What Size Rug for Living Rooms? You Asked, We Answered!

When designing a main living space, there’s one question that every renter and homeowner is searching on google: what size rug for living room?

Your living room is the most important room in your home, so choosing the right rug can seem like an overwhelming process. However, it can be super simple if you follow a few key steps! After you’ve selected your living room rug amid a selection of gorgeous designs, it’s time to get technical. You want your rug to enhance your living room both visually and practically. There are some design rules that will ensure you opt for the right dimensions. Read on to discover our top tips for a smooth and simple selection process. 

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What Size Rug Do I Need for My Living Room?

All you need to do is follow these steps!

Step One: Measure Your Seating Area

Your rug doesn’t have to stretch wall to wall. In fact, it’s more important to measure around the furniture in your seating area. To do this, measure the perimeter of your seating arrangement, including sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. You’re not just measuring the size of the room itself, but rather the dimensions that will define the “zone” of your rug.

If you have an open floor plan, defining your seating area with a rug is even more critical. A well-sized rug will anchor the space and visually separate it from other areas, like the dining or kitchen zones. Use painter’s tape to map out the rug’s size on the floor—it’s a helpful way to test your measurements before making a purchase.

Step Two: Decide on the Look You Want

Next, decide whether you want your rug to stretch underneath your furniture or sit in front of it. Typically, if you have a large living space or furniture that is floating in the middle of the room, you’ll want the rug to go underneath the legs of your furniture. This approach makes the room feel cohesive and grounded.

However, if your space is small or the furniture is pressed against the walls, you can get away with the edges of the rug sitting just in front of your furniture. For smaller living rooms, this technique can help avoid overwhelming the space while still adding a sense of style and comfort.

For example, in a compact living room, a 5’x8’ rug can work wonders if it is placed so that only the front legs of your sofa rest on it. This creates the illusion of space while still connecting all the elements in the room.

Step Three: Look at Image Previews

Many websites, including ours, offer the opportunity to see what a certain rug size will look like in proportion to a room. Use our built-in preview tool or another online service to better visualize the rug size before placing your order.

You can upload a photo of your living room to get a realistic preview. Additionally, online tools let you experiment with different layouts, such as seeing how the rug will look with all the furniture legs on it versus only the front legs. If you're still unsure, consider consulting a virtual interior designer for personalized advice.

Step Four: Order One Size Larger

This step is optional…but highly recommended! After you’ve made your measurements, it’s a good idea to order one size larger than the measured length and width.

Why? Rugs often shrink the space visually if they are too small. Opting for a slightly larger rug ensures that the proportions feel generous and intentional. For example, if your measured dimensions suggest a 6’x9’ rug, stepping up to an 8’x10’ rug can make the space feel more luxurious and inviting. A larger rug also creates better visual flow and accommodates rearranging furniture in the future.

Step Five: Pay Attention to Return Policies

If you end up ordering the wrong size, don’t fret! We offer free returns within 90 days. Not all vendors offer flexible return policies, so if you’re nervous about choosing the right size, make sure to choose a brand that offers free returns.

Additionally, before unrolling your new rug, double-check its size against your measurements. It’s easier to return or exchange an unused rug. Keep the packaging intact to streamline the return process.

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Remember the “All On” or “All Off” Rule

If you’re stumped on trying to decide whether the legs of your furniture should be all on or all off your area rug, just remember – all on or all off. There are benefits to both, but you have to stick to one choice.

All On: This approach works best in larger spaces. Having all your furniture legs on the rug creates a cohesive, unified look. It visually ties everything together, making the room feel more expansive.

All Off: If you’re working with a smaller rug or a tighter space, leaving all furniture legs off the rug can make the room feel less cramped. This method works particularly well with round rugs or accent rugs that highlight specific features of your space, like a coffee table or fireplace.

Rug Orientation Also Matters

When selecting the size of your living room rug, don’t forget to consider the orientation. If your room is longer in one direction, orient the rug the same way.

For example, in a rectangular room, a long rug running parallel to the longer walls will create a harmonious flow. Conversely, placing a rug perpendicular to the room’s natural lines can disrupt the visual balance and make the space feel awkward.

Don’t Forget to Include a Walkway

Arranging your furniture correctly is key to making your rug look well-proportioned. Always include a 30″ to 36″ walkway between your furniture. This ensures that the room feels open and accessible.

Without this breathing space, your living room may feel cramped and cluttered. Walkways are especially important in high-traffic areas, so plan accordingly if your living room connects to other parts of your home.

The Best Wall Decor to Match Your Rug Size

The size of your rug can also dictate the size of other decor in your space. If you choose a large area rug, make sure your canvas art is also expansive. A large rug will make small wall decor look even smaller. Everything should look proportionate.

Consider this rule: the larger the rug, the larger the artwork or wall mirrors should be. For example, if you have a 9’x12’ rug, aim for a gallery wall or oversized art pieces that fill up the visual space above your sofa. Similarly, avoid pairing a petite rug with giant wall decor, as it can make the room feel unbalanced.

Layering Rugs for Added Visual Depth

If you're still unsure about choosing the perfect rug size, consider layering rugs for added depth and style in your living room. This trend allows you to pair a smaller, statement-making rug with a larger neutral base rug to achieve a balanced yet visually interesting look. For example, you can place a bold-patterned 5’x8’ rug on top of an 8’x10’ jute or sisal rug. This approach not only helps fill the space if your chosen rug feels too small but also adds texture, dimension, and personality to your room.

Layering rugs works especially well in eclectic or bohemian-style spaces, but it can be adapted to suit any design preference. If you’re working with an open-concept layout, layering rugs can help visually divide different zones, such as separating the living room area from the dining or home office. It’s a practical solution that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.

What Kinds of Rugs to Consider for Your Living Room

Beyond the size, there are other factors to take into consideration when selecting your perfect area rug. Because your living room is a high-traffic area, consider a low-maintenance option.

Our washable rugs offer the possibility of throwing your living room rug directly into the washing machine to keep it looking fresh – with little to no effort! Whether you’re dealing with pet fur, kids’ spills, or everyday dust, a washable rug saves time and hassle.

This is how to wash a washable rug step-by-step.

For living rooms with lots of sunlight, consider fade-resistant materials, and for colder climates, opt for plush, cozy rugs to add warmth.

Wrapping Up: What Size Rug Do I Need for My Living Room?

Choosing the right size rug for your living room can make all the difference in creating a beautiful and functional space. Start by measuring your seating area, decide on your desired look, and always visualize your options before committing. Don’t be afraid to size up, and remember the “all on or all off” rule to maintain balance.

When in doubt, prioritize a layout that feels natural and gives you the flexibility to rearrange furniture. For the perfect fit and easy maintenance, shop our washable living room rugs today!

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