How to Choose the Best Rug for Your Living Room

Want to give your living room a fresh look with a cozy and stylish rug? Look no further! Choosing the right rug might seem complex with so many options out there, but we've made the process easier for you.

Rug size guide for the living room

For small and medium living rooms (20 to 40m²)

Furniture position: all four feet of the chairs and sofas should be on the rug, or at least the front two feet.
Ideal dimensions: 3x5 feet (0.9x1.5m), 4x6 feet (1.2x1.8m), or 5x8 feet (1.5x2.4m).
Rug width: it should be at least as wide as the sofa, ideally extending 15 to 25 cm on each side.

For a large living room with more space (40m² and more)

Furniture position: choose a large rug to cover as much space as possible, with all four feet of all the furniture on it.
Ideal dimensions: 7x10 feet (2.1x3m), 9x12 feet (2.7x3.7m), or 11x14 feet (3.4x4.3m).

How to choose the right rug size for your living room

Follow these steps to pick the perfect size:

Measure the room: use a measuring tape to get the exact dimensions of your living room.
Define the living area: arrange the living room furniture to figure out the ideal size of the area to cover.
Respect proportions: the rug should be big enough for the furniture legs to rest partially or entirely on it, with an extension of 2 to 3 inches for a balanced look.
Avoid obstacles: make sure the rug doesn’t block doors or curl up against walls.
Test different sizes: use adhesive tape to mark potential dimensions on the floor before buying. This will give you a visual idea of how the rug will look in the space.
Avoid a rug that's too small: it makes the room look smaller.
Avoid a rug that's too large: it overwhelms the space.
Golden rule: when in doubt, go for a slightly bigger rug.

Colors and patterns

Is your living room colorful or rather neutral? Keep this in mind when choosing your rug!

If your living room could use a bit more life, go for a large rug with bold patterns or vibrant colors.
If your living room already has a mix of textures, patterns, and colors, a solid-colored rug will work best. It will calm down the eclectic feel. Light beige, pale gray, or a jute rug will tie the room together.
A tone-on-tone rug can also be a good choice, meaning a color that closely matches your flooring. For example, if you have light oak hardwood floors, a white or cream rug is perfect.
Light colored rugs can get dirty more easily. So, if you often eat in your living room, watch out!

Textures

The choice of texture is also important. It depends on your personal taste and lifestyle. A rug adds style and comfort, but you might regret it if you don’t think about your needs first.

High pile rugs: they add a warm and cozy feel and are very pleasant underfoot. However, they are not recommended if you have pets (long fibers trap dirt and hair, which isn’t great).
Low pile rugs: they're easier to maintain and they are better suited for homes with pets or active children. This type of rug is also more durable and stain-resistant, offering easy to keep clean without losing comfort or looks.

Shapes

Most rugs you’ll find on the market will be rectangular. These fit any living room and style. Otherwise, circular rugs are also popular. They bring a touch of softness with their curves.

There are also rugs with atypical shapes, like those shaped like paint splashes. They have wavy, irregular edges. These are rare but can really liven up a room. Pick one if your living room needs a focal point: it will draw attention! These rugs look great in the living room or guest room.

Quality

The quality of the rug can be an issue. Some models have few fibers, are thin, and wear out easily. Heavy furniture leaves marks on them. You’ll also notice that the fibers detach easily, which is a pain when you’re cleaning.

If the room is not used often, lower quality models can do the job. But avoid these in high traffic areas.

To determine if a rug is of good quality, look at its thickness and weight. Often, a heavier product will be of better quality. The price is also a good indicator!

Practical Tip

Still can’t find the right model? Use paper and scissors to create a scaled-down version of the room and its furniture. Then, cut out different rug dimensions and place them in your miniature room. You’ll quickly see the ideal size.

Otherwise, visit a Déco Surfaces store with a photo of the room, its dimensions, and the measurements of the furniture: an advisor will guide you to the right model.

How to Choose a Rug for Your Living Room: Sizes, Colors, Shapes, and Quality