How To Choose The Right Size Rug

Published 10/10/2024 by Katt O'Reilly | 4 min read

So, you’re at the point where you’re looking around room, whether it be a makeover or blank canvas, and all you can think is “gosh a rug would look nice in here, but where do I start?!”. Rugs can be an afterthought, something in your ‘nice to have’ bucket, or even your ‘too hard’ basket. We completely get it!

Here are a few fantastic tips that will hopefully make the process a lot easier to digest. Size is the overall configuration of how this is all going to work. Room Size vs. Furniture Size = Rug Size. Whether it be your living, dining, or bedroom (even a hallway), picking the right size really does go a long way. If you have a large room with bigger items of furniture, it tends to command a larger rug. If you were in a smaller setting it could be quite overwhelming with such a large piece dominating the space. This logic also works in reverse, a small rug would look bitsy and unconsidered in a large setting. To help break this down, we’ve selected the 3 most common rug sizes and put together a visual for you.

160 x 230cm

This size still covers ample space but won’t overwhelm a smaller room. It will span the length of an average 3-seater sofa, but no more, and likely will have some breathing room to change it up a bit. This size is perfect if you're aiming to create a cozy, intimate feel in a smaller living room or lounge area without crowding the space. It’s ideal for rooms where you want to zone an area without taking over the entire floor. Consider pairing this rug size with a 2-seater sofa, armchairs on the side, and a small coffee table to create a balanced, functional layout. In a bedroom, this size works well beneath a double or queen bed, offering a soft step as you rise, while leaving the bedside tables outside of the rug's footprint for a clean and modern look. If you’re furnishing a dining area, it’s a great fit for a small 4-seater dining set, adding warmth and texture while maintaining an open feel.

200 x 290cm

The next size up allows for slightly more space to play with, and you may notice it fits the width and length of a typical furniture configuration such as a standard six-seater dining table or queen bed with bedside tables. This size offers a versatile middle ground, making it perfect for larger living rooms, where the goal is to anchor your furniture without covering too much floor space. For dining rooms, this rug size provides enough room for chairs to be pulled out while keeping the legs on the rug, ensuring comfort and style during meals. In bedrooms, a 200 x 290cm rug can extend from the foot of a queen or king bed, framing the bed beautifully and offering a luxurious, plush texture underfoot. In a living room setup, you can place this rug beneath your sofa and side chairs with enough extra space to extend beyond your coffee table, ensuring all the furniture feels anchored to the room without looking cramped.

240 x 340cm

With almost an additional half a metre on each side, the second-largest typical size for a rug will fit comfortably in any room against a variety of furniture arrangements. This size is perfect for open-plan living areas or large rooms where you want to create distinct zones, such as separating the seating area from a dining or entryway space. For living rooms, a 240 x 340cm rug will fit under a 3-seater sofa, armchairs, and coffee table, bringing all the pieces together into one cohesive space. It can also extend beyond the edges of your furniture, giving the room a more expansive feel. In a dining room, this rug size is ideal for 8-seater dining tables, offering plenty of room for the chairs to move freely without scraping the floor. For bedrooms, this rug can sit comfortably beneath a king bed with bedside tables on top, providing an elegant and unified look that adds comfort and sophistication to the entire room. No matter the space, this larger rug size allows you to play with your furniture arrangement while ensuring your room feels balanced and inviting.

Find the suitable rug size and explore our Rug Range today and transform your space with the perfect piece.