How to choose the right size rug

Choosing the right size of rug is just as important as deciding on the right colour, pattern and material. You want to aim for a size that anchors your furniture and makes your space feel balanced. When it comes to rug sizes, the main considerations are the size and shape of the space, and the arrangement of furniture. Follow our simple tips to help you narrow down your selection.

Measure the space for the rug

Think about the space that you are defining with the rug. Are you using the rug to fill an entire room, or are you using it to define a specific area within a larger room? If the space is furnished, make sure you're happy with the furniture placement first, then measure around the outside edge of the furniture. If you think your space is between sizes, err on the side of caution by opting for a larger size to ensure the area looks well-considered and thoughtful rather than haphazard.

Rug sizes based on types of spaces

Small rooms

If you're placing a rug in a small room and using it to cover most of the floorspace as an alternative to fitted carpet, make sure you leave a reasonable gap of at least 20-30cm between the rug and the walls on all sides.

Dining rooms/ dining spaces

If you're placing a rug under a dining table, it should be wide enough that the chairs are completely on the rug even when the chairs are pulled out. This means that the rug will need to be around 120cm wider than the table to allow an extra 60cm width on each side.

Living rooms

Generally speaking, when it comes to rugs for living rooms, it's best to go as big as your budget will allow to create a room that feels expansive, leaving a 20-30cm gap between the rug and the walls. Aim to get all the legs of your furniture on the rug or, if that's not an option, at least the front legs of your sofas, armchairs and side tables to anchor the space. Floating rugs that are placed just under coffee tables can also work, particularly if your living room is on the smaller side. To get the right proportions, make sure that it's large enough to fill the interior space of your seating area beyond the coffee table. 

Bedrooms

Similar to living rooms, you can play around with rug sizes for the bedroom too. Instead of choosing the largest rug possible for the room, use your bed as your sizing guide, bearing in mind that the rug should extend about 45-60cm beyond all the sides of the bed. For a more eclectic look, use smaller rugs on either side or at the foot of the bed. 

Common rug sizes

Once you've measured the space for your rug, find the size that will work best. Here are some of the most common rug sizes:

- Shop small rugs 120cm x 170cm 
- Shop medium rugs 160cm x 230cm 
- Shop large rugs 200cm x 300cm 
- Shop extra large rugs 240cm x 330cm 
- Shop oversized rugs over 300cm x 400cm
- Shop floor runners 75cm x 300-400cm



Mark out the rug size on the floor with masking tape or string. It's also worth taking a look at what a bigger size will look too - rugs always look smaller once you lay them down. Ultimately, it's all about working with the proportions of the room and the furniture. 



Shop all rugs now. For more rug shopping tips, check out our Rug Buying Guide.