Choosing the perfect rug for every room in your home might seem daunting, but with a bit of knowledge, it's easy to pick a floor covering that ties your space together. Whether you're adding comfort to your living room, defining a dining area, or creating a cosy retreat in your bedroom, the right rug can enlighten your room's aesthetic and make it feel complete. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best rug styles, sizes, and colours to suit your home's unique vibe, making your decision effortless and enjoyable.
Standard Rug Sizes in the UK
Here's a quick overview of the most popular rug sizes and where they fit best in your home.
| Room Type | Common Rug Sizes (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 120x170 · 160x230 · 200x290 · 240x340 | Defines seating areas, fits under sofas & coffee tables |
| Bedroom | 120x170 · 160x230 · 200x290 | Soft comfort under the bed, perfect for morning warmth |
| Dining Room | 160x230 · 200x290 · 240x340 | Keeps all chairs on the rug when pulled out |
| Hallway / Runner | 60x180 · 80x230 | Long and narrow to protect high-traffic areas |
| Kitchen | 80x150 · 100x200 | Adds comfort and style to functional spaces |
1. Living Room Rugs
The living room is typically the focal point of any home. It's where the family gathers, and a rug can help define the space. When selecting a carpet for the living room, ensure it's large enough to cover the area beneath the main furniture.
Ideal Size:
- A rug that's at least 160x230 cm (5x7 ft) is usually a good fit for smaller living rooms.
- For larger spaces, go for rugs that measure 200x290 cm (6x9 ft) or even 240x340 cm (8x10 ft) to ensure they're large enough to accommodate all the seating without overcrowding.
Layout Tip: A common mistake is choosing a rug that's too small for the room. Ideally, all the furniture should sit comfortably on the carpet, or the front legs should rest on it. This helps tie the room together and creates a more unified, spacious feel.
2. Bedroom Rugs
Bedroom rugs serve both decorative and practical purposes. It provides warmth underfoot when you get out of bed, and it helps anchor the space around the bed.
Ideal Size:
- Double Bed: 160x230 cm fits perfectly under the bed frame.
- King Bed: 200x290 cm or larger keeps edges visible around the bed.
-
Small Bedrooms: Two runners (60x180 cm) on each side provide the same level of comfort in compact spaces.
Layout Tip: Avoid placing the rug directly at the foot of the bed. A rug under the bed adds a more cohesive look. You can also choose a round rug (120x120 cm) for smaller spaces or under a seating area.
3. Hallway Rugs
Hallway rugs are narrower spaces, and rugs in these areas serve more as accent pieces than functional floor coverings. The key here is to choose a rug that is long enough to define the hallway but not so large as to overpower the space.
Ideal Size: A long, narrow rug (80x150 cm, 80x300 cm) works best in a hallway, depending on the space. Measure your hallway to ensure the carpet doesn't look too short or too long.
Layout Tip: Hallway rugs are perfect for adding a pop of colour and pattern. Consider runner rugs with geometric or traditional designs that complement your home's decor.
4. Dining Room Rugs
A dining room rug should be large enough to cover the entire area around the dining table and accommodate the chairs when pulled out. This helps define the dining area and create a more comfortable setting.
Rule of thumb:
Add at least 60 cm beyond the table edge on all sides so chairs stay on the rug even when pulled out.
Best sizes:
- 160x230 cm for 4-seat tables
- 200x290 cm for 6–8 seat tables
- 240x340 cm for larger dining sets
Layout Tip: Make sure the rug extends at least 30-45 cm beyond the table's edge on all sides. This allows the chairs to move in and out comfortably without catching on the rug edges.
5. Outdoor & Garden Rugs
Bring the comfort of your living room outdoors. Outdoor rugs define seating or dining spaces while being weather-resistant and easy to clean.
Popular sizes: 160x230 cm · 200x290 cm
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring for Rugs
One of the most common mistakes people make when selecting a rug is choosing the wrong size. Here are a few key things to avoid:
1. Choosing a Rug That's Too Small
A rug that's too small can make a room feel disconnected and incomplete. In a living room, a carpet that doesn't fit under the furniture can make the space feel scattered. In a dining room, a rug that doesn't accommodate all the chairs will cause the space to feel unbalanced.
2. Overcrowding the Room with a Rug
On the flip side, choosing a rug that's too large for the space can make the room feel cramped. Ensure there's enough floor visible around the edges of the carpet to create a sense of openness.
3. Forgetting to Measure the Room First
Before purchasing a rug, take accurate measurements of the room. This will give you a better idea of the size that will work best for the space and prevent you from buying a rug that's too big or too small.
Rug Size FAQs
What size rug should I get for my living room?
A rug that's at least 160x230 cm (5x7 ft) for smaller living rooms, and 200x290 cm (6x9 ft) for larger spaces.
How do I measure for the right rug size?
Measure the room's dimensions and ensure the rug fits under the furniture or extends beyond its edges for a more cohesive look.
What are the most common rug sizing mistakes?
Choosing a rug that's too small, overcrowding the room with a carpet that's too large, or failing to measure the room before purchasing.
What size rug fits under a king-size bed?
Go for 200x290 cm as a minimum; 240x340 cm gives a fuller frame, with about 45 to 60 cm showing around the sides and the foot.
What size rug is best for a 3 seater sofa?
Choose at least 160x230 cm to sit the front legs on the rug and define the seating area. For all legs on, step up to 200 x 290 cm.
Should a dining rug go under the table and chairs?
Yes. The rug should extend 60 cm beyond every side of the table so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.
Key Takeaways:
- Measure your room dimensions before buying a rug.
- Ensure your rug covers the area under the main furniture.
- Leave 18-24 inches of bare floor around the edges of the rug for a balanced look.
- Match your rug size with your room's design and furniture layout.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to select the perfect rug size for your home, it’s time to plan your next home makeover.
Explore our wide range of styles, colours, and textures across all rugs to refresh any room with confidence. Find the perfect piece that elevates your space and brings your vision to life.
Whether you're looking for a shaggy rug to add warmth to your living room or a Persian rug to make a bold statement, remember that the correct size will boost your space and make it feel more inviting.
Unleash the Perfect Look for Your Space!
Dive into RugsPile's exclusive collection of Living Room Rugs, Bedroom Rugs, Runners, and more. Find the perfect size, style, and vibe that transforms your room into a masterpiece!
Need more help? Our team at RugsPile is here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect floor covering to suit your style.
