How to choose a rug for your living room

There are certain considerations you need to take into account when choosing rugs for different spaces in your home. Since the living room is one of the most highly used rooms in the home, it's important to get the perfect rug to match your lifestyle. We run you through finding the right size rug and how to style it.

1. Whole living space

In a smaller room, you can use an oversized rug to cover most of the floor space as an alternative to fitted carpet. It helps to draw the eye across the width of the room, creating the illusion of extra space. Be sure to leave a border of 20-30cm between the rug and the walls.  

2. Living large

Make your space feel open and inviting by choosing a large rug that fits all your living area furniture on top. This is also a great way to define a space within an open-plan area.  

3. Cosy living

If your rug (or your budget) doesn't stretch that far, a medium-sized rug can keep the space cohesive by putting the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug so it acts as an anchor.

4. Floating living

A small, floating rug can also work as long as it's in proportion to the furniture. A good way to judge this is by measuring against the sofa, with the ideal sized rug being the same length as the sofa. However, you can go smaller and measure it against the length of a coffee table if you wish, just ensure the placement is centred against the sofa.

Styling tips for your living room rug

Layering rugs can make any space feel cosier. Consider either blending similarly toned rugs (think Persian-style rugs within the same colour palette) or pairing a neutral base with something bolder (think a smaller Morrocan-inspired colourful rug or traditional rug placed over a larger sisal rug). Mix different textures such as hardwearing jutes with soft wool rugs, and enjoy seamless layering by placing the thinnest rug on the floor first.



Synthetic rugs made from easy-care materials such as polypropylene that allow for fuss-free cleaning and stain removal are best for families with young kids or pets. Slightly distressed patterns and darker colours are not only beautiful, but also disguise the mess of life.

A lightly patterned, black and white rug will ground an all-white room beautifully. For calmer spaces, opt for a minimal pattern, but if you'd like your rug to make a statement, choose one that has bold contrast.



Symmetrically patterned rugs bring an element of calm and sophistication to your space. Be bold with a multicoloured design or subdued with a monochromatic style.

Rugs with repeated geometric designs add energy to any space. Muted tones soften strong patterns to encourage a quieter aesthetic, while brighter colours enhance decorative details for a statement.
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