Carpet Size for Living Room: Which of 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7 or 6 x 9 Fits Your Sofa
DecoraHubDecoraHub living room carpets come in four sizes: 3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7 and 6 x 9 feet. The right one depends on the width of your sofa and on how much floor you want to leave showing. This guide gives the measurements for each layout. For materials and pile height, read the complete living room carpet guide.
The three layouts
- Front legs on. The carpet runs 6 to 8 inches under the front legs of the sofa and chairs. This suits most Indian living rooms and needs a 5 x 7 or a 6 x 9.
- Floating. The carpet sits under the centre table only, clear of all seating. A 4 x 6 does this. Keep 8 to 10 inches between the carpet edge and the sofa.
- All legs on. Every seat stands fully on the carpet. A full sofa set needs more than 6 x 9 for this, so use wall-to-wall carpet cut to size.
Size by sofa
| Seating | Carpet | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 2-seater, about 5 ft wide | 5 x 7 | 7 ft side parallel to the sofa |
| 3-seater, 6.5 to 7 ft wide | 6 x 9 | 9 ft side parallel to the sofa, about 1 ft of carpet past each arm |
| 3 + 1 + 1 set | 6 x 9 | Front legs of all three pieces on the carpet |
| L-shaped sofa | 6 x 9 | Long side along the longer arm, chaise end left off |
| 7-seater or large hall | Two 6 x 9 zones, or wall to wall | One carpet per seating group |
The carpet should be at least as wide as the sofa. A carpet narrower than the sofa makes the seating look too big for the room.
Size by room
| Living room | Carpet |
|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 5 x 7 |
| 10 x 12 ft | 5 x 7 or 6 x 9 |
| 12 x 14 ft | 6 x 9 |
| 14 x 18 ft and larger | 6 x 9 per seating zone, or wall to wall |
Leave 12 to 18 inches of bare floor between the carpet and the walls. In rooms under 10 ft wide, 8 inches is enough.
Check it against your centre table
The centre table should stand fully on the carpet with at least 12 inches of carpet showing on every side. A 4 x 2 ft marble centre table needs a carpet of 6 x 4 ft or more. A round teapoy of 3 ft diameter needs 5 x 5 ft, so a 5 x 7 works. A set of nesting tables spreads wider when pulled apart. Measure them open.
Under a dining table
Dining chairs need 24 inches of carpet beyond the table edge on every side. That keeps the back legs on the carpet when a chair is pulled out. A 4 x 3 ft marble dining table needs 8 x 7 ft of carpet. A 6 x 3 ft table needs 10 x 7 ft. Both are larger than 6 x 9. Wall-to-wall carpet is sold by the running foot from a 12 ft wide roll, so a piece can be cut to 8 x 7 or 10 x 7. The maths is in the wall-to-wall carpet cost guide.
Where the small sizes go
A 3 x 5 works beside a bed, in a foyer in front of a console table, in a pooja room, or under a reading chair with a side table. A 4 x 6 suits a study or the foot of a single bed.
Prices by size
- Modern designs such as Vista Geo, Terra Angles and Abstract Mustard: ₹7,999 for 3 x 5, ₹24,999 for 6 x 9.
- Azura Turkish Frame: ₹8,999 for 3 x 5, ₹25,999 for 6 x 9.
- Persian designs such as Royal Classic, Vintage Persian, Persian Royale Ivory, Persian Royale Mustard and Persian Red Royale: ₹9,499 for 3 x 5, ₹28,999 for 6 x 9.
How rugs compare with tiles and wall-to-wall on cost per sq ft is covered in carpet tiles vs wall-to-wall vs rugs.
Test the size before ordering
- Mark the carpet outline on the floor with masking tape.
- Put the furniture back and walk the room for a day.
- Open every door that swings over the outline. Carpet pile can catch a low door.
- Check that no one steps half on and half off the carpet on the main walking path.
Common questions
What size carpet suits a 3-seater sofa?
6 x 9 ft, with the 9 ft side parallel to the sofa.
Is 5 x 7 enough for a living room?
Yes for a 10 x 10 ft room or a 2-seater. With a 3-seater it looks short at the arms.
Should the carpet go under the sofa?
Under the front legs by 6 to 8 inches. That stops the carpet from sliding and ties the seating together.
What if the size is wrong after delivery?
See the refund and cancellation policy and the shipping policy, or ask the team through the contact page before ordering.
Browse living room carpets, the full carpet range or the designer carpet collection.
