, and any irregular angles or areas. This sketch becomes your planning map.
Define Walkways and Clearances Needed
Examine typical foot traffic patterns and walkways in the room. Allow an extra 18-30 inches clearance on all sides traveled. This prevents tripping on rug edges.
Calculate Total Floor Area for Rug Coverage
Determine overall floor space ideal for rug placement in square feet. Subtract out areas needed for walking around furniture based on your expected layout.
Considerations for Choosing Standard Living Room Rug Sizes
Beyond just room size, a few key factors also impact what size rug works best in your living room:
Furniture Layout and Arrangements
Consider both current and possible future furniture placements as you choose a rug. It needs to accommodate multiple rearrangements over time.
Foot Traffic Flow to Guide Rug Shaping/Position
accounted for access to doorways while allowing a focal point in the room to dictate rug shaping and position.
Leave Breathing Room Along Walls
For livability, plan at least 18-24 inches between rug edges and walls. This provides clearance for opening doors and household traffic.
Amount of Flooring to Cover or Leave Exposed
Determine how much floor space you want the rug to anchor compared to exposed floor. Often a center layout that leaves some perimeter floor shows works well.
Common Standard Dimensions to Size to Room
Matching standard rug sizes to typical living room dimensions helps simplify the sizing process:
For Small Living Rooms
In more petite living rooms less than 12'x12', a 5'x8' or 6'x9' generally provides adequate anchoring:
- Allows 18 inches floor visible around perimeter
- Covers majority of floor in compact footprint
- Fits most furniture groupings with ease
For Medium Living Rooms
In medium spaces of 12'x15' to 14'x16', an 8'x10' gives flexibility in furniture options:
- Spans interior space while leaving walking room
- Center positioning defines sitting area
- Ample margin for multiple arrangements
For Large Living Rooms
For sizable living rooms from 15'x18' and up, a 9'x12' anchors while allowing openness:
- Provides coverage for main furniture cluster
- Enough clearance for traffic lanes on all sides
- Can delineate smaller adjacent reading nook
Tips for Getting Proper Standard Rug Fit
Follow these proven suggestions for getting an appropriately sized living room rug:
Account for Furniture Legs on Edges
When planning furniture placement on rug, allow for clearance if legs sit along rug perimeters rather than wholly on top.
Use Rug Pads to Prevent Shifting
Choosing a non-slip rug pad prevents the rug from moving on smooth floors, maintaining safe coverage.
Consider Future Size Needs Upfront
Buying slightly larger than your current furnishings allows flexibility for future furniture upgrades or additions down the road.
Round Up for Bigger Rooms, Down for Smaller
For expansive living rooms, bump to the next larger standard size as needed for proper anchoring. For tight spaces, size down to avoid an overly crowded feel.
What to Do If No Standard Size Fits Your Exact Living Room Dimensions
Occasionally an oddly shaped living room requires going beyond standard size options. Some creative alternatives include:
Choose Rectangular Instead of Perfectly Square
Specifying a rectangular 8'x12' rug can work when no single square rug spans properly wall-to-wall and furniture-to-furniture.
Use Two Coordinating Rugs Together Creatively
Place overlapping 5'x8' rugs adjacent to each other for unique styling when no single rug suits the exact floor area.
Custom Order Rug to Ideal Non-Standard Dimensions
For rooms requiring an 11'x13' rug or other unique size, many retailers can specially fabricate a rug to your custom specifications.
Standard Living Room Rug Sizes in Small Living Rooms
Petite living rooms less than 350 square feet provide cozy spaces to gather. But limited dimensions also pose rug sizing challenges. Follow these small room tips:
Stick to More Compact Standard Rug Sizes
In rooms under 12'x12', a rug larger than 6'x9' starts overwhelming the compact space. Stick to a 5'x8' for best proportions.
Layer Round Rug Atop Rectangular
For more flexibility, place a round 5' diameter rug atop a slightly larger 6'x9' rectangular foundation rug.
Use Furniture to Define Separate Zones
Arrange seating areas on top of the rug while using other furnishings like cabinets and tables to delineate non-living room areas.
Standard Living Room Rug Sizes in Large Living Rooms
Spacious living rooms over 500 square feet provide welcome flexibility when choosing standard rug sizes. But anchoring such large, open floors poses challenges too. Try these large room recommendations:
Accommodate Larger Standard Rectangular Rugs
Big rooms allow going up to 9'x12' or even 11'x14' to establish better coverage of open floors.
Use Multiple Rugs to Break Up Space
Define sitting areas more intimately or designate special media-viewing zones using individual area rugs.
Create Interest by Angling Rugs
Instead of centering rectangular rugs, try angular placement or overlapping corners for large rooms needing character.
When to Choose Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Over Individual Area Rugs
While area rugs provide flexibility, wall-to-wall carpeting delivers seamless elegance. Consider these pros and cons when deciding between them for your living room:
Pros of Using Area Rugs
- More affordable overall.
- Can change for fresh looks easily.
- Hide or protect subfloorings.
- Provide sound dampening.
- Easy to regularly clean and replace.
Pros of Choosing Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
- Seamless, expansive appearance.
- Warmer underfoot.
- Unifies large open concept rooms.
- Maximizes noise reduction.
- Can be professionally stretched for smooth look.
DIY Tips for Shopping Standard Living Room Rug Sizes In-Store
While buying rugs online provides convenience, evaluating sizes and patterns firsthand can prove beneficial. Follow these in-store shopping tips:
Bring Exact Room Measurements
Carry your room dimensions, furniture sketches, and photos when rug shopping. This allows visualizing options accurately.
Use Tape to Map Out Rug Placements
Have stores lay masking tape outlines mapping potential rug sizes you are considering right on their showroom floors.
Assess Rugs In Situ Prior to Purchase
Ask to take home rug samples or displays overnight before committing to test their fit within your actual living room.
Choosing the perfect living room area rug is much easier with some careful measurements, understanding of general size guidelines, and tips for getting an ideal rug-to-room proportion. Pay attention to both overall room dimensions as well as typical furniture arrangements and walking paths around your current or planned seating areas. Look for standard rectangular rug sizes that leave sufficient bare floor exposures around perimeters to prevent a cluttered appearance and tripping hazards. In especially large rooms, don't overlook the possibility of using multiple separate rugs to anchor different zones. And realize when standard sizes just don't fit right for unusually shaped living rooms, customized options may exist. Follow these guidelines and you'll achieve living room rug nirvana.