Rugs can anchor a room, add warmth, and tie your whole design together – but get the size wrong, and even the most beautiful rug can make your space feel off-balance. Shopping for rugs can feel intimidating. So many patterns, colors, textures, and sizes! One of the worst mistakes you can make is buying a rug that is too small. So before you start shopping, do your homework and know what size you need for your space. 

Here is an easy, room-by-room guide to help you choose a perfectly sized rug for any space in your home: 

Living Room: Go big or go layered

In this common gathering area, an easy rule of thumb: go as BIG as you can! In most living rooms, your rug should at least fit under the front legs of all your seating furniture — sofa, chairs, ottomans, etc. If you have the space, go even larger so all furniture sits fully on the rug.

Dining Room: Match your table, not your room

The rug rule in dining rooms is simple: the rug needs to be big enough that chairs stay on it when pulled out. This also helps with pulling the chair in and out and avoids getting caught on the edge. Measure your table and add at least 24 to 30 inches on all sides.

Bedroom: Frame your bed with softness

In bedrooms, rugs create cozy comfort underfoot and help define the bed area. Ideally, your rug should extend at least 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides and foot of the bed.

Entryway: Make a great first impression

Entryway rugs help define the space and collect dirt, so choose a durable material and make sure it fits the area well without blocking doors.

Rugs are an investment, these simple steps will save you time and money: 

• Measure your room and furniture layout before buying
• Use painter’s tape to outline rug sizes on your floor
• Orient the rug to the room 
• Have a rug that’s too small but you still love it? Layer it! 

With the right size and placement, your rug can be the design magic that pulls your whole room together.

Where We Shop for Rugs

Once you know the right rug size, the next question is: where do you actually find a good one?

Rugs are one of the most impactful pieces in a room. They ground the space, establish the color palette, add texture and pattern, and can make everything else in the room feel more intentional.

Here are six rug sources we come back to again and again:

Loloi — One of our most-used sources thanks to the huge selection, wide range of price points, and great designer collaborations.

Joon Loloi — Loloi’s more elevated, curated sister brand. A great source for rugs that feel a little more design-forward and special.

Jaipur Living — Tons of range, from approachable everyday options to beautiful hand-knotted investment rugs.

Ernesta — Our go-to when we need a custom size. Their made-to-measure approach is especially helpful when standard rug dimensions just don’t work for a room.

Nordic Knots — Beautiful for clean, sophisticated spaces. We especially love their wool rugs, subtle patterns, and understated texture.

Armadillo — An investment, but a beautiful one. Think natural materials, incredible texture, and quiet, timeless designs that can elevate an entire room.