How To Place a Rug in a Living Room

A rug is an essential part of every living room, but finding a rug that perfectly complements your style and space can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide where we show you how to choose the rug that will best match your interior.

Rug Sizes for a Living Room

The size of the rug can change the feel of your living room. Rugs come in a variety of sizes, but how do you know which one will fit your space best? 

A small rug will make the room feel cluttered and uninviting, while a rug that is too large can make the space appear smaller than it is. However, the right-size rug for your living room will provide a perfect background for your other decor. 

What rug size you should select depends on the size of your living room as well as your furniture arrangement. Typical living room rugs sizes are 8x10 and 9x12 feet. Rugs sized 5x8 and 6x9 feet are popular alternatives for smaller rooms and layouts where not all the furniture rests on a rug. 

Centering the Rug

Centering the rug in your living room will help you achieve visual balance. The length of the rug should ideally be centered on your longest piece of furniture, such as a sofa. Alternatively, you can have your rug centered on a focal point like a TV stand or fireplace. 

Arranging the Rug

The best way to place a rug depends on the size of your living room, furniture layout, and the space you’re trying to define. 

Front-legs-on layout

The front-legs-on layout is a good option for small living rooms because it will make the space appear larger. In this layout, only the front legs of the sofas and chairs are placed on the rug, while the back legs rest directly on the floor. To achieve a cohesive look, you should place no more than about one-third of the rug’s width under each furniture piece.

All-legs-on layout

If you have a large living room, you can place both sofas, chairs, and the coffee table on the rug. Using this layout, you can create a seating area that is visually separated from the rest of the space. Just make sure to leave at least 8-10 inches between the edge of the furniture and the rug to create a natural border.

All-legs-off (floating) layout

If you opt for a smaller rug, you should keep all legs of the furniture off the rug and position them around its edges. The gap between the furniture pieces and the rug should not be larger than 5 inches. Smaller 5×7 feet rugs with bold patterns are an excellent choice for this layout. 

When Should You Consider More Than One Rug for Your Living Room?

In larger living rooms, it is possible to use several rugs to create distinct zones. For example, you can have a different rug for each seating arrangement. Alternatively, you can create visual interest by complementing a large central rug with accent rugs around the room.

Another wayto create an authentic space is tolayer smaller patterned rugs on top of a larger plain one. Here, the right choice of scale, patterns, and colors is essential for achieving a balanced finish. 

Rug Styles

Whether you prefer traditional or modern styles, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right rug for your home.

Coastal vibe

To complement your coastal-inspired living room, opt for a rug that combines ocean blue hues and warm neutrals inspired by the sea. Dash & AlbertBlue Moon Woven Viscose Rug featuring various shades of blue with a beautiful ombre effect is a great choice for this room style. 

Boho style

A carefully chosen carpet will bring rich color, pattern, and textures to your boho-inspired living room. Dash & AlbertMosaic Woven Jute Rug with its multi-check grid of gold, slate, brick, and chartreuse on an ivory background will instantly warm up your space.

Farmhouse feel

A farmhouse-style living room is the ideal setting for rugs with simple patterns and colors. Dash & AlbertBirmingham Black Woven Cotton Rug in classic black and ivory stripe will enhance the look of your farmhouse-inspired furniture and decor.

Minimal look

Symmetrical rugs that incorporate geometric patterns will give your living room a modern touch. Dash & AlbertChandelier Ink Micro Hooked Wool Rug with its pretty bold blue and white pattern is perfect for adding character to your minimal living room.

Timeless interior

A timeless living room remains beautiful over the years regardless of the current trends. Dash & AlbertCrosshatch Dove Grey Micro Hooked Wool Rug with its neutral soft grey hue will give your living room a sophisticated atmosphere that never goes out of style.