How To Choose The Right Living Room Rug
The most common interior design mistake I’ve come across throughout my career is people choosing the wrong-sized rug. I’ve seen it over and over again, and honestly, it can do far more harm than people realize.
Choosing the wrong rug size can affect the harmony and perceived scale of a space. A rug that is too small can make a room feel disconnected and visually unbalanced, while the right-sized rug can help anchor the furniture and make the entire space feel more cohesive.
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That’s why choosing the right rug isn’t just about finding a style you love—it’s also about getting the size right. In this guide, I’ll break down the steps you should take to ensure you choose the right rug for your space, from determining the ideal size and placement to selecting a style that complements your room.
How To Determine Rug Placement + Sizing
Now that I’ve told you that one of the most common mistakes people make is choosing the wrong rug size, you may be feeling a little nervous about selecting the right one for your space. Well, don’t be! Determining the right rug size is actually much easier than you might think.
Here’s What to Consider
Start by considering the overall size of your living room, as well as the size and layout of your sofa and other furniture.
Think of your area rug as a frame for your furniture. It should extend beyond the furniture footprint and help anchor the entire seating area.
Ideally, your rug should:
- Extend past the width of your sofa, typically by about a foot on each side.
- Accommodate at least the front two feet of your furniture, including the sofa and chairs.
- It’s best to leave at least 15″ of space between the wall and a rug.
One of the most common things I see is a rug that is simply too small for the space. It ends up looking something like this:
When the rug is undersized, the living area can feel smaller, more congested, and visually disconnected. Even if you can’t quite put your finger on what feels wrong, the rug may be the culprit.
As a designer, my advice is usually to size up rather than size down when you’re between two rug sizes. A properly scaled rug will help ground the furniture, define the seating area, and create a much more cohesive-looking living room.
Here is that same living room with an appropriately sized rug:
Can you see the difference the right-sized rug can make?
If I am further critiquing this space, the coffee table is also too small. However, let’s move on to determining the right rug for your living room.
HOT DESIGNER TIP: Aim for a coffee table that is roughly ¾ the width of your sofa. This proportion helps create a balanced and cohesive look while leaving enough room around the table for comfortable circulation.
Consider Pattern + Material
When it comes to rugs, I like to think of them as art pieces for the floor. There are countless patterns, colours, textures, and materials to choose from, so selecting the right one requires a little more thought than simply finding a rug you like.
To determine the best pattern or style for your space, start by considering the overall design style of the room, as well as the flooring.
As a general rule of thumb, you want to choose a rug pattern that complements the flooring rather than competes with it. For example, if you have very busy, rustic-looking flooring, you may want to be more mindful of the rug pattern you introduce. Adding another busy element can create too much visual weight and make the space feel visually cluttered.
Colour is another important consideration. Look at the colours and undertones already present in your flooring and consider which rug colours will complement them.
However, there is more nuance here. Interior design should be approached as a full picture rather than one component at a time. Instead of choosing your rug in isolation, I recommend planning your overall design scheme first. Whether you decide on an Oriental-inspired rug, a bold contemporary pattern, or something much more subtle, consider how the rug will work with all of the other elements in the room.
Choosing the Right Rug Material
When it comes to materials, there are numerous options to consider, including wool, natural fibres such as jute and sisal, polypropylene, and mixed-material rugs.
When determining which material is right for you, consider durability, longevity, style, maintenance, and cost.
Natural-fibre rugs, such as jute, wool, sisal, leather, and hide, can bring a beautiful sense of texture and warmth to a room and can often have a more elevated, luxurious appearance. However, some require more specialized or intensive cleaning and may shed depending on the material and construction. They can also be more expensive than Polypropylene machine-made alternatives.
If you have pets, this is another consideration. Certain textured natural-fibre rugs may be particularly tempting for cats to scratch, so keep your pet’s habits in mind when making your selection.
What About Polypropylene Rugs?
Polypropylene rugs tend to be a more affordable option because they are commonly machine-made and are available in a huge variety of colours, patterns, and styles. However, the quality can vary significantly.
You can absolutely find a durable, well-made polypropylene rug that looks fantastic and performs well, but you can also find options that look and feel considerably less luxurious. This is why I wouldn’t choose a rug based solely on the material listed on the label. Pay attention to the construction, texture, quality, and overall appearance.
Don’t Cheap Out on the Rug
When it comes to balancing costs while decorating your living room, I wouldn’t recommend cutting your rug budget too aggressively.
Textiles are one of those areas where you can often notice a difference in how something looks, feels, and holds up over time. You don’t necessarily need to buy the most expensive rug available, but investing in a quality piece can make a significant difference to the finished room.
Ultimately, the best rug is one that works with your space—not just aesthetically, but also in terms of how you actually live in and use the room.
My Fav Retailers To Shop For Living Room Rugs
If you’re looking for Oriental, vintage, or more unique rugs, my go-to places to shop are Etsy and Anthropologie Home.
For more contemporary rugs at an affordable price point, Wayfair is one of my go-to options. They have a wide range of styles and sizes, making it easy to find something that works with your space.
If you’re looking for versatile rug styles at a good price point, including washable options, Rugs USA is another favourite of mine. They offer a great selection for both practical and design-focused spaces.
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