10 Dorm Rugs That’ll Add a Dose of Cozy to Your Space
For on-campus college students, there’s truly nothing as fun as getting to decorate a dorm room. For many, this is the first time they’re living on their own and truly able customize their living space — and believe it or not, a lot goes into creating the perfect sleep, study, and hang space. One piece of decor that should never be overlooked is a good rug. After all, rugs have the power to completely transform the drab, blank canvas that is an empty dorm room in an instant. To help make your search easier, we rounded up some picks we think you’ll love.
First, let’s break down everything you need to know about buying the perfect dorm rug.
Looking for more dorm design ideas and inspiration? Check out Apartment Therapy’s new site, Dorm Therapy, which features personal recommendations and reflections from a team of student contributors.
Types of Dorm Rugs
Before you can pick out a rug, it’s important to understand the different types of rugs out there. Here’s a list of the most common styles you’ll come across on your dorm rug hunt:
- Area Rugs – Meant to cover a large space, these rugs will add color, texture, and warmth to your dorm. They also come in a host of fun shapes including square, rectangular, and round.
- Accent Rugs – Accent rugs tend to lean on the smaller side and are meant to be a fun style element (Think of those flower-shaped rugs you see all over TikTok or a chic faux sheepskin.)
- Runners – Runners are long, slim rugs that you’ll typically find in a hallway. However, because of their shape, they’re a great choice for narrow dorms.
- Doormats – This one is pretty self-explanatory. Designed to welcome friends and make sure you don’t track any dirt from practice into your space, a good doormat should never be passed up.
How Big Should a Dorm Rug Be?
When it comes to picking the size of your dorm rug, there is no one size that is “the right size” for a dorm. While 5″ x 7″ rugs are the most popular as they cover a lot of surface area in one go, there are many things that go into deciding on the right size for you. Are you looking for something small to make a statement? Or maybe something big to cover the whole space (after you’ve decided on the room’s aesthetic with your roommate of course)?
Below, you’ll find a little more information on the most popular dorm rug sizes to help you figure out which one is right for you:
- 2′ x 3′ – The smallest of the bunch, these rugs are your accent rugs — fun bold pops that’ll help show off your personality but won’t take up too much space. We love these for personal spaces and in-unit bathrooms.
- 3′ x 5‘ – I’d call this size the goldilocks of dorm rug sizes. Not too big yet not too small, these rugs help make a statement but will still leave room for a roommate to add their own and get in on the fun.
- 4′ x 6‘ – Slightly bigger than the last pick, these rugs are ideal to be placed beside your bed or peaking out from the foot of your bed for a chic style element.
- 5′ x 7‘ – These are your area rugs. If you’re looking for something to cover a big space or help tie you and your roommate’s aesthetics together, this is the size you’re going to want to get.
Ready to find the dorm rug of your dreams? We rounded up 10 of our favorite designs that’ll take your dorm from drab to fab. Check out our favorite dorm rugs below!
Note: All prices listed are for 5′ x 7′ rugs or similar; However, each pick comes in a range of sizes and shapes.
