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How to choose the right size rug for your room

Don't slip up! - by Dora Papas
  • 27 Nov 2018
How to choose the right size rug for your room

Rugs help to anchor your furniture in a room, as well as define zones in a larger space. Get the size right for your rug and take your room from the ordinary to the extraordinary. 

Living room

The best size for a living room rug is one where the front legs of your seating rest on the rug. Alternatively, the furniture sits entirely on the rug, so the rug acts as a frame around the furniture.

Dining room

Whether you have a round table or a rectangular table, your rug needs to be large enough so the chair legs rest on the rug when they are pushed back from the table.

Dining room with dining table and rug underneath it

Make sure your rug is large enough for your table.

Bedroom

Your rug should frame the bed, extending past the foot of the bed while the bedhead and bedside tables can sit completely on the rug. If you have a large bedroom and would prefer to showcase more of the rug, you can pull it out a bit from the wall so the front legs of the bedside tables rest on the rug. Alternatively, the rug can start after the bedside table. Smaller rectangular rugs can be placed on each side of the bed.

Rug layouts

Q&A

Problem: Fallen in love with a statement rug that is way too small?

Solution: Layering is the answer. As your statement rug is likely to be more expensive, layer it on top of a larger less expensive plain rug that covers more area. A jute or sisal rug will showcase your signature rug brilliantly. Ensure the bottom rug is smooth to provide a stable base for the rug on top.

Problem: Help! I have a very large open plan space, what do I do?

Solution: Zone it! Use rugs to define an open-plan room into two distinct areas – one for seating and socialising and another for dining – while maintaining the sense of spaciousness. 

  • Decorating
  • Bedroom Ideas
  • Living Room Ideas
  • Lounge Room Ideas
  • Master Bedroom Ideas
Dora Papas
Dora Papas
Dora is the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. An experienced and passionate decorator and maker, she loves any kind of makeover from an entire home right through to simply rearranging furniture or creating gorgeous vignettes. Homewares shopkeepers know her by name!

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