• 23 January 2026 | 8 Min Read | By Indian Carpets

Choosing the right carpet or rug isn’t just about style—it’s about balance, comfort, and functionality. At Indian Carpets, we believe the perfect rug can transform any space, whether it’s your living room, dining area, or bedroom. This guide will help you understand standard rug sizes in feet, inches, and centimeters, so you can select the ideal carpet for your home.

This guide covers rug and carpet sizes and provides everything you need to consider when choosing the perfect rug for your living areas. Let’s get started!

Quick Question: What challenges have you faced when deciding on a rug? Share your experience with us!

✨ Why Rug Size Matters

A rug does more than cover the floor—it defines spaces, adds warmth, and enhances décor. The wrong size can make a room feel awkward, while the right size creates harmony. Whether you’re shopping for handmade Indian rugs, area carpets, or custom designs, knowing the right dimensions is key.

Standard Rug Sizes

In Feet

• 5×8 feet: The size fits perfectly under a small sofa or bedside rug. You can put a 5×8 rug under a small coffee table with a couple of accent chairs to create a conversational nook without overwhelming the room.

• 8×10 feet: This is a good living room carpet size. However, it will allow furniture to go right on the carpet: an oversized sectional couch with armchairs on top of a fine 8 x 10 rug.
• 9×12 feet: This size fits an open space, like a spacious living room. A rug can visually separate the dining table and chairs, separating the two rooms.

Rug Sizes

In Inches

If you prefer precise measurements, here are the sizes in inches:

• 5×8 feet = 60×96 inches
• 8×10 feet = 96×120 inches
• 9×12 feet = 108×144 inches

Rug Sizes

In Centimeters

And if you are on the metric system, here are the standard rug sizes in cm for our international readers:

• 5×8 feet = 152.4 x 243.8 cm
• 8×10 feet = 243.8 x 304.8 cm
• 9×12 feet = 274.3 x 365.8 cm

Standard Rug Sizes Room

Not all rooms are the same size. Let’s break it down!

Standard Living Room Rug Sizes

The right rug can really anchor the living room. If you have a sectional sofa, consider an 8×10-feet rug. This allows the front legs of the couch and chairs to be set on the carpet for an overall look. 

You might have an L-shaped sectional with a couple of decorative pillows, but putting a chic 8×10 rug under it will help define the seating area and make it all the more comfortable.

9 by 12 feet should fit in an area rug for bigger spaces. The remaining furniture can be added to the living room fashionably. For instance, consider a vast living room, a huge coffee table, and several other sitting areas under one rug.

Quick Question: What has your seating arrangement in the living room been like so far, and how would a new rug improve it?

Standard Dining Room Rug Sizes

You will require a rug for the dining room, a rug that will cover your dining table and chairs. Standard rug and carpet sizes for the dining room are between 8×10 feet and 9×12 feet.

For instance, if you have a rectangular table to dine for six people, you can pull out the chairs without the back legs going over the carpet using an 8×10 feet rug. This will mean that you have a spotless and inviting dining space. 

With the bigger rectangular or oval tables, choose a 9 by 12-feet rug so that your guests can accommodate their experience.

Quick Tip: Ensure your dining table and chairs are sized well to fit just so. For more details, read our article on how much square footage in a dining room really requires a rug.

Standard Bedroom Rug Sizes

For bedrooms, the rug and carpet sizes will depend on the measurements of your bed and where it is placed.

A 5×8 feet rug would work well in front of a queen-sized bed, creating a cozy spot for your feet to hit the ground when you get up in the middle of the night. Just think how great it will look on a soft, plush rug at the foot of the bed, related to bedding and decor.

For instance, a 9×12-feet rug will create the illusion of extending the space provided with extensions on both sides beyond the bed. It acquires an extremely luxurious appearance and feel, making the bedroom serene in the first place. Yet, imagine having a plush rug that crosses the length of the bed or follows the contours of space to create comfort and warmth within the area.

Question for You: How do you style a bedroom based on bed size? Let us know how you style your bedroom for a rug!

What Is The Size Of A Runner Rug?

