Living Room
Rug Size Calculator
Pick the right rug size for any room. Enter your room dimensions and how the rug should relate to your furniture, and this calculator recommends a rug size with the bare-floor border designers aim for.
Last updated: June 2026
How rug size affects a room
The right rug grounds a seating arrangement, adds warmth underfoot and visually defines a zone within a larger room. Interior designers follow a simple rule: leave 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) of bare floor between the rug edge and the wall on every side.
Formula used
Rug width = Room width − border allowance, rounded to nearest 30 cm
Rug length = Room length − border allowance, rounded to nearest 30 cm
Border: all-legs on rug = 30 cm; front legs only = 50 cm; floating = 90 cm
Worked examples
Example 1 — 4×5 m living room, all legs on rug: Subtract 30 cm each side → rug ≈ 340×440 cm → round to 330×420 cm.
Example 2 — 3×4 m room, front legs only: Subtract 50 cm each side → rug ≈ 200×300 cm. This matches a standard 200×290 cm rug.
Example 3 — Bedroom 3.5×4 m, floating: Subtract 90 cm each side → 170×220 cm rug works as a feature rug in front of the bed.
How to use this calculator
- Measure your room wall to wall in centimetres or feet.
- Select the layout style that matches your design intent.
- Read the recommended rug size. Compare to standard sizes at your retailer.
- Tape out the recommended dimensions on your floor before ordering.
Rug size quick-reference table
| Room size | All legs on rug | Front legs only |
|---|---|---|
| 3×4 m | 240×330 cm | 200×300 cm |
| 4×5 m | 300×420 cm | 240×360 cm |
| 5×6 m | 420×540 cm | 330×480 cm |
| 12×14 ft | 8×10 ft | 6×9 ft |
| 15×18 ft | 10×14 ft | 9×12 ft |
Notes & limitations
This calculator provides estimates only. Related: Sofa Size for Room Calculator · Dining Table Size Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rug size do I need for a 4×5 m living room?
For a 4×5 m room with all furniture legs on the rug, you typically need a rug around 280×360 cm. With front legs only, a 240×300 cm rug works well, leaving ~60 cm of bare floor on each side.
Should all furniture legs be on the rug?
It depends on the look. All legs on creates a defined, unified seating area. Front legs only gives an open feel and works well in smaller rooms. Floating (no furniture) suits bedrooms and hallways.
How much bare floor should show around a rug?
Interior designers recommend 30–60 cm (12–24 inches) of bare floor on each side for a balanced look. In a bedroom, 45–60 cm each side of the bed is standard.
What standard rug sizes are available?
Common sizes are 120×170 cm, 160×230 cm, 200×290 cm, 240×340 cm, and 270×360 cm. Round rugs come in 150, 200, 240, and 300 cm diameters.
Is a 5×8 ft rug big enough for a living room?
A 5×8 ft (152×244 cm) rug works for a small seating area where only the front legs sit on the rug. For a full seating arrangement, an 8×10 ft (244×305 cm) or larger rug is recommended.