The Best Size Rug for Your Living Room

Choosing the right rug for your living room is about more than color and pattern—it’s about proportion, flow and how the space feels when everything comes together. The right rug size helps anchor your furniture, define the room, and create a balanced, inviting atmosphere. Let's roll out a few guidelines for finding the perfect size rug for the room in your home where people gather, share memories and unwind from the day.

Start with Standard Sizes

Most living rooms work beautifully with one of three popular rug sizes: 8’x10’, 9’x12’, or 10’x14’. These proportions tend to suit standard furniture layouts and help create a cohesive look where the rug connects each element of the room.

However, no two homes are exactly alike—which is why Saybrook Home offers custom broadloom carpeting, tailored to fit any space in your home. Whether you need a slightly longer runner for your entryway or a wall-to-wall look for your great room, our design team can help you find the ideal size and finish to complement your home.

Size Matters—But Balance Is Key

It’s generally better to err on the side of a larger rug, as rugs that are too small can make a room feel disjointed. That said, too big can overwhelm a space and make it look smaller. As a rule of thumb, leave at least 6 inches of visible floor between the edge of your rug and the wall. This creates a visual border that keeps your room feeling open and defined.

Furniture Placement Tips

• Center the rug under your sofa and seating arrangement to create a cohesive conversation area.

• Make sure the rug extends approximately 3 inches under the front legs of your sofa and chairs—this helps anchor the furniture without swallowing it.

• Leave about 12 inches between pieces of furniture on the rug, ensuring the layout feels comfortable and not crowded.

In larger living rooms or open-concept spaces, consider using multiple area rugs to create distinct zones. This helps deliniate separate living areas and create a great flow. 

Visualize Before You Buy

One of the easiest ways to test out rug size is with painter’s tape. Outline the dimensions of your potential rug directly on the floor. This simple step can help you visualize scale, ensure furniture fits comfortably and give you confidence before you commit to a size or style.

Find Your Perfect Rug at Saybrook Home

From luxurious hand-knotted heirloom pieces to fully custom broadloom options, Saybrook Home has a rug for every home and lifestyle. And there’s no better time to explore our collection—our Semi-Annual Hand-Knotted Rug Event is going on now through Oct. 13 in Old Saybrook, with hundreds of exquisite, artisan-made rugs available for a limited time. For more information, click here.