How to Pick the Right Rug Size for Your Living Room

Layering with a Large Rug

If you want to layer rugs while keeping them centered, make sure to place the front legs of your couch and lounge chairs on the top layer rug, and the back legs on the base rug. The top rug should be exactly two sizes smaller relative to the base rug (for instance, a 6'x9' top rug should pair with a 9'x12' base rug, not an 8'x10' base rug).

3. Key Rules for Choosing Your Living Room Rug Size

• Living room rugs should typically be 8'x10' or 9'x12'. 6'x9' rugs are often used for smaller living rooms, while 5'x8' rugs are only recommended for layering and rarely used as the primary living room rug.
• The rug should be at least 8"-10" wider than the sofa on both sides. If you plan to place a side table on one or both sides of the sofa, consider a rug that is 16" wider than the sofa on each side.
• The coffee table should be proportionate to the width of your rug. This ensures your coffee table appears balanced in relation to your rug and provides even spacing in front of the couch.
• Size up your rug if you plan to add more lounge chairs or a loveseat in addition to the main sofa. For instance, in a medium-sized living room, choose a 9'x12' rug instead of an 8'x10' rug if adding two lounge chairs.
• When in doubt, opt for a bigger rug. It's better for a rug to be oversized than to be too small.
• Leave at least 24" of space between your furniture. This ensures enough room to comfortably walk around your couch, coffee table, and accent chairs.

4. Common Rug Sizes for the Living Room

For larger seating areas, sizes 8'x10' and 9'x12' make a bold statement while providing generous coverage. They enhance the style of your room and offer a cozy spot to relax. In smaller spaces or with compact seating arrangements, the 6'x9' size adds comfort and style without overwhelming the area.

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To ensure the right fit, remember to choose a rug that is at least 6 inches wider (preferably 8 inches) than your sofa on both sides. For a cohesive feel, consider running the rug the length of your sofa to anchor the seating area.

While 5'x8' rugs have their charm, they are better suited for spaces like under a small dining table or a twin-sized bed. In larger living rooms, opt for the sizes mentioned earlier to achieve the desired impact.

5. How to Choose the Perfect Living Room Rug

To help you find the ideal rug for your needs, consider the following key factors in addition to the size:

• Select the right material: Take your lifestyle and specific needs into account. If durability is paramount, consider materials like wool or nylon. For a softer feel, opt for plush materials such as shag or silk. Additionally, think about the rug's maintenance requirements.

• Consider foot traffic: Assess the foot traffic in your living room. If it's a high-traffic area, choose a rug that can withstand daily use and is easy to clean. Low-pile or flat-weave rugs are often ideal for busy living rooms.

• Coordinate with the style and color scheme: Take into account the overall style and color palette of your living room. Select a rug that complements existing decor, whether it's a neutral tone suited to a minimalist aesthetic or a vibrant pattern that adds visual interest.

6. How to Tell If Your Living Room Rug is Too Large

A rug that is too large can overwhelm the room and disrupt the overall balance. Here are a few indicators that suggest a rug might be too large for your space:

• Limited clearance space: If the rug extends too close to the walls or furniture, leaving minimal clearance, it may overpower the room and make it feel cramped.

• Excessive coverage: If the rug covers a substantial portion of the floor, concealing the flooring entirely and leaving insufficient space for other design elements, a smaller rug may be more appropriate.

7. How to Tell If Your Living Room Rug is Too Small

A rug that is too small can make the room feel disjointed and underwhelming. To determine whether a rug is too small for your living room, watch for the following signs:

• Insufficient coverage: When the rug fails to define the seating area and doesn't extend beyond the coffee table or main furniture pieces, you may need a larger rug.

• Imbalanced proportions: If the rug appears dwarfed by the surrounding furniture and leaves excessive bare floor space, it might be too small for the room's layout.

8. Measuring Techniques for Rug Sizing

Accurate measuring techniques are essential when selecting different rug sizes for your living room. Here’s how to begin:

1. Measure the dimensions of your living room: Use a tape measure to gauge the length and width of your room. If the room is not a perfect rectangle, measure the longest and widest points for accurate dimensions.
2. Consider furniture placement: Take note of the furniture you plan to place on the rug, such as sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Measure the widths and lengths of your furniture to understand how it will fit within the rug dimensions.
3. Determine rug placement: Decide on the rug's location in your living room. Common options include placing the rug entirely under the furniture or having the front legs of the furniture on the rug while the back legs remain off. This choice will affect the rug size you need.
4. Allow for clearance space: Ensure there's enough clearance between the rug and the walls or other furniture. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 18 inches of bare floor between the rug edge and surrounding walls.

9. Tips for Shopping for a Rug Online

Ready to embark on a virtual rug-shopping adventure? These expert tips can help you shop online like a pro.

• Understanding product descriptions: Pay close attention to the rug dimensions detailed in product descriptions. Measure your space beforehand and compare it with the listed dimensions to ensure accurate sizing. Also, familiarize yourself with terms like pile height, materials, and construction methods for an informed choice.

• Use visualization tools: Utilize online platforms or apps that provide visualization tools. These tools allow you to upload a picture of your living room and virtually preview how various rug sizes and styles will look in your space.

• Look for detailed images: A reputable online retailer should supply high-quality photos of the rug from various angles. Examine the intricate details closely. This will aid in making an informed decision and minimize buyer's remorse.

• Check the return policy: Since you won't see and feel the rug in person before purchasing, a good return policy offers peace of mind. Ensure the retailer provides a reasonable return period and covers return shipping costs when applicable.

10. Pay Attention to the Pattern of Your Rug

Besides the size, consider the design and artwork of your rug. The way the rug's pattern interacts with your sofa, flooring, wall colors, and decor elements can influence the perceived size of your room. A rug with intricate artwork tends to draw attention to your seating area, making it feel focused. Conversely, a rug featuring simpler patterns and subtle colors can create a more expansive feel around your seating area.

Here are some of our favorite patterned rugs that work in both styles (prices for 8'x10' size):

Favorite Area Rugs Under $500 at Froy:

1. Casablanca Diamond Ivory/Brown Area Rug | 2. Evoke Vintage Navy/Ivory Area Rug | 3. Montauk Washed Green/Black Area Rug | 4. Valencia Light Gray/Multi Area Rug | 5. Mystique Rust/Multi Area Rug | 6. Natural Kilim Natural/Ivory Area Rug | 7. Kenya Layer Ivory/Gray Area Rug | 8. Casablanca Diamond Ivory/Gray Area Rug

Living Room Area Rugs Under $500:

1. Glacier Diamond Woven Runner Rug | 2. Abstract Geometric Area Rug | 3. Dot Pattern Border Rug | 4. Array Handwoven Recycled Area Rug | 5. Darla Polka Dots Loomed Accent Rug | 6. Chelsea Blush And Blue Persian Style Area Rug | 7. Lucca Blue and Ivory Geometric Stripe Indoor Outdoor Rug | 8. Calia Copper And White Striped Area Rug

Living Room Area Rugs Over $500:

1. Heera Tan and Ivory Abstract Woven Jute Area Rug | 2. Eros Handknotted Red And Blue Area Rug | 3. Bahari Handcrafted Performance Rug | 4. Larkin Area Rug | 5. Souk Wool Rug | 6. Erria Indigo Rug | 7. Vaughn Modern Copper Area Rug | 8. Kalindi Area Rug Charcoal

Choosing the right rug size for your living room is essential for creating a visually balanced space. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately measure your room, explore common rug sizes, and discover layout ideas that suit your style. Shop our selection of rugs on FROY and start your living room transformation today!