Carpet size: the right dimensions for every room (without any false notes)
By Ruth Tchenio, founder of Maison Tchenio – interior designer & decorator in Aix-en-Provence
A rug accomplishes three things at once: it anchors a room, softens the acoustics, and ties the colors together. But the decisive factor is the size of the rug. If it’s too small, it “floats” and visually shrinks the space. If it’s the right size, it structures the room with natural elegance. Here is my simple, practical method for choosing the right rug size, materials, and placement.
I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Rugvista for their magnificent illustrations.
Standard carpet sizes to know (useful guidelines)
The most common sizes are: 140×200, 160×230, 200×300, 250×350, and 300×400 cm; for hallways, 70×200 or 80×300; round, Ø160–Ø200 cm depending on the room. These guidelines will help you narrow down your choices before getting into the details of your plan!
Living room: the rug size that anchors the conversation area
Golden rule: the front legs of chairs should rest on the carpet, or all furniture should if the room allows it.
Small/medium living room: 160×230 cm for a 2/3-seater sofa + armchairs.
Large living room: 200×300 cm (or even 250×350 cm) to accommodate a sofa, armchairs, and coffee table.
Clearance: leave 20–30 cm of space between the carpet and the walls to avoid the “carpet effect.”
These principles avoid the illusion of a cramped living room and unify the furniture.
Architect’s tip: test the size with masking tape on the floor—you’ll instantly visualize the future volume.
Dining room: comfort of chairs is paramount
Under the table, a rug should extend all the way around so that the chairs remain on the rug even when pulled back.
Allow for 60 to 70 cm on each side.
- Table for 6 guests: rectangular, aim for ~200×300/245×305 cm; round, approximately Ø200 cm.
- Beyond (8 guests and more): 250×350 to 300×400 cm, depending on your table.
- This margin prevents daily “bumps” and makes meals run more smoothly.
Bedroom: gentle waking up... and just the right proportions
160×200 bed: 200×300 cm under two-thirds of the bed (including bedside tables) or 250×350 cm for more generous coverage.
Bed 180–200 cm: 250×350 to 300×400 cm.
Alternative: two runners (e.g., 70×180/200 cm) on either side + a small rug at the foot of the bed.
The idea: have at least 60 cm of carpet around you for a comfortable wake-up.
Entrance & hallway: guiding the eye
In a hallway, a rug called a “runner” (70×200 or 80×300 cm) visually lengthens the space. Leave a few centimeters on each side to avoid a “stuffy hallway” effect. In the entryway, choose a heavy or non-slip rug that is easy to maintain.
Shape & placement: rectangular, square, round?
- Rectangular: the most versatile (living room, dining room).
- Square: ideal for a compact reading corner or a square table.
- Round: softens angles, looks great under a round table or in a bedroom to break up the rigidity of lines.
Materials: choose according to use
- Wool (knotted or tufted): resilient, beautiful patina, excellent for living rooms/bedrooms.
- Flat woven (wool, cotton, jute): thinner, easy to use under a dining table.
- Jute/sisal: warm texture; keep away from very humid areas.
- Viscose/Tencel/“vegetable silk”: bright finish, but more susceptible to stains—best reserved for quiet rooms.
- Synthetic fibers (polypropylene, recycled PET): easy care, good choice for outdoor use/entryways.
Common mistakes with your rugs... and how to avoid them
- Carpet too small for the furniture → anticipate the size of the carpet by taping a template to the floor.
- Undersizing in the dining room → leave 60 to 70 cm around the table.
- Forget about stack height → under a door, chair, or robot vacuum cleaner, opt for a flat weave.
- Ignoring acoustics → a large format or layering (flat woven + wool) radically changes sound comfort.
The right size rug is not a minor detail: it defines your room, making it more comfortable and visually harmonious. If you are hesitating between two sizes, always choose the larger one: it will anchor the room, especially in an open-plan living room. And if you want an outside opinion, I would be delighted to guide you.
→ Tell me about your plans and project via my website: we will find the rug size and material that will enhance your interior.
