The search for the perfect rug size for the living room is a bit like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Rugs aren’t just there to cover the floor space; they play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and functionality of a room. From defining specific areas within a room to improving comfort, aesthetics, and sound insulation, the correct rug size can make a difference in your home decor and functionality. Let’s uncover the art and science of breaking down rug sizes for living room spaces.
How to Choose a Rug Size
So, what’s the right size rug for the living room? Choosing a rug size that works for your space is crucial, and here are some general rules to help you get it right:
- Measure Your Seating Area: Start by measuring your seating area’s dimensions. Ensure that the rug you choose accommodates all furniture legs within it.
- Allow for Some Space: Make sure the rug extends at least 6 inches beyond the sides of all your furniture. Ideally, 8 inches of space is even better.
- Run the Rug Along the Sofa: To create a cohesive look, run the rug the entire length of your sofa or sectional.
- Mind the Walkway: Leave a walkway of 30″ to 36″ between large furniture pieces if space permits. In smaller rooms, at least 18″ to 24″ is sufficient.
- Consider Room Shape: The shape of your room matters. In square-shaped rooms, square or round rugs can work well. In rectangular rooms, opt for rectangular rugs that follow the room’s proportions.
- Front Legs on the Rug: For a balanced look, ensure that at least the front legs of sofas, sectionals, and chairs are on the rug.
- Layering Rugs: You can layer rugs for added dimension and texture. Just make sure they complement each other in terms of size and style.
- Trust Your Instincts: Finally, when it comes to choosing a rug size, trust your interior design instincts! The rug size should align with your living room’s aesthetics and functionality.
Area Rug Size Guide According to Living Room Dimensions
The size of your living room is crucial in determining your ideal carpet size for a rug. You’ll want to determine rug dimensions based on your living room size. Here are some outlines for how to choose a rug size.
Small Living Room
For smaller living rooms measuring 11’x13′ or less, consider a 6’x9′ rug size. Generally speaking, 6’x9′ is a pretty small rug for a living room, so only use this size as long as it’s longer than the width of your sofa. The last thing you want is your rug to look like a bath mat amongst your living room furniture!
Mid-size Living Room
In mid-sized living rooms of at least 11’x13′, the 8’x10′ rug is best! 8’x10′ inch rugs are one of the most popular sizes for living room rugs since they’re usually big enough to ground all the furniture, even if it’s just for the front legs of your couch to make it on board.
Large Living Room
For spacious living rooms of 12’x18′ or more, go big with a large area rug. You’ll have the most luck shopping for a 9’x12′, but 10’x14′ or 11’x15′ carpet sizes would also be ideal for a bigger space. These generous sizes define the seating area and create a grander, more luxurious ambiance. Never forget: a large room needs a large rug!
Four Ways to Arrange Rugs in a Living Room
Once you determine your ideal rug size using the area rug size guide above, it’s time to style your rug(s) in your living room!
All Legs Inside
In this arrangement, you place the entire furniture set, including sofas and chairs, entirely on the rug. This creates a cohesive and unified look, with all furniture legs sitting on the rug. It’s a classic choice for a well-defined seating area. To pull off this style, you’ll need to make sure you have the space for it. It works well in open floor plans, where you may need to visually separate the living room from the kitchen or dining room. But keep this in mind when styling a larger rug: without ample space between the walls and the edge of the rug, your rug may look awkward, like a failed attempt at wall-to-wall carpet.
Front Legs Only
The front legs-only arrangement involves placing the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug while leaving the back legs off the rug. This is the most popular layout option and works in various rooms. This option adds a sense of connection between the furniture and the rug while leaving some floor space visible. It can help make the room appear larger and can be more affordable since you can pull it off with a smaller rug size.
The Float
In “The Float” arrangement, the rug is positioned in the center of the seating area, with none of the furniture legs touching it, aside from a coffee table or ottoman. This creates a defined focal point, and the rug acts as an island in the room. It works well for open floor plans, allowing you to anchor the space without completely covering the floor. But you’ll need to avoid a too-small rug, otherwise it will look wrong. Make sure any space between your furniture and the edge of the rug is no larger than 5 inches, but 2-3 inches away is ideal.
Layering Rugs
Rug dimensions vary, and this strategy allows you to feature rugs of different sizes in one space. Layering rugs involves placing one rug on top of another. If you have a small rug or accent rug that’s decorative and you want to feature, layering rugs allows you to pull it off in a bigger space like your living room. Use a larger neutral rug—like a jute rug—as the base, and add your smaller, decorative rug on top. This adds texture, dimension, and visual interest to your living room, creating a cozy and eclectic look. Your layered rug can either go in the center of your space with no furniture legs touching it, or you can set the smaller rug to go under the legs of a chair or smaller furniture piece.
Rug Sizes for Living Room FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Popular Size Area Rug for a Living Room?
A: When it comes to how to choose a rug size, it often comes down to what options are available when you’re shopping. The most popular rug sizes for living rooms are 8’x10′ and 9’x12′. These sizes provide ample coverage and work well in a variety of room dimensions.
Q: What is the Perfect Rug Size for a Living Room?
A: The perfect rug size for a living room depends on the room’s dimensions and furniture layout. However, a general guideline is to choose a rug that accommodates all furniture legs within it, leaving about 6-8 inches of space beyond the sofa or chairs.
Q: How Do I Measure for a Rug in My Living Room?
A: To measure for a rug in your living room, start by measuring the seating area’s length and width. Ensure that the rug extends at least 6-8 inches beyond the edges of the furniture. You can use painter’s tape to mark the rug’s potential placement on the floor before purchasing.
Q: Can I Use Multiple Rugs in My Living Room?
A: Yes, you can use multiple rugs in your living room to define different zones or add visual interest. Just ensure that the rugs complement each other in size, style, and placement. Layering rugs is a popular design choice to add dimension and texture!
Find Help from a Tasker!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of rearranging your furniture or setting up your new rug in your space? We get it—rugs are heavy! The solution is simpler than you might think – and comes in the form of your local Tasker. Outsource the job, and get ready to say hello to a more comfortable and stylish living room.
