A Guide To How Big Should A Living Room Rug Be: 4 Expert Rug Sizing Tips

Are you wondering how big should a living room rug be? Deciding which are the best rugs Melbourne has to offer can be a challenge given the many sizes, shapes and styles available. Don't fret – we've got the solutions. From tips on choosing the perfect size rug to styling ideas that will help bring your vision to life, this blog post has everything you need when it comes to selecting a living room rug. 

Let’s get started with our exploration into how big should a living room rug be – read on for some helpful advice and inspiration.

1. Choosing the right size rug for your living room

When selecting the appropriate rug size for your living area, there are several elements to take into account. First and foremost, measure your space carefully before making any decisions. This will help ensure that you don’t end up with a rug that is too big or too small for the area. Just like knowing how to get stains out of rugs and how to stop dog from peeing on rug, this is important rug information. 

Measuring your space accurately is essential if you want to get it right on your first try. Start by measuring out from wall to wall, then subtract about two feet from each side – this gives some breathing room between walls and furniture pieces while still keeping them within reach of the edges of the rug. If possible, use painter’s tape or chalk lines on the floor as a visual aid during this process. 

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: Measuring carefully and keeping furniture layout in mind is key when selecting a rug size for your living room – err on the side of caution by going slightly bigger rather than too small, so you don't 'fall short'.

2. How big should a living room rug be?

When it comes to deciding how big a living room rug should be, there are some standard sizes and guidelines you can use as a starting point. For optimal placement, your rug size should be determined by the dimensions of your furniture. If you have larger pieces in the space, then opt for a bigger rug that will accommodate them all comfortably without leaving any edges exposed. 

On the other hand, if you’re working with smaller furniture or just want to make an impact with a statement piece, consider going for something slightly larger than what would typically fit in the area – this is where customising your rug size comes into play.

For standard-sized rugs – around 120x180 cm or 160x230 cm – try to ensure that at least two legs from each piece of furniture sit on top of it. This will help create an inviting atmosphere while also making sure everything looks balanced and proportionate. Additionally, make sure that when standing up straight at one end of the room there is still enough space left over for people to walk around freely. 

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: When deciding on a rug for the living room, the size and shape of furniture should be taken into account as well as inventive placement ideas. Additionally, playing with colour and pattern can help transform any dull-looking space into something truly unique. 

3. Styling ideas for your living room rug

Your searches for terms like ‘rugs on carpets moving, how to stop?’ ‘how to wash a wool rug?’ and ‘how to choose the right rug?’ show your interest in ensuring you have the best possible rug in your home. With that, you’ll find these styling ideas for your rug helpful in tying the entire look of your living room together. 

Rugs of varying sizes and designs can be arranged to create an attention-grabbing look that will bring texture, colour, and pattern to your living area. Layering two or more carpets of varied sizes can create a visually stimulating effect that will captivate and make your area welcoming. When choosing colours and patterns for your layered rug combination, consider the existing décor in the room as well as any accent pieces you may have. 

For example, if you have bold furniture with bright colours like reds or oranges, opt for neutral shades such as whites or beiges in your rug layers so they don’t clash. On the other hand, if you want to bring out certain hues in the room’s palette – like blues or greens – then select one layer with a complementary shade of those tones. 

When it comes to creative placement ideas for styling your living room rug, there are endless possibilities. Consider playing around with overlapping edges between two rugs placed side by side; this can help define separate areas within an open floor plan while also creating visual interest. If you're looking to make a statement, try placing one large area rug underneath smaller ones arranged around it.

Additionally, why not try experimenting with unique shapes? Placing round rugs beneath square tables creates balance and symmetry which gives off an airy feeling throughout the space - perfect for small rooms where extra breathing room is needed.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: Combining various-sized carpets is a great way to infuse texture, colour and pattern into your lounge. When selecting colours for layering, consider the existing décor in the room as well as any accent pieces you may have.

4. Shopping for the perfect living room rug

Finding the ideal living room rug can be a challenging endeavour. Knowing how big should a rug be under a couch and selecting the right rug for your living room can be a challenge, but with some guidance, it can be done quickly. 

What to look for in quality rugs:

When shopping online for rugs, it’s important to look out for quality materials that will last longer and stand up against wear and tear better than cheaper options. When looking for a rug, opt for natural fibres such as wool which provide softness while still being robust enough to withstand everyday use without deteriorating in shape or colour. 

Additionally, make sure the backing is sturdy enough that it won't slip around on your flooring – a rubberised backing is best here.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: When shopping for a living room rug, look for quality materials such as natural fibres like wool that are both soft and durable. Make sure the rug has a sturdy backing that won't slip around on your flooring, with rubberised backing being the best option.

FAQs in relation to how big should a living room rug be

What is a good size rug for a living room?

The size of a rug for a living room depends on the space available and the desired effect. 

Generally, it is recommended to leave at least 30 cm of bare floor around all sides of the rug. If you have more space, then larger rugs can be used to create an inviting atmosphere while smaller rugs can define areas within the living room such as seating or dining spaces. It's important to consider both practicality and aesthetics when selecting your ideal rug size.

What is the rule for rug size?

A good guide for rug selection is to pick one that's sufficiently large enough to accommodate the furniture in the area. A rug should be wide enough to cover the widest piece of furniture in the room plus at least two feet, and long enough to extend beyond the longest item by 45 to 60 cm. 

This will ensure that all four legs of each item are placed on top of or partially on top of your chosen rug, creating a cohesive look throughout your space. Additionally, consider the size of your room when selecting a rug. The larger the space, the bigger rug you should opt for to fill it up and make sure that all furniture is placed on top or partially on top of it.

Is a 240x330 cm rug good for the living room?

Yes, a 330x240 rug is an excellent choice for a living room. It provides enough coverage to fill the space without overwhelming it and can be easily incorporated into any design scheme. Additionally, its size allows you to layer rugs or add smaller accent pieces if desired. 

Is a 160x230 cm rug big enough for a living room?

The magnitude of your lounge can be a factor in deciding what size rug to get. Generally speaking, a 160x230 cm rug is considered small and may not be suitable for larger living rooms. However, if you have a smaller space or want to focus attention on an area in your living room, such as around a coffee table or seating arrangement, then it could work well.

💡KEY TAKEAWAY: When selecting a living room rug, consider the size of the space, the furniture layout, and your desired effect.

Conclusion

Deciding on the ideal rug size for your living area may be an intimidating endeavour. However, by understanding how big should a living room rug be and what styling ideas work best with it, you'll have no trouble finding one that fits both your space and style. We hope our tips can help you discover just how big your living room rug should be! 

We're more than just rug sellers at Miss Amara - we want you to create a home that reflects who you are and what your style is. In order to bring your vision to life, we offer free design consultations with our expert stylists.

We're more than just rug sellers at Miss Amara - we want you to create a home that reflects who you are and what your style is. In order to bring your vision to life, we offer free design consultations with our expert stylists.