Interior designer guide: how to choose the right rug size for every room

There are a few key things that determine how big your rug should be. First, of course, is the size of the room. No surprises there. But beyond that, the furniture layout, the function of the space, and even practical details like door clearance play a major role.

And perhaps most importantly – rugs help you create zones. In an open-plan space or even a standard room, a rug isn’t just a soft thing underfoot. It anchors your furniture, defines areas, and makes the space feel intentional and cohesive.

Let’s walk through room by room.

In the living room, the rug should bring together your seating furniture, so for example couch, coffee table, and armchairs into one unified zone. That’s the core purpose. Since this is often the space where you host guests or spend time relaxing, the rug should help make it feel pulled together and inviting.

For example, in my own living room, I’ve placed the rug so that:

• The front legs of the couch sit on it,
  
• It stops before the TV stand,
  
• It doesn’t reach all the way to the bookshelves behind the couch, since that’s a separate zone.
  

In general:

• Rugs should extend at least to the front legs of couches and chairs,
  
• In larger rooms, all the furniture can sit entirely on the rug,
  
• Avoid placing a small rug just under the coffee table because this tends to look disconnected and make the space feel smaller

In the bedroom, the rug’s job is twofold: it grounds the bed visually and makes sure your feet land on something soft in the morning. This space is all about comfort, rest, and slowing down so the rug should contribute to that.

• A good width is typically 280-320 cm for a 160 cm wide bed and minimum 240 cm in a very small room
  
• The rug should start in front of the bedside tables
  
• It should extend about 60–80 cm beyond the bed on the sides
  
• Leave 10–15 cm of breathing space between the rug and the wall if possible
  

If a large rug doesn’t fit the layout or budget, you can use two long runners, one on each side. Just make sure they’re wide enough, at least 60 cm, so you step onto them naturally. Try to avoid small mats that resemble doormats; they break up the space and don’t add anything useful.

Rugs aren’t always needed in kitchens, but if you use one, it’s often to protect the floor or soften the space visually. Since this is a working area where spills happen, function should lead the way.

Stick to small rugs or runners:

• Place in front of the lower cabinets or sink,
  
• 60–70 cm wide is a good guideline,
  
• Avoid anything large since you don’t want to be trapping every crumb and spill.

A rug in a home office helps define the workspace and protect the floor if you’re using a rolling chair. If this is where you focus or spend long hours, the rug should support movement and comfort without getting in the way.

You can:

• Place a rug under both the desk and chair,
• Use a round rug for a softer look, especially in compact spaces.
  

In entryways, focus on functionality. If you need to trap mud, do that outside. Indoors, a runner can work in longer hallways. These are transitional areas, so the rug shouldn’t get in the way but can help guide the eye and soften long stretches of floor.

• Leave about 10–20 cm from each wall,
  
• If the hallway is too narrow for that to make sense, skip the runner.

If your dining area allows for it, a rug can help ground the table and chairs as their own zone, which is especially useful in open-plan homes. This is where meals happen, often with others, so the rug helps keep the area visually stable and comfortable to sit in.

• The rug should extend at least 60 cm beyond the table on all sides,
  
• That way, even when chairs are pulled out, they’re still on the rug,
  
• Matching the rug shape to the table isn’t a must—round rugs under rectangular tables can work beautifully, and actually help soften the space.

Rugs aren’t just decoration: they’re functional tools to support how you live in a space. Let your furniture layout guide your choice, and always measure before you buy. Use painter’s tape to mock it out, or just grab a tape measure and take your time.

And remember: a larger rug usually makes the room feel more spacious and considered. Too small, and it’ll just feel off.

I will gladly help you with planning layouts where rugs just make sense. Book a consultation with me now: https://anijarvinteriors.com/#contact