A runner rug works well in a long and narrow shape and does well in hallways, kitchens, or along staircases. Standard measurements for a runner rug are 2.5 to 3 feet across and 6 to 14 feet long.

For example, a 2.5 x 8 runner can guide the eye down a long hallway and make a beautiful passage. A runner rug can fit between counters in kitchens and add color and comfort underfoot.

Quick Tip: Measure your hallway or kitchen to determine which length of runner rug you would like.

Standard Area Rugs Sizes

Area rugs are perfectly suited to every room, regardless of dimensions. The common area rug sizes might be as small as 5 by 8 feet, 6 by 9 feet, or larger at 8 by 10 feet.

One of the best area rug sizes for a small living room is 6 x 9. This size is perfect for adding some flair without overpowering the space. If the seating arrangement is small, an area can even be defined as one where only relaxation will happen.

Quick question: Think of a room in your house where you’d like to place a room rug. How big would you want it to be? Want something even larger? Take a look at our Large Rugs collection!

Custom Rugs: When Standard Sizes Simply Won’t Fit

Sometimes, standard sizes won’t do justice because they occupy a small percentage of space. With custom rugs, you can define desired dimensions, materials, and designs.

For example, a custom rug will fill in the irregular shape of a nook in the living room or the peculiar staircase, giving the space an air of completeness and purpose.

Have you ever considered having a personalized rug? What would be your special design? Get an idea from our Custom Rugs!

How to Decide on the Right Rug Size?

Here are a few tips that will guide you on rug size selection:

• Measure Your Space: Before entering the store, measure your area. Consider furniture to ensure that it stays fit.
• Placement is Important: In a living space, try to get at least the front legs of your furniture on the rug. Thus, a sofa should overlap the carpet.
• Spatial Relationship of the Furniture and Edge: For equilibrium, there must be 18-24 inches of floor space between all edges of the rug. This is highly important in an enormous room with a vast carpet where it easily gets lost.
• Consider Traffic Flow: A small mat is easier to clean and maintain. In high-traffic areas, consider using more durable materials.
• Interactive Checklist: Take your tape measure and note the room dimensions and furniture layouts. This will come in handy as you begin shopping.

Conclusion

Knowing the standard sizes of rugs can balance and functionally make a space specific. A proper carpet will make your decoration shine, and your house will be welcoming and warm.

Besides, irrespective of which you are interested in-between standard sizes and custom options-there is a rug for you.

Final Question: Which room do you like to use rugs in? Let us know on our social media channels!

While you’re at it, check out our collections of bedroom rugs, outdoor rugs, living room rugs, and more for inspiration. Happy decorating!

FAQs 

What are the standard rug sizes?

Some standard rug sizes include 5×8, 8×10, and 9×12. Though these dimensions work well for most rooms, other rooms or designs differ slightly.

What is the ideal rug size that will be placed in my living room?

Think about the furniture layout in your living room. The correct rug size is large enough to cover at least the front legs of all chairs. 8×10 feet and 9×12 feet are some recommended sizes for living rooms.

What size is right for a king-size bed?

A 9×12-feet rug is a great favorite and is generally recommended for a king-size bed. In this design, the carpet runs several feet beyond both sides and at the foot of the bed, keeping lots of room in the bedroom and making it appear larger. 

For further information on choosing the right-size rug for your dining room, please read our blog, What Size Rug for Dining Room.

Are there standard sizes for rugs for dining rooms?

Yes! A thumb rule for dining rooms is to use a larger rug than your dining table. If chairs are pulled out, the rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table’s edges. The most common sizes for that purpose are 8×10 and 9×12 feet.

How long is a runner rug?

Runner rugs are skinny and rectangular, 2.5 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 14 feet long. They would be placed in hallways, kitchens, or alongside a staircase.

What do I do if I need a non-standard size rug?

Absolutely! We can order a Custom Rug if you can’t find a standard size. You get to pick the size and material that’s just right for you.

How large do I make my area rug?

Area rugs are available in many sizes. However, the most commonly diametrically used are 5×8 feet, 6×9 feet, and 8×10 feet. Choose the size that will flow nicely with the space and furniture arrangement.