Everyone knows that the living room is the hub of any home. It’s where all the casual gatherings take place – be it with family, friends, or otherwise. Therefore, your furniture, accessories, and general arrangