Choosing the right size rug for a living room involves considering the overall size of the room, the layout of the furniture, and the desired aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you determine the appropriate size:
Room Size:
Large Room: If you have a spacious living room, consider a large rug that covers a significant portion of the floor. This helps anchor the furniture and creates a cohesive look. Leave enough space between the rug and the walls to maintain balance.
Smaller Room: In smaller living rooms, you might opt for a smaller rug, leaving more exposed floor space. However, make sure the rug is still large enough to accommodate the main pieces of furniture.
Furniture Arrangement:
All Furniture On Rug: One common approach is to have all the furniture on the rug. This creates a unified and cohesive feel and is a great way to differentiate spaces, for example, defining boundaries between living and dining spaces. This creates a cosy, intimate vibe, almost creating a room within itself.
Front Legs On Rug: Another option is to have only the front legs of the furniture on the rug. This is a good choice if you want to showcase more of your flooring while still connecting the furniture pieces in a balanced and harmonious way. It can also assist it creating a lighter and larger feeling to a space.
Ratios and Proportions:
Golden Rule: Aim for a rug that is large enough to provide a balanced visual appeal. A general rule of thumb is that the rug should be at least 20cm - 30cm wider than your sofa on each side. This ensures that the rug doesn't look too small in comparison to the furniture. Also make sure that it extends past any other furniture that is placed in it such as a coffee table.
Space Around the Rug: Leave some floor space around the edges of the rug. A good guideline is to leave a minimum of 40cm - 60cm of bare floor between the rug and the walls. This creates a framed, intentional look.
Rug Shape:
Rectangular Rugs: Typically work well with most furniture arrangements. They are the most popular off the shelf size that you will find. They provide a structured and traditional look and usually come in sizes of 1200mm x 1800m, 2000mm x 3000mm, 2300mm x 3200mm, 2500mm x 3500mm, 3000mm x 4000mm.
Round Rugs: Great for breaking up the linear lines of furniture, especially in rooms with square or rectangular furniture arrangements. It can add a softness that can break up the repetitive linear lines of modern builds. In saying that, they can also be harder to get right and if not used correctly, look out of place and incohesive.
Irregular / Custom Shaped Rugs: Usually custom made to order, these rugs can really create a wow factor. Usually selected with specific furniture in mind, these rugs are unique, but can be more expensive and sometimes be more difficult to work with.
Stay tuned as we go through rug materials in one of our next posts. Learn about the pros and cons of each different material that you’ll find available in the marketplace today. Discover what’s suited most to your budget and lifestyle and avoid making an expensive mistake.