Living Room Rug Size Guide
Selecting the perfect rug for your living room isn't just about finding a style you love; it's about bringing warmth and balance into the heart of your home.
Standard Layout
A 160x230cm rug is the same length as most two seater couches, making it a good starting point for most living room layouts.
Compact Spaces
120x170cm or 140x200cm rugs are perfect for smaller rooms or more compact seating areas. Placing the rug just in front of the sofa, or under a coffee table can help to create a sense of cohesion in the space.
Large Living Spaces
For rooms with larger sofas, L-shaped sofas or multiple seating areas, a rug size of at least 200x300cm can help balance the space, creating a unified look.
Open Plan Spaces
In open-plan living spaces, a large rug such as a 200x300cm or 250x350cm can help to define the living area while allowing it to still connect with the adjoining areas.
Fireside Rugs
For those looking for a rug to sit in front of their fireplace, an 80x150cm rug can offer a cosy accent, framing the space without overwhelming it. It's a perfect size for adding warmth and texture to the fireside and is a similar length to most standard size hearths.
FAQs
No problem, our expert team will be more than happy to help you find the perfect rug. We are delighted to offer complementary Design Consultations. Find out more here.
Before you commit to a rug, we'd always advise that you measure the space. Using newspaper or tape to map out where the rug will sit is a great way to get a better idea of how a certain rug size will look in the space.
Make sure to try out our handy Room Visualiser tool to try a rug virtually in your space, from the comfort of your sofa.
Choosing the right size rug for your living room is about finding the perfect piece that enhances your space without overwhelming the area. A rug that's too small can make the room seem disjointed whereas a rug that's too large for the area can cause the room to feel unbalanced.
Smaller Rugs as a Focal Point: A rug can act as a unifying element, that finishing touch that ties together the existing soft furnishings in your space. Placing your rug in the centre of the room helps to establish a focal point in the room and provides a central area around which to arrange your furniture.
Larger Rugs to Anchor Furniture: The size of your sofa will often influence the rug size needed for your space as well as the rug placement. We'd usually recommend placing the front two legs of the sofa on the rug to anchor the space.
If you're between sizes we always recommend choosing the larger size, if possible. A larger living room rug can tie the room together, creating a unified area that feels intentional and well-thought-out.
Don't worry about covering the entire floor, ensure that there is at least 2ft/60cm distance between the rug and your wall, otherwise, you will close off the room and make it appear smaller.
Given the variety of ways one can decorate their living room, there are multiple rug size and placement options that you can consider. Whether you opt for small or large rugs for living room spaces, our team are always on hand to help if you have any questions.
Standard rug sizes generally include the following sizes: 80x150cm, 120x170cm, 140x200cm, 160x230cm, 170x240cm, 200x300cm, 250x250cm and 300x400cm.
Don't worry if your requirements fall outside of these sizes. We also offer a selection of custom rugs which can sized to your exact requirements.
Our Authentic Persian & Oriental Rug collection offers a wide range of rug sizes which fall outside of standard rug size options.
For a living room, we recommend you prioritise warmth and comfort. Natural fibres such as wool will work especially well due to their soft, cosy texture and added durability. Wool rugs in particular quickly recover their shape after furniture compression and have excellent insulating properties, coming in a variety of styles that are sure to suit your décor. Other suitable materials include high quality viscose and cotton if comfort is your priority, or polyester and polypropylene if you want strength and durability.
Styling Tips for Living Room Rugs
Styling a rug in your living room goes beyond mere placement; it's about integrating the rug into the overall design of the room. Here are some styling tips to help you get the most out of your living room rug:
- Complement Your Colour Scheme: Choose a rug that ties in with your living room's colour palette. A rug doesn't have to match everything in the room, but it should complement the tones of your furniture, walls and other decor elements. A contrasting rug can serve as a striking focal point, while a more muted rug can add warmth and texture without overwhelming the space.
- Texture is Key: Mixing textures can add depth and interest to your living room. For instance, pairing a sleek leather sofa with a plush wool rug can create a dynamic contrast that invigorates the space. Similarly, a jute rug can add add warmth and texture to modern decor, enriching the room's aesthetic.
- Play with Patterns: Don't shy away from patterns. A boldly patterned rug can inject life into a neutral living space, adding personality and flair. When mixing patterns, keep a common colour theme to maintain harmony in the room. If your furniture is patterned, consider a rug with a more subtle design to avoid overwhelming the space.
