Rug Sizes: How to Find the Right One for Your Space

From size and shape to material and weave, there’s a perfect rug for your space— if you know how to shop. Check out our go-to rug information below for tips on everything you need to know for picking your ideal rug. 

Standard Rug Sizes

Where to start? Assess your space and check out our guide of standard rug sizes below to know what you need and what will work for you.

• 2’ x 3’. This is the smallest rug size available. Most classically seen as a doormat, these are also perfect under your desk, at the foot of your dorm bed or in your closet.
• 2’ x 6’. Slightly longer, this is a great rug for a narrow space, like a small dorm, entryway or a long hallway.
  
• 3’ x 5’. This area rug size is best next to a dorm bed, under a lofted bed or in your lounge area around the couch.
  
• 4’ x 6’. If you’re working with a slightly larger room or want all of your furniture to be partially on the rug, this is a good size to start with.
  
• 5’ x 8’. Opt for this size underneath your bed or as a way to make your side of the dorm room more distinct.
  
• 8’ x 10’. Perfect for a shared dorm room, this can define the open area and help create a designated living area.
  
• 9’ x 12’. This is the perfect size for a lounge area or large bedroom. The larger footprint allows you to fit all furniture around it and tie the space together.
  
• Round. If you’re looking for a unique look to define your room, a round rug offers a different look. These rugs are typically five feet in diameter, but can vary. Place it next to your bed or underneath your desk to help section off your room.
  

Rug Materials

After you figure out what rug size you want in your space, picking a material is next. Here’s an overview of the basic rug materials and weaves, and how to choose what’s best for you.

Wool

Wool is your go-to if you’re looking for a soft rug that’s stain-resistant. This natural fiber is easy to spot clean and is a great way to bring a cozy, plush element to your space. It’s often seen in shag rugs.

Performance

If you’re worried about durability, a performance fiber rug is the way to go. These tough, easy-to-clean rugs barely shed and are perfect for high-trafficked areas, like your entryway or living room.

Viscose

Silky in feel and long-lasting, viscose rugs have a slight sheen to them to give your space an elegant addition. These rugs usually have a tighter weave and a low pile, so they’re perfect under furniture or in a high-traffic area.

Washable

For a no-fuss rug that’s easy to clean, a washable rug can be tossed straight in the washing machine. These rugs are on the smaller side: 3’ x 5’ and 4’ x 6’ are the largest sizes that can fit in a washer. Be sure to always read your rug’s tag before washing to ensure it can go in the washing machine.

Rug Weaves

When you’re shopping for a rug, you’ll see different terms describing weaves. Here’s a basic overview of what each term means so you can tell the difference as you shop.

• Braided. Typically seen in round rugs, braiding yarn or fabric strips together creates this pattern. The patterns are variable based on the materials used, and these rugs can easily be flipped to help with longevity.

• Flat Weave. A no-pile rug, these rugs are created on looms and are highly durable.

• Heathered. This style uses light and dark yarns to create a dynamic, flecked appearance to the rug.

• Looped. This style loops yarn so that the ends of the threads are facing up, creating a soft, tufted rug.

• Petit Point. Petit point rugs have the most detail, as they’re created with a tight weave that’s similar to needlepoint.

• Shearling + Sheepskin. These rugs are made from one piece of shearling or sheepskin to create a soft, plush rug.

Rug Styling Tips

Once you’ve decided on your favorite size and style of rug, it’s time to incorporate it into your space. Keep in mind your personal style and other features you’d like to showcase in your space.

Dorm and Bedroom Rugs

Your bedroom or dorm is your go-to space for comfort and relaxation, so opt for a rug that channels those things. This is a great opportunity to pick a rug that’s plush and soft, with colors and a pattern that complement other features of your room: Think of your curtains and bedding as a start. Don’t be afraid of fitting a rug in a small room, as you can always put furniture on top of a rug and coordinate the space — a 5’ x 8’ rug is a great size to start with.  

A rug in this room is a great opportunity to tie the look of your space together with a neutral design. If you prefer a bold look with lots of colors, a rug is a great opportunity to showcase your style. Your bedroom is often your office or study space as well, and a rug (or multiple rugs) can help you style the space.

Opt for a smaller rug under your desk to designate your work area and a larger rug that tucks under your bed. This is a great time to play with different textures and styles as well: A tight-weave rug under your desk is perfect for a rolling chair, while a softer rug by your bed can help make your space cozy and comfortable. 

Entryway

This is a great place for a small rug (2’ x 3’, 2’ x 6’ or 3’ x 5’) to serve as a doormat or under a shoe rack. Entryways typically aren’t the largest spaces, but you can do a lot to bring the area together with a rug. A runner down a long hallway can help liven up the space, plus give guests a first look at your personal style. This is a great area to choose a rug with a low pile and tight weave, since it will see a lot of foot traffic.

Living Area Rugs

This is another area you’ll need to coordinate your rug with furniture, like a sofa, lounge chairs and media console. When possible, opt for a larger rug, like an 8' x 10’ or 9’ x 12’, that you can put underneath each piece of furniture: This helps the room feel bigger and more cohesive. While it makes sense to choose a tight-weaved rug with a low pile here, since there will likely be a lot of people coming and going in this space, don’t be afraid to choose something a little cozier if you’d like the space to be extra comfortable.  

If you’re accommodating a sleeper sofa or futon, we recommend pairing your rug with a rug pad to keep it from sliding — more on that below.  

Rug Care

Taking care of your rug will help ensure its longevity. Start with a rug pad to make your rug a bit softer and cozier, plus it will help prevent it from slipping. In a dorm room that likely has cold flooring, this is must for ensuring you get the most out of your rug. Rug pads typically come in a few different sizes, and can be trimmed to fit the size you need. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fit the exact dimensions of your rug; as long as the pad is large enough to keep the rug from slipping, you’re in great shape.

Most rugs are fine with a spot cleaning here and there, but if you want to deep clean your rug, be sure to read the tag before tossing it in a washing machine or using harsh cleaners. Every rug is different, and depending on the material used, weave and size, you’ll need to take extra care with cleaning them. Some rugs can even be reversed, so if you’re battling a stain on one side or your rug has started to wear, you can flip it over to refresh your space. 

Final Thoughts

Ready to go rug shopping? We thought so! Now that you know the basics of different types of rugs and what to look for, you’re set to pick a rug for every room.