Your rug’s size can make or break your living room. The right rug will help define the area and make it feel more refined and cohesive. It can also improve the acoustics of the space. On the flip side, a rug that is too small or ill-proportioned to the room can detract from everything else and make the space feel smaller or look imbalanced.
Consider Your Living Room Layout First
When looking for a living room rug, consider your furniture and take note of the various layout options there. We all like to rearrange our furniture every so often so take that into consideration. Whether your living area is in an open plan or in a defined space also makes a difference in the rug size.
A living room rug would look great in any defined space. But in an open plan, the rug could play an even bigger role. When walls don’t define an area, a rug will.
When to Use an 8’x10’ Rug
An 8’x10’ rug works best in an open floor plan, or any room that is at least 3 feet larger than the rug on both the length and width (11’x13’ room or slightly larger). This leaves a comfortable border around the rug.
If you have a smaller living area, the best layout leaves at least a 12- to 18-inch border of flooring around your rug.
This rug size can handle a 6- to 7-foot sofa, leaving 18 inches of visible rug on either side of the sofa for your side tables.
Styling Tip: To unify the area, you’d want the front legs of your sofa and lounge chairs to sit on the rug and overlap it by a minimum of 8 to 12 inches, more is better. The TV console could sit off of the rug on the other side of the room.
When to Use a 6’x9′ Rug
A 6’x9’ rug works best in an 11’x13’ or smaller living room. This leaves about 2 feet of flooring bordering the rug on each side.
This rug size would sit under the coffee table, covering the area between the sofa and adjacent living room seating, or in front of a fireplace with a couple of comfy chairs sitting completely on the rug.
Styling Tip: A greater contrast between the flooring and the rug will focus the eye on the rug, creating a more intimate feel.
When to Use a 5’x7′ Rug
A 5’x7’ rug works best in a small living room, in a room that measures 8’x10’ or slightly smaller. This rug size will just fit underneath the coffee table, as well as in front of a fireplace with two comfy chairs sitting almost completely on the rug.
Styling Tip: For a layout like this, it’s best to coordinate the rug color to the flooring to make the space look bigger. If you decide to use pattern as the counterpoint in this case, stay in the same tone as the flooring for a softer contrast. Also, a glass coffee table lets you see and enjoy the patterned rug, especially traditional designs with center medallions.
When to Use a 3×5 Rug
A 3’x5’ rug would be a nice accent to any landing place in the living room, by the fireplace, or in an entryway or foyer situated right next to the living room.
When to Use Runner Rugs
A runner rug can be used just about anywhere you have a long stretch of floor. It’s also meant to protect flooring in high-traffic areas like the hallways.
Your runner rug can be bordered by either furniture or walls, such as in front of a fireplace, along a wall of shelves or bookcases, or in an open space passageway from the living area to an adjacent space.
Styling Tip: Typically you want to anchor the runner to a wall or built-in or large piece of furniture rather than float it in the middle of an open area.
READERS: Do you have any other tips? Share them with us in the comments section below.
27 Comments
Is 8×10 the largest?
Hi, Kathryn! Our largest rug is 8×10′ at this time. However, we have exciting new things planned for 2020! Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to get updates on all things new at Ruggable.
Is your largest size 8×10
Hi, Marian! Our largest rug is 8×10′ at this time. However, we have exciting new things planned for 2020! Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter to get updates on all things new at Ruggable.
Does a 6×9 ruggable look great with 5 pieces sectional
Love this concept! Especially for dining rooms. My daughter would need a 4×6 in her bedroom. Is this a size that will be coming in 2020?
Hi, Annie! Thanks for your interest! Although we currently don’t have plans to release that specific size, we never say never!
We’re always working on new products and designs, so make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter by visiting Ruggable.com to get updates on all things new at Ruggable. 😊
Could two ruggables be used side by side if a larger rug is needed for the room? I need at least an 11×14 but could go larger.
That’s a great question, Ashley! We haven’t tried this method ourselves, so we suggest using your own discretion.
However, stay tuned for larger sizes! 😉
How accurate are the dimensions on a 6×9 rug? Ideally would like 5.5 wide.
Great question, Jane! Our dimensions are as advertised and true to size.
What would it look like to use two (5×7) of the same ruggable (Crosshatch Natural), side by side to cover a larger area? I’m looking for a 10×14.
Hi, Crock! We haven’t tried this method ourselves, so we suggest using your own discretion. 🙂
Very interested in some rugs
Hi, Frances! Feel free to visit Ruggable.com to view our collection of unique, machine-washable rugs! ✨
My kitchen is 5’ wide between sink & stove. 2.5’ feels too narrow & 5’ feels too wide. Id love a 3.5’-4’ x10’ option. Any chance we can have a bit wider runners? I love the idea of a washable rug for this high traffic space.
Hi, Katy! Thanks for your interest! At this time, we are unable to offer custom sizing, but we’ll make sure to send your feedback to our team. 🙂
Any news on larger sizes? Our house will be completed the end of September and I need to purchase three large rugs and the 8×10 just isn’t big enough. I’ve been hoping to be able to use the Ruggable rugs rather than a traditional rug however I need the larger sizes =/ I’ve been keeping an eye on things but haven’t seen any updates.
Hi, Sabrina! Thanks for reaching out! Be on the lookout in the upcoming weeks for larger sizes! They’re almost ready!😉
Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter by visiting Ruggable.com to get updates on all things new at Ruggable! 🙌
What is the rug in the lede picture (the one that doesn’t have a caption with the rug name)? 🙂 Love it. Thanks.
Hendesi Heriz Cream Rug ✨
Hi, are the ends of the rug woven or bound with bias tape, I’m wondering if it would be possible for me to trim 3″ off the end of the 10′ runner? I am handy and have a sewing machine.
Specifically the Darth Vader runner.
Bigger is Better A few inches can make all the difference between the rug pulling the room together or making it feel disjointed. Opting for the larger option, especially if you’re choosing between sizes, will prove that it is worth the extra expense every time.
I’m so torn on weather to get a 9×12 rug or an 8×10 and thought I’d reach out for some help. I have an open floor plan and my living room is 13’5 feet by 14’5 feet. I have an 8 foot wide couch with a left chase measuring in at about 6 feet long. I have a recliner and two tiny end tables. My floors are concrete so I need a good rug I just don’t know what size to go for!
Hi Kati. Ok, so I did a little sketch guestimating your layout…based on my sketch, because you say open plan and because you have concrete floors, a larger area rug looks best and a larger island of softness is created, acoustics improve, etc. I’d go with the 9×12. If you’re still unsure, get a piece of graph paper and draw your living area to scale, 1 box equals 1 foot, and see what fits best. Best of luck!
Hi,
If I need a large rug for my living room and I also want a runner for my Kitchen, should I buy two rugs that are the same design or should I buy ones that just have the same color scheme? I have an open floor plan so my kitchen and living room are basically in the same area.
Hey Erica,
I suggest going with two rugs that play off of each other stylistically and that further the style of your decor. You can go with different color themes, having some fun there while keeping the vibe similar and keeping the spaces relating to each other.