How to Choose the Right Size Rug for Your Living Room (And Avoid the Most Common Mistake)

If there’s one styling mistake I see more than any other in living rooms, it’s this:the rug is too small.

And it’s not because people don’t care — it’s because rug sizing feels confusing, expensive to get wrong, and often rushed at the end of a project.

The right rug size doesn’t just sit under your furniture. It anchors the space, defines zones, and makes the entire room feel more considered and complete.

Let’s simplify it.

Why Rug Size Matters More Than the Rug Itself

You can choose a beautiful rug, but if it’s the wrong size, the room will still feel off.

A correctly sized rug:

• Grounds your furniture

• Creates flow and cohesion

• Makes the room feel larger and more intentional

  
  

A rug that’s too small can make furniture look disconnected, awkward, and floaty — even in an otherwise well-styled space.

the wrong sized rug makes a room feel unbalanced

The Biggest Rug Mistake I See in Homes

Most people choose a rug based on:

• What fits in the car

• What’s on sale

• What looks “about right” in store

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But rugs should be chosen for the room, not in isolation.

The most common mistake is placing a small rug in the centre of the room with all the furniture sitting around it instead of on it. This breaks the visual connection between pieces and makes the room feel unfinished.

The Golden Rule for Living Room Rugs

As a general guide, your rug should be large enough to sit under the front legs of your main seating.

This applies whether you have:

• A sofa and armchairs

• A sectional or chaise

• A compact apartment living space

  
  

The rug should connect the furniture, not sit alone in the middle like an island.

photo by Skulptur Architecture

Common Living Room Rug Setups (And What Works)

Here are three approaches I use regularly, depending on the space:

1. Front legs on the rug This is the most common and versatile option. The rug sits under the front legs of the sofa and chairs, grounding the seating area without overwhelming the room.

2. All furniture on the rug Works beautifully in larger living rooms. This creates a luxurious, cohesive look and clearly defines the zone.

3. Rug just under the coffee table This is the one I avoid unless the space is extremely small. More often than not, it’s the reason a room feels disjointed.

Choosing the Right Size (Not Just the Right Look)

Before buying a rug, measure your space and consider:

• Sofa width

• Distance between seating pieces

• Overall room proportions

When in doubt, sizing up is almost always the better option. A slightly larger rug will visually expand the space, while a small rug will shrink it.

What About Open-Plan Living Spaces?

In open-plan homes, rugs play an important role in zoning.

A rug should:

• Clearly define the living area

• Sit comfortably within the furniture layout

• Not float halfway into walkways or adjacent zones

  
  

This is where planning becomes essential — and where many homeowners feel unsure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right rug size isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. It’s about creating a living room that feels grounded, cohesive and comfortable.

If your room feels like it’s missing something, there’s a good chance the rug is the answer — just not in the size you initially thought.

And remember: rugs can always be returned, swapped, or reworked. Styling is a process, not a one-time decision.

If you’d like guidance on rug sizing, layouts, or pulling your living room together as a whole, my e-styling services are designed to give you clarity before you commit.