How Big Should My Rug Be? The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Rug Size for Your Space
- Lorna Mac
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
Size Matters When it Comes to Rugs. A well-sized rug can anchor your space, add comfort, and tie everything together. But get the size wrong, and your room can feel awkward and out of proportion, like your furniture’s on holiday and the rug is off with the coffee table!
This guide covers the key dos and don'ts of rug sizing, with UK dimensions for standard furniture, so you can make the right choice when buying your rug!
Living Room Rugs: Ground the Space
Your rug is not just a decorative layer, it defines the seating area. If it's too small, it feels disconnected; if too large, it overwhelms the room. The goal is balance.
Rug Rules for Sofas:
Extend 30–45cm beyond the sofa sides
Front legs on is ideal for most standard rooms
All legs on works well in larger, open-plan spaces and helps to zone the area
Always leave at least 20cm of floor visible around the rug
Sofa + Rug Size Guide:
Sofa Type (Standard) | Suggested Rug Size (cm) | Does It Fit the Rule? |
2-Seater (160 cm) | 160 x 230 or 170 x 240 | ✔️ Fits rug extends 35 - 40 cm on each side |
3-Seater (200 cm) | 200 x 290 | ✔️ Rug extends 45 cm on each side |
4-Seater (250 cm) | 240 x 340 | ✔️ Extends 45 -50 cm or more |
L-Shape (280+ cm) | 240 x 340 / 250 x 350 | ✔️ Works for medium L-shapes |
Top Tip: Measuring and using masking tape is a great way to visualise the rug sizing, and will help you make the right decision!
Dining Room Rugs: Scoot in friendly!
Dining chairs that catch on the edge of a rug? Not ideal. Choose a rug large enough so that even when chairs are pulled out, they stay on the rug. There's nothing more annoying than getting your chair caught when scooting in, choosing a rug too small for your dining area will cause this!
Dining Room Rug Tips:
Add at least 60–70cm on all sides of your table
All chair legs should stay on the rug, even when pulled out
Match the rug shape to your table for a more cohesive look
Dining Table + Rug Size Guide:
Table Shape | Typical Table Size (cm) | Minimum Rug Size (cm) |
4-Seater Round | 100 -120 | 200–240 |
4-Seater Rectangle | 120 x 80 | 220 x 180 |
6-Seater Rectangle | 180 x 90 | 280 x 210 |
8-Seater Rectangle | 240 x 100 | 340 x 240 |
Bedroom Rugs: Goal... Cosy Toes!
Stepping onto cold floors is far from luxurious. A bedroom rug should be cozy, well-balanced, and proportionate to the size of your bed. Comfort is key, and you want to enjoy the feeling of sinking your toes into that soft rug each morning when you get up!
Bedroom Rug Placement:
Rug should extend 45–60cm beyond the bed sides
Place the rug either:
With just the front legs of the bed on the rug, running up to bedside tables
Or under the entire bed + bedside tables, if space allows
Bed + Rug Size Guide:
Bed Size | Recommended Rug Size (cm) |
King (150 x 200) | 240 x 330 or 250 x 350 |
Super King (180 x 200) | 270 x 360 or 280 x 370 |
Summary: Rug Sizing Rules That Work
Living Room: Front legs or all legs on. Ensure at least 30–45cm beyond each side of your sofa.
Dining Room: All chairs should stay on the rug, even when pulled out. Match the shape of your table to your rug.
Bedroom: Prioritise comfort underfoot. Size it so it balances with the bed, ideally going as far as the bedside tables.
Don't forget this top tip: Measuring and using masking tape is a great way to visualise the rug sizing, and will help you make the right decision!
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Lorna xx
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