What size rug is right for my living room? An interior designer helps!
Sometimes your living room’s overall look feels off—and the likely culprit is a rug that’s too small. Interior designer Maru Hautala helps you choose the right one.
How do you choose the right size rug for your living room? This question was submitted by one of our readers. So how do you pick a rug, interior designer Maru Hautala?
1. Larger than the sofa
The size of a living room rug depends on your furniture arrangement. In many homes, the sofa is over two meters long, so the rug should be even larger. As a general rule, the rug should extend under the sofa and at least 10 cm (about 4 inches) beyond its edges. The rug should always be larger than the room’s main piece of furniture. The same rule applies to a chaise sofa—the rug should also extend beyond the chaise.
2. A round rug rarely works in the living room
A rug measuring around 160 x 230 cm is usually too small for most living rooms. A square or rectangular rug frames the room and furniture grouping well—I don’t often recommend round rugs for the living room. If choosing a rug feels challenging, it’s worth asking for help at specialized rug shops. If you can’t find a standard rug in the right size, you can order a custom-size rug.
3. At least 20 centimeters from the wall
Place your rug so it’s at least 20 centimeters (around 8 inches) from the wall. This way, the rug frames the room.
4. Thicker material will keep the rug in place
Material is another key consideration when choosing a rug. For families with children or dogs, I suggest picking a thicker material to keep it in place, even when kids are playing. This also helps keep the room look neat on a day-to-day basis. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure. Interior designers are often happy to make quick visits on an hourly basis to help with tasks like finding the perfect rug.
Main photo by Ferm Living, illustrations by Maru Hautala
