How to Find the Right Rug Size for Your Kitchen or Dining Room

When it comes to rugs, there seems to be an endless number of area rug options to choose from in today’s market. Bright, traditional, unique, neutral – these are all popular area rug styles that can be found almost anywhere. Along with the large number of styles available, you can also find a variety of area rug sizes to fit your home. In your kitchen or dining room, there are a few area rug sizes that will work best. We’re here to help you find the perfect area rug size for your kitchen or dining room, whether you have a small or large kitchen or dining room, or a specific design style. 

Area Rug Sizes for Kitchens 

Choosing the right rug size for your kitchen is an easy process, especially when you know the layout of your kitchen. The ideal area rug sizes for your kitchen will depend on this layout, and can be manipulated a few ways. 

If you have a galley kitchen, the best area rug size is likely a runner. These rugs are usually two or three feet wide and can be as long as six to ten feet, depending on the rug. A runner in a galley kitchen is ideal because it takes up the perfect amount of space while still showing off the beautiful hard surface floors beneath. If you’re not sure what length of rug to choose, measure the length of your galley kitchen. It’s best to fit the space, so don’t purchase a runner that’s longer than the kitchen. 

If your home has an L-shaped or square kitchen, one way that you can use an area rug is in front of your sink. A 3x5 area rug is ideal for this space because of the size of the sink. It won’t take up too much room, and it will provide you with a soft space to stand when doing dishes, washing your hands, and prepping for meals. You can choose a cushioned rug or a typical area rug for this space to add the perfect design touch to your kitchen. 

Area Rug Sizes for Dining Rooms 

What size rug will fit best in your dining room? Area rug sizes in dining rooms are best determined after measuring your dining room space. Because there are so many different dining room table shapes and sizes, you won’t want to skip this step. Area rugs in sizes 5x7, 8x10, and 9x12 are all acceptable sizes, but the best one for your space will depend on your dining room table. To get the most out of your rug and your dining room, you will want the rug to fit under the table while the chairs are tucked in beneath, as well as pulled all the way out. This will ensure that the chairs are always level, and that there are no obstacles when pushing in chairs. To find your ideal area rug size, measure from the outside of your chairs and add 24 inches. Another method you can use is to pull out the chairs and measure from the edge. 

Kitchen Area Rug Ideas 

In this L-shaped kitchen, a 3x5 area rug is placed right in front of the sink. The rug takes up the perfect amount of space while still adding to the overall design of the kitchen, which makes this kitchen area rug layout a top choice for many homes. 

Interior design: Catherine-Lucie Horber  Photography: Ecstatic Photography

While this is not necessarily a galley shaped kitchen, this beautiful space uses a runner to capture the eye and provide comfort in the working areas of the kitchen. The length of the rug fits flawlessly between the island and the wall cabinets, making it a perfect example of how you can use a runner in your kitchen. 

Interior design: Andrea Colman  Photography: Stephani Buchman

There’s no shortage of style in this beautiful kitchen with a unique take on area rug design. Taking notes from our galley kitchen and square kitchen layouts, this combines the two and adds a slightly wider rug, a 4x6, to fill the space. It captures the softness of the carpet while also providing a bit of color to the space. 

Interior design: Kris Brigden  Photography: Lisa Petrole

Dining Room Area Rug Ideas 

In this bright, modern dining room, the area rug extends beyond the chairs when they’re pushed in, which makes this rug the perfect size for the space. Friends and guests won’t have to worry about the chairs getting stuck thanks to the size of the rug, and the unique color echoes brilliance and elegance in the colorful design. 

Interior design: Sara Bederman  Photography: Stephani Buchman

This cozy dining room is refined and warm, and the perfect size area rug contributes to the overall feeling. Situated beneath a rectangular table, the large area rug allows guests to keep all four legs of the chairs on the rug. 

Interior design: Evelyn Eshun  Photography: Larry Arnal