How to Place a Living Room Rug for Every Size Space

Choosing a rug for your living room is like finding the missing piece of a puzzle. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about comfort, style and making it feel like home. But working out how should a rug fit in the living room is tricky – especially when there are so many sizes and layouts to choose from.

Whether you are decorating a cosy apartment or a spacious room, this guide will help you figure out what size rug you need  for a living room and how to place it just right.

Let’s get started,  living room rug placement — different sizes, shapes and layout – to make your space look cohesive and stylish.

Standard Rug Sizes for Living Room Rug Placement

Choosing the right size rug can make all the difference in your living room. Let’s look at some standard options and how they fit.

5 x 7 feet

A 5 x 7 feet rug adds warmth to smaller areas. It’s enough to define a space without overwhelming it. The Calla 6922 Grey/Blue Leila Rug is a great choice for your living room – it’s modern, eye-catching and works well in compact spaces. If you’re wondering how to pick a rug size for living room, start small with this one designed to fit seamlessly in tight spaces.

7 x 9 feet

The 7 x 9 feet rug is a mid-size option. It’s not too small, not too large – just right for medium-sized living rooms. Think of it as the middle ground when you’re confused between various sizes. This size gives you more flexibility in rug placement in the living room so the room feels inviting without covering every inch of the floor.

8 x 10 feet

When you have a bit more room to play with, the 8 x 10 Rugs are your best friend. This size fits most living rooms and gives you enough space for your furniture to sit comfortably. With an 8x10 the front legs of the sofa will sit on the rug.  Your accent chairs may be half on/half off which is totally ok.  

9 x 12 feet

Got a large living room? The 9 x 12 rug green or blue might be the one for you. This size is perfect for a big seating arrangement — consisting of sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables all together. The Mythos MY08 Red/Ebony Rug brings a luxurious feel that helps you make a statement. It’s exactly what you need when thinking about how should a rug fit in living room layouts with more space.

12 x 18 feet

For open-concept rooms, the 12 x 18 rug is the way to go. It covers big areas beautifully and lets you create separate zones without losing the sense of a whole space. It’s the one to use in large living areas and has a plush cohesive look.

Rug Size Guide by Living Room Layout

Choosing the right rug isn’t just about size but also how it fits into your living room’s layout. Let’s break down how to pick rug sizes for living room by room layout.

Small Living Rooms

• Rug Size Recommendations: For small spaces, go 5 x 7 or 7 x 9. They’ll give you enough coverage to define the area without overwhelming it.
• Furniture Placement: You can place the Karma KM17 Grey Rug in front of your sofa or have the front legs of your seating on the rug. This keeps things airy and makes the space feel open yet cosy – a key to living room rug placement in small rooms.

Medium-Sized Living Rooms

• Rug Size Recommendations: For medium-sized rooms, go with 8 x 10 rugs. They’ll give you the right amount of coverage to anchor your seating without covering all your floor space.
• Furniture Placement: Place the Dazzle 54076GRN Green Rug so the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it. This creates a cohesive look that ties your furniture together, for those trying to figure out how should a rug fit in living room.

Large Living Rooms

• Rug Size Recommendations: Large rooms can handle bigger rugs like 9 x 12 or more. These rugs help define zones within a space and give each area a sense of purpose and style.
• Furniture Placement: Go bold and place all your furniture legs on the Layla LAY-11 Cinnamon/Sage Rug. This will ground your seating area and make your room feel more put together. This offers a great solution when deciding what size rug for living room is perfect for such large areas.

Rug Size for Living Room Guide by Furniture Placement

The way you arrange your furniture will impact your rug size for living room choices. Here’s how to get it right for different placement styles.

All Furniture On the Rug

• When to Use: This is for large rugs in open spaces. It creates a cohesive, luxurious look where everything sits on the rug.
• Visual Impact: By having all furniture legs on the rug, you can create a uniform, put-together space that feels thought out and intentional. It’s the answer to how to choose rug size for living room arrangements that feel complete and cosy.

