The Ultimate Guide to Living Room Rug Placement
Rugs are a vital element in living room design, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. They can define spaces, add warmth, and pull a room's decor together.
However, choosing the right size and placement can be challenging. If it’s too small, it can make your living room look disconnected. Too big and it drowns out your furniture.
In this guide, we dive deeper into the intricacies of living room rug placement and size, providing you with detailed insights and tips that go beyond the basics. Whether you have a large open space or a cosy nook, these tips will help you make the best choices for your home!
Understanding rug sizes
Before diving into placement strategies, it's important to understand the various rug sizes available and their usual applications:
Small Rugs (90 x 150 cm, 120 x 180 cm): Ideal for small spaces, accent areas, or under coffee tables.
Medium Rugs (150 x 240 cm, 180 x 270 cm): Suitable for smaller living rooms or as an accent rug in larger spaces.
Large Rugs (240 x 300 cm, 270 x 360 cm): Perfect for spacious living rooms, covering significant floor areas and accommodating furniture arrangements.
Extra-Large Rugs (300 x 420 cm and larger): Best for combined living and dining areas or exceptionally large rooms.
At Castlery, we carry a wide range of rug sizes from area rugs to runners. Pictured: The Mira Wool Area Rug.
From geometric patterns to sleek designs, choose a rug that fits your home. Pictured: The Atmore Wool Area Rug.
Considering room size and shape
Long and narrow rooms
Long and narrow rooms can often feel cramped or tunnel-like, which is why it's crucial to use design elements that help balance the proportions.
A rectangular rug can elongate the space visually, making it appear larger and more inviting. By placing the rug along the room's length and extending it under the furniture, you create a unified area that directs the eye along the room's length, enhancing the overall flow.
This placement not only ties the furniture pieces together but also breaks the corridor effect, making the room feel more cohesive and spacious.
Recommended read: 10 Ideas for Decorating a Long, Narrow Living Room
Square rooms
Square rooms present a different set of challenges, as their symmetrical shape can sometimes feel static or boring.
To complement and enhance the room's natural proportions, opting for a square or round rug can be very effective. A square rug echoes the room's shape, reinforcing its symmetry, while a round rug can introduce a contrasting element that adds visual interest and breaks up uniformity.
Large open spaces
In large open spaces, you can use multiple rugs in different styles and colours to strategically carve out different zones within the same room.
This helps in adding layers of visual interest, making the vast area feel more intimate and well-designed. Don’t forget to ensure that your rugs complement each other or it can create visual clutter.
Recommended read: How to Break Up and Style Large Living Rooms
Placement strategies for different layouts
Placing a rug correctly in your living room can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetics and functionality of the space. Here are some tips to help you achieve optimal rug placement:
Centring the rug
A classic approach, centring the rug in the living room, works well with balanced and symmetrical furniture arrangements. This placement creates a focal point, drawing attention to the centre of the room and helping to define the seating area for a cohesive look.
Place the rug so that it aligns with the central furniture piece, typically the coffee table. Ensure that there is an equal amount of floor space around the rug's edges.
The Mori Living Room Set and Albie Travertine Rectangular Coffee Table centred on a bold striped rug. Picture credits: @kthillier
@mareenah places the Hamilton Round Chaise Sectional Sofa, Cupid Coffee Table, and Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair on a large area rug.
Front legs on
When placing a rug under furniture, a general rule of thumb is to have the front legs of the larger pieces (such as sofas and armchairs) fully on the rug. This placement anchors the furniture while still allowing the rug to define the space, creating a balanced look without requiring an overly large rug.
Position the rug so that it extends under the front legs of your sofa and chairs. The back legs should rest on the bare floor, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
With a square rug centred in the living room, @ahoneohome places the front legs of the Marlow Performance Bouclé Curved Sofa and armchairs on the rug.
@dr.emzieees arranges the Dawson L-shape Sectional Sofa over the Lilou Jute Area Rug, with the back of the sofa off the rug.
All furniture on
For a cohesive and luxurious look, place all furniture entirely on the rug. This method is particularly effective in open-plan spaces as it unifies the room, making it feel larger and more connected.
By fully placing furniture on the rug, you also create a more grounded and cohesive look, perfect for intimate gatherings.
Choose a large rug that extends beyond the outer edges of your seating arrangement. Ensure all furniture legs are on the rug, ideally with at least 30 to 45 cm of rug visible around the furniture.
With all furniture on the Lilou Jute Area Rug, @zephyr_and_stone delineates the space in the living room. Also pictured: The Jonathan Sofa, Vincent Coffee Table in Oak, and Mika Side Table.
@thepastelabode creates a small reading island with the Amber Bouclé Swivel Chair and a side table on a circular rug.
Enhancing aesthetics with rugs
Beyond functional placement, consider how rugs can enhance your living room's aesthetics.
Colours
Rugs are great for introducing colour to your space that can dramatically impact your living room’s ambiance and cohesion.
The colour of your rug should ideally complement your existing decor to create a harmonious look. For instance, if your room's palette is more subdued, a brightly coloured rug can introduce a lively pop of colour that enlivens the space. Conversely, if your room is filled with vibrant and colourful furniture, a neutral-coloured rug can provide a calming backdrop that balances the visual energy.
Patterns
If your living room is looking a little too bland, a patterned rug is a great way to add character to the space.
Bold patterns can become the focal point of the room, drawing attention and adding a dynamic element to your decor. They are particularly effective in modern or eclectic spaces where visual interest and individuality are key.
Subtle patterns, on the other hand, offer elegance and sophistication. They can enhance the room’s design without overwhelming other elements. These patterns work well in traditional or minimalist settings where the focus is on simplicity and understated beauty.
Texture
Texture is an often-overlooked aspect of rug selection that can significantly enhance the depth and dimension of a room.
For example, pair a plush wool rug with sleek leather furniture to introduce a contrast that enhances the tactile appeal of the space. The softness of the wool rug invites touch and adds warmth, while the smooth, cool leather provides a sleek, modern counterpoint.
Other texture combinations might include a sisal or jute rug with upholstered furniture, adding a natural, earthy element to a room. The rough, organic texture of the natural fibres contrasts beautifully with the smooth, soft fabric of upholstery, creating a balanced and visually interesting space.
@briebenfell incorporates different textures into the living room with the Odette Performance Bouclé Sofa, Paloma Bouclé Armchair, Yara Jute Area Rug, and a wooden coffee table.
@underratedxstudio introduces a pop of colour with a bright rug. Pictured: The Owen Sofa and Harper TV Unit.
Rugs can enhance your living room’s design
Selecting the right rug size and placement for your living room is a critical step in achieving a well-balanced and inviting space. By understanding the different rug sizes and exploring different placements, you can find the perfect fit for your space. Whether you have a cosy nook or a spacious open floor plan, rugs contribute to the room’s design and overall functionality.
