Rugs sized to your furniture, not just your floor

Choose a rug by the furniture it sits under. In a living room the front legs of the sofa and chairs should rest on it, which usually means 160 by 230 cm for a three seater. Then decide on material by how the room is used, from wool for warmth to washable flatweaves for busy homes.

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Buying guide

How to choose the right size and material

Most mistakes come from buying too small. A rug that floats in the middle of the floor makes the furniture look scattered and the room smaller. Measure the seating area, not the room, and use the guide below as a starting point.

Sizes by room

Leave roughly 20 to 45 cm of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the walls so the room still feels open.

Materials and how they wear

Wool rugs are warm, springy and naturally resist dirt, and they suit living rooms and bedrooms. Jute and sisal give texture but feel coarse under bare feet and mark with water. Cotton flatweaves are light and often washable, ideal for kitchens and children's rooms. Polypropylene and polyester are hard wearing, cheap and easy to clean, though they flatten faster under heavy furniture.

Pile height

Low pile and flatweave rugs are easiest to vacuum, sit under doors and suit dining chairs. Medium and high pile feel softer underfoot but show footprints and catch crumbs, so keep them for bedrooms and quiet living rooms.

Colour and pattern

A plain rug in a mid tone hides dirt better than very pale or very dark shades. Patterned and mottled designs are the most forgiving in hallways and family rooms. If the sofa is plain, let the rug carry the pattern, and the other way round.

Underlay and safety

An underlay stops rugs slipping on wood and tiles, adds cushioning and reduces wear. On carpet, a gripper underlay stops the top layer creeping. Cut it slightly smaller than the rug so the edge lies flat.

Care

Vacuum once or twice a week, and turn the rug every few months so sun and footfall spread evenly. Blot spills straight away with a clean cloth rather than rubbing. Wool sheds fibres for the first weeks, which is normal and settles with regular vacuuming.

At a glance

Where	Typical size	Rule of thumb
Living room, two seater sofa	120 x 170 cm or 140 x 200 cm	Front legs of the sofa on the rug
Living room, three seater or corner sofa	160 x 230 cm or 200 x 290 cm	Front legs of every seat on the rug
Double bed	160 x 230 cm	About 50 cm showing on each side
Dining table for six	200 x 290 cm	60 cm beyond the table edge so chairs stay on
Hallway	Runner, 60 to 80 cm wide	10 to 15 cm of floor either side

Frequently asked questions

What size rug do I need for my living room?

For a three seater sofa, 160 x 230 cm is the usual minimum so the front legs of the sofa sit on it. Larger or corner sofas suit 200 x 290 cm.

Which material is best for a hard wearing rug?

Wool is the most durable natural option and resists dirt. Polypropylene is the easiest synthetic to clean and suits hallways and family rooms.

Do I need an underlay?

On hard floors, yes. It stops slipping, adds comfort and reduces wear on the back of the rug.

How do I stop a rug from moving on carpet?

Use a carpet to rug gripper underlay cut slightly smaller than the rug, so it holds without showing at the edges.