Guide to Choosing the Right Living Room Rug Size

Bring a fresh update to your space by adding or changing out your rug.

Do you ever walk into a room and immediately know there’s something “off” about it? Chances are, you've got the wrong size rug. Choosing the right rug size for your living room rug can be difficult. Whether your living area is modern and minimal or a cozy space for entertaining family and friends, a quality rug can make or break the atmosphere.

In this guide you’ll learn how to choose the perfect living room rug size. This includes expert tips on how to measure, the right size of rug to buy, and guidelines on rug placement. No more stepping over a too-small rug in the center of the room! With these guidelines, you’ll be able to select the perfect rug size for the right atmosphere.

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What do you do when you want to update the style of a room without redoing the entire space? There are various methods and budget options that can be used for bringing a fresh look. But one of the easiest hacks for updating a room is by changing your rug. Knowing how to make the right choice can leave you with a living room that looks professionally put together.

Picking the Best Rug Size

When it comes to choosing the right size rug for the living room, the key is to ensure that the rug’s size is in proportion to the room’s furnishings and reflects the space’s intended utility. To make sure your rug fits the room and floor space perfectly, take measurements as your first step.

As a good rule of thumb: a correct rug size should be 2 to 5 feet smaller than the room for best results. This allows for a border of your original flooring to surround the rug.

Changing Rugs to Update Your Space

Even though our home is new and doesn't need many updates, once a compulsive room changer, always a compulsive room changer. Styling a room for different seasons is ideal for changing up the decor. Using rugs is a great way to do that.

The current black and white rug in this room creates a fun boho atmosphere. I wanted to change the style to have a little more elegance in this space once we finished a few other projects.

How Do You Change Your Rug?

Choose Something Timeless

The best way is to begin by looking for a rug that is more timeless and won't go out of style. I changed out the family room rug to this beautiful vintage rug from Revival Rugs. The fun part about Revival Rugs is a lot of their rugs are true vintage and one of a kind. Look how big of a difference this large area rug made! (check them out here)

Pick a Different Color Scheme or Design

When it comes to selecting the perfect rug color, there are many factors to consider. While bold, bright colors can be fun and energizing, more muted tones can be calming and inviting while adding texture. Neutral rugs can add texture and warmth to a space.

Additionally, consider other colors and accent pieces in the room and how the rug will fit in. Does it need to be complementary and blend in, or should it be a bold statement piece?

Neutral colors can soften the space and blend in to provide warmth and comfort. Adding a bold palette creates a strong focal point. No matter what color you choose, the right area rug can instantly transform any room.

For example, the neutral floral pattern for this rug combination is a great option for a space that is soft and warm. It is a good choice for bringing in more taupe and cream colors to other furniture pieces.

Living Room Rug Size Layering

Consider using different rug sizes, especially if you have large rooms that allow you to do so. Layering rugs adds more dimension and texture to your floor design.

As a general rule when layering rugs, combine a busy rug with a neutral rug. I like placing a solid rug on the bottom with a patterned rug on top to emphasize the design. See the picture below for an example.

You will also need a large rug on the bottom and a smaller rug on the top for optimal visual appeal. Otherwise you are unable to see the edge of the rug underneath.

And remember that just because you have carpet doesn't mean you can't use room rugs in your interior design. You can also layer directly on carpet as long as you still use these hints for choosing the right living room rug size.

How Can a Rug Update Your Space?

Versatility

Changing a rug can make a room feel so versatile. It's easy to alter the style and decor with a new rug, depending on the look you want.

For example, this neutral floral rug goes goes great with my boho vibe chairs as well as the white tufted chairs. Switch up the throw pillows and change around my table decor and voila, a beautiful new room.

Different Patterns or Shapes

Different patterns on a rug can easily change the style of your living room depending on if you are going for elegance or a casual look. The same goes for rug shapes. While most rugs are a rectangular shape, round rugs may change the style design of the room or emphasize a different piece of furniture.

Changes the Atmosphere

Adding a rug does change the atmosphere of a room. When your home has floors that are not carpeted, adding rugs helps to soften and warm the space. View this rug here

Protects Flooring

And perhaps the most important thing, a rug protects your flooring especially in high traffic areas. If your room sees a lot of walk-through, furniture arrangement or has a large seating area, then a rug is perfect for protecting your floors. It is also one of my favorite rugs for hiding stains.

And speaking of stains and dirt. Don't forget to clean your rug to keep it in the best shape possible. This involves vacuuming and using my new favorite rug tool to remove hair and pet fur from my rugs. See it in action below!

Other Rooms for Rug Use

You can also use these living room rug size guide tips for other areas in your home. Popular areas to use a rug include:

Under a dining table - protect the floor and can be easier to clean
Use at the foot of the bed for additional design to a room
Outdoor rugs for backyard dining
A rug can make a home office more cozy
Don't forget to use runner rugs to protect high trafficked hallways or front entries

The right living room rug size adds a sense of style and luxury, creating a sense of focus and grounding the living space. With the right measurements and consideration of utility and design, you can find the perfect rug to enhance the living room’s style, comfort, and functionality. As interior designer Abbe Fenimore says, “A great rug in your home has the power to become the star of the show.”

So, take a few measurements, consider how the rug will be used, and select the right size rug for the living room—and show it off! The living room rug is the foundation of your living space—let it be the star of the show.