Should Your Rug Be Bigger Than Your Sofa?

As a company of expert interior designers and suppliers of high-quality home and commercial furnishings, we often get asked: Should your rug be bigger than your sofa? This is a question that causes major concern amongst our clients, especially if you have beautiful flooring and feel reluctant to cover too much of it up.

However, by rule of thumb, the answer is yes because the main purpose of any rug is to create a focal point and ground your seating space. Too diminutive and it will look insignificant and out of place, and too big and your room could end up looking much smaller than it is.

In addition, finding a gorgeous rug that enhances every aspect of your aesthetics will enrich the beauty of your ensemble.

Here are some guidelines on how to pick out the right rug size for your room.

How to choose a rug size for your sitting room

Area rugs are an excellent alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting. Not only are they cheaper and easy to replace but they’re also simple to maintain and add a sense of style and cohesion to your space. Here are 3 tips on how to choose one:

• Find the proper size rug based on your furniture configuration rather than the exact dimensions of your room. This is because most layouts will be more attractive with a portion of the floor visible around the room’s perimeter, and the dimensions of your sofas will influence this.
• Choose a rug large enough to fit under all of the furniture in your living room, or one that extends at least 45 cm beyond the edges of your main sofa. This will help to define a seating area and establish a perfect conversation distance. If this is not possible, then make sure that at least the front legs of your furniture rest on your rug.
• If you’re having difficulties imagining how your new rug will fit, measure out a floor space based on one of the standard sizes available and mark it with either tape or chalk. You will then be able to visualise how it will look, whether it is proportionate to your furniture and where you would like to position it. Once you have this in your mind’s eye, it’s time to go shopping.

If you want to find out more about which materials are the most durable, have a look at our guide on which type of rugs last the longest.

What is the 45 cm rule?

If you want a substantial area rug that will cover most of your floor space, remember the 45 cm rule. Essentially this dictates that you should buy one big enough to leave a 45 cm gap between its edges and the walls of your room.

This bare-floor border will bring a sense of balance and contrast to your space by adding understated visual interest. It is a technique that is widely observed by most professional interior designers.

What are the standard rug sizes available?

Many rectangular rugs come in regular sizes, but keep in mind that the dimensions can vary slightly between brands and their own specific designs. Always double-check the measurements with your supplier before you make a purchase.

Here is a list to help you make your search easier:

• 80 x 150 cm: An excellent solution for small areas, this is slightly larger than a conventional coffee table.
• 120 x 170 cm: Roughly the same length as a two-seater sofa, this size works nicely in smaller living rooms or as a coffee table rug in a medium-sized lounge.
• 160 x 230 cm: This medium rug will fit neatly under a rectangular, 6-seater dining table.
• 200 x 300 cm: Ideal under a double bed or a floating three-seater sofa, this is a great choice for bigger living areas.
• 240 x 340 cm: These dimensions work well for area rugs positioned in large living rooms or beneath a king- or super king-size bed.
• 280 x 360 cm: Long and wide, this design perfectly complements generous corner sofas or large living rooms containing either two or three floating sofas.

If you’re looking for something custom-made to suit specific dimensions, we work closely with bespoke rug manufacturers, Knot & Loop, to bring you the colour, pattern and size that perfectly enhances your space. Call one of our expert designers now to find out more.

What type of rugs can you get for your home?

Choosing the correct rug for your home can be a difficult undertaking because from style and colour to size and shape, it has to fit your aesthetics perfectly. Here are the options:

Accent rugs:

These are usually quite small and bring a splash of colour, texture, or pattern to your space. They are perfect for adding character on a tight budget. Use them in front of chairs, sofas, or other furnishings to unify your décor.

Area rugs:

Larger than accent rugs, these are designed to cover the majority of your floor space. They can define a seating area, anchor furniture and offer warmth and texture.

Square rugs:

Using a square rug is an excellent way to delineate a sitting room or add in a decorative element.

Oval rugs:

These are irregularly shaped and commonly used in living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and zones that require visual interest. They can also help mark out a conversation area or add a touch of style to your aesthetics.

Round rugs:

Circular rugs are another effective way to create the perimeters of a seating plan or focal point. They also optimise space if you are working with a smaller room.

Runners:

Runners are long, narrow rugs commonly used in hallways, entrances and other high-traffic areas. Not only do they provide a decorative feature, but they also protect your flooring from wear and tear.

Irregular rugs:

If you want to infuse your space with a sense of fun, opt for an irregularly shaped rug. Genuine or faux animal hides are a popular choice.

Have a look at our article on the latest rug trends for 2023 before making a final decision.

What are the different ways to position a rug?

These 3 rug positions are commonly used by experts. Choose one that best suits your environment:

1. Just the coffee table: Place the rug in the centre of the room beneath your coffee table. It works well in petite living areas, making them feel more expansive. Allow for a few centimetres of floor space between the rug and your sofa to avoid a sense of overcrowding.

2. All the legs on: Arrange all furniture legs on top of a large rug to create a clearly defined seating area. It’s a perfect option for open-plan or big living rooms with floating sofas that are nowhere near a wall.

3. Half the legs on: If your furniture is up against a wall, position the front half of your sofas on the rug, with their back legs on the floor. This helps mitigate a space crunch in smaller lounges. Remember to install padding under all the legs to avoid instability.

Shop bespoke rugs at FCI London

At FCI London, we have a fantastic range of rugs to choose from and the expertise you need to help you pick out the perfect match. Get in touch or pop into our showroom for a chat today. You can also take a peek at all our latest projects for extra inspiration.