A handmade Moroccan rug can change the whole feel of a room. But because every vintage Berber rug is one of a kind, you can't simply pick a "standard" size from a list. Choosing the right size before you buy is the key to a room that looks balanced and feels finished.
In this guide we share the simple rules we use when helping customers choose their rug, with every measurement in both centimetres and feet.
Step 1: Measure your room, not just the floor space
Before looking at rugs, grab a tape measure and note:
- The length and width of the room
- The size of your main furniture (sofa, bed, dining table)
- Doors that open over the floor, so the rug doesn't block them
A useful trick: mark the outline of the rug you are considering on the floor with painter's tape or sheets of newspaper. Walk around it for a day. You'll know very quickly if it feels too small or too big.
Step 2: Leave a border of floor around the rug
In most rooms, a rug looks best when there is roughly 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) of bare floor between the rug and the walls. In small rooms, 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) is enough. This border frames the rug and makes the room feel larger.
Living room rug size
The most common mistake in a living room is choosing a rug that is too small and "floats" in the middle of the room. The rule is simple: at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs should rest on the rug.
- Small living room or two-seater sofa: around 200 x 150 cm to 250 x 160 cm (6'7 x 4'11 to 8'2 x 5'3 ft)
- Three-seater sofa: around 300 x 200 cm (9'10 x 6'7 ft)
- Large or open-plan living room: 320 cm long or more (10'6 ft and up)
As a guide, your rug should be about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) wider than your sofa on each side. Most of our large Moroccan rugs measure around 300 x 200 cm, which suits the majority of living rooms with a three-seater sofa.
Bedroom rug size
In a bedroom, the rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, so your feet land on soft wool when you get up.
- Double or queen bed: around 250 x 160 cm to 300 x 200 cm (8'2 x 5'3 to 9'10 x 6'7 ft), placed under the lower two-thirds of the bed
- King bed: around 300 x 200 cm (9'10 x 6'7 ft) or larger
Aim for 50 to 60 cm (about 2 ft) of rug visible on each side of the bed. Another option is a pair of narrow rugs or Moroccan runner rugs, one on each side of the bed.
Dining room rug size
Under a dining table, the chairs must stay on the rug even when they are pulled out. Measure your table and add about 60 to 75 cm (2 to 2.5 ft) on every side.
- Table for 4: around 250 x 200 cm (8'2 x 6'7 ft)
- Table for 6: around 300 x 200 cm (9'10 x 6'7 ft)
- Table for 8 or more: 340 cm long or more (11'2 ft and up)
Hallway and entryway runners
A runner should leave a little floor visible all around it:
- 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) on each side
- 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in) at each end of the hallway
Most hallways suit a runner of 65 to 90 cm wide (2'2 to 3 ft). Length depends on the hallway: around 300 cm (10 ft) works well for a typical corridor. You can browse our handwoven Moroccan runner rugs here.
Quick size chart
| Room | Recommended size (cm) | Recommended size (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Small living room | 200 x 150 – 250 x 160 | 6'7 x 4'11 – 8'2 x 5'3 |
| Living room, 3-seater sofa | about 300 x 200 | about 9'10 x 6'7 |
| Bedroom, double/queen bed | 250 x 160 – 300 x 200 | 8'2 x 5'3 – 9'10 x 6'7 |
| Bedroom, king bed | 300 x 200 or larger | 9'10 x 6'7 or larger |
| Dining table for 6 | about 300 x 200 | about 9'10 x 6'7 |
| Hallway | 65–90 wide, about 300 long | 2'2–3 wide, about 10 long |
Why handmade rug sizes are never exact
Vintage Moroccan rugs are woven by hand on wooden looms, so their sizes are not perfectly standard and the edges are rarely perfectly straight. That is part of their character. A rug listed at 300 x 200 cm may vary by a few centimetres. This is why we measure and list the exact size of every rug, in both centimetres and feet.
Still not sure? Ask us
If you're hesitating between two sizes, send us the measurements of your room and furniture, and we'll gladly help you choose. You can browse all of our authentic Moroccan rugs, or start with our vintage Moroccan rugs. Every rug is handwoven in 100% sheep wool and ships free with express worldwide delivery.