How to size and position a living room rug
Introducing a rug into your living room can make or break the space. That’s why choosing the right size rug and positioning it correctly is vital to the overall aesthetic of the room. So, no matter how large or small your living room is, we’ve put together some guidance to help you choose the right rug size and position it in the optimal place in your living room. In this guide, we will cover:
- How to choose the right rug size for a living room
- What is a good size rug for a living room?
- How to position a rug in a living room
- Top tips for positioning a living room rug
- Custom rugs
How to choose the right rug size for a living room
Regardless of how big or small your living room is, there are some simple rules you can follow to ensure your living room rug is the right size for your space. A living room rug should be longer than your sofa, creating an airy feel and framing the room.
The rug should extend under around ⅓ of the sofa and be big enough for at least two legs from each piece of furniture to sit on the rug. However, it shouldn’t be too big so all of the furniture fits on the rug, or too small as it can make the room feel disjointed.
While these factors don’t necessarily relate to size, you also need to consider the colour, texture and pattern of the rug. The colour should be different to the colour of the sofa, floor and walls to break up the space so it doesn’t look too bland and one-dimensional. The texture should be different from the sofa and the pattern shouldn’t be too bold and busy and should complement the overall look and feel of the room.
What is a good-sized rug for a living room?
The right size rug for your living room will vary depending on whether the room is small, large, open plan or one enclosed space. In larger rooms, you should follow the 18-inch rule and aim to have around 18 inches of flooring visible between the edge of the rug and the walls. This works better in enclosed, separate rooms rather than open-plan spaces.
In smaller spaces, you should reduce this to around 8 inches of visible floor space surrounding the rug. Ensuring there is floor space visible between the rug and the parameters of the room helps to frame the space appropriately and keep everything in proportion.
How to position a rug in a living room
Adding a rug to a living room can bring a sense of character, style and dimension to your living space. Whether you opt for a bold pattern or minimalist design, the position of your rug will dictate how it looks in the room, overall.
A good rule to follow is to keep the front two feet of each piece of furniture on the rug and ensure the rug sits around ⅓ of the way beneath the sofa. This keeps the rug as the focal point of the room while the sofas and any side tables frame the space.
As an example, if the room has two two-seater sofas and a coffee table, the sofas should be positioned with the front legs over the rug and the coffee table in a central position between the two sofas.
In open-concept spaces, an area rug can help to create the illusion of zoned areas within a large room. So, adding a rug to the living area and another beneath a dining table can help to differentiate between the two spaces within one room.
Top tips for positioning a living room rug
When measuring and positioning a statement rug in your living room, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make styling your space easier.
Think about how many legs are on the rug
Some people prefer all furniture legs to sit on the rug while others like none at all. Our approach sits somewhere in between, with the front legs on the rug and the back legs on the floor. This helps to make the transition between rug and flooring look seamless for a more connected space.
The 18-inch rule
Keep at least 18 inches of floor visible around the edge of the rug. In smaller rooms, aim for around 8 inches of visible flooring around the edge of the rug.
Multiple rugs
This approach works best in larger spaces. Multiple rugs can help to create zones within large rooms, especially if there is more than one seating arrangement.
Complement your space
The most important thing to consider when choosing a rug is whether it complements the space it is laid in. A rug should tie your living room and existing furnishings together to create a cohesive feel.
Custom rugs
We understand that it can be difficult to find a rug in the exact pattern, colour and size you are looking for. With our bespoke rug builder, you can craft a rug that’s uniquely yours and meets all of your desired specifications. Simply choose the size, rug centre and customise the border to meet your interior style. Crafting a bespoke rug with Crucial Trading is the perfect way to create the right size rug for your living room.
Now you know how to choose the right size rug for your living room, explore our range of carpet and rug centres and build your bespoke rug now.