Front Legs on the Rug

• When to Use: For medium-sized rooms, this works best with rugs slightly smaller than the full seating area.
• Visual Impact: Placing just the front legs of your furniture on the rug gives a grounded look without covering the whole floor. It’s a balanced way to approach rug placement without going for a full-room rug.

No Furniture on the Rug

• When to Use: This arrangement is ideal for small accent rugs. This style allows the rug to be the star of your room.
• Visual Impact: A floating rug will draw the eye and can be used to highlight a coffee table or reading nook. It’s a fun way to approach living room rug placement that adds personality without full coverage.

Choosing the Right Rug Shape for Your Living Room

When you consider rug placement in living room, the shape plays a crucial role in defining the feel and functionality of the space. Let’s look at different rug shapes and how they can work for you.

Rectangular Rugs

• Best Uses
  Rectangular rugs are the go-to for most living rooms, especially if you want to create a seating area or add warmth to the space. They work best for both traditional and modern spaces.
• Styling Tips
  To get the most out of a rectangular rug, consider its ability to lengthen or widen a room. For example, a large rectangular rug like the Calix CNU02 Cream Rug under a seating area will anchor the space and make it feel more cohesive. 

Square Rugs

• Best uses
  Square rugs are for square-shaped rooms or specific seating areas. They look balanced and are mostly used to create a defined zone within a larger space.
• Styling Tips
  When using a square rug try to balance it with the furniture so it doesn’t feel boxed in. Place the rug in the middle of the seating area and make sure the furniture arrangement works with the shape of the rug. 

Try Rug & Home’s Seaside SDS04 Ivory/Grey Rug to see how a square rug can add an elegant and structured element to your space.

Round Rugs

• Best Uses
  Round rugs are great for creating soft, cosy areas within your living room. They’re perfect for breaking up square or rectangular furniture and adding uniqueness to the room.
• Styling Tips
  To get the most out of a round rug, place it under a coffee table or in front of a sofa. This will soften the edges of your furniture arrangement and create a more welcoming space. Check out the Avalon 5606 Ivory Aubusson Rug, a gorgeous round rug that will add style and warmth to your living room.

Runner Rugs

• Best Uses
  Runner rugs are for narrow spaces or to create pathways within a larger room. They can also be used to highlight areas or add a decorative element to hallways.
• Styling Tips
  Use runner rugs to guide the flow in a living room, along a hallway or beside a sofa. The Vintage Kashan VKA07 Ivory Blue Rug helps to connect different areas and the room layout, making it perfect for hallways.

How to Measure for Rug Placement in Your Living Room

Getting the measurements right is key to choosing the right rug size for the living room. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Measuring Guide

1. To find the perfect rug size, start by measuring your living room rug measurements. 
2. Measure the length and width of the area where you will be placing the rug. This will help you figure out the right rug size for living room. 
3. Measure a few times to make sure the measurements are accurate.

Tools You Need

Use a tape measure and a notepad to get precise measurements. Having a second person to help makes measuring easier and more accurate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t make common measuring mistakes like not accounting for furniture placement or misjudging the space around the rug. Make sure the rug fits in the room and works with your living room rug placement.

Conclusion

Choosing a rug for your living room entails going beyond the looks and style. It’s about choosing a shape and size that works for your space and amplifies its ambiance. Whether you go for a large rectangular rug to anchor the room or a round rug to soften the angles, knowing how to choose rug size for living room is key to creating a stylish and functional space. 

With an outstanding collection of rugs & furniture from Rug & Home, you can find the perfect rug to turn your living room into a cosy and coordinated space. 

FAQs

1. What size rug should I use for a living room with a sectional sofa?

Opt for a rug that fits the front legs of the sectional sofa. Typically, an 8x10-foot rug works well for this setup.

2. Can I use multiple rugs in one living room?

Yes, you can use multiple rugs to define different areas, just ensure they match in style and size.

3. What’s the best rug size for under a coffee table?

Choose a rug that extends 18-24 inches beyond the coffee table for a balanced look.

4. How do I clean and maintain large area rugs?

Vacuum regularly, spot-clean stains, and follow care instructions for deep cleaning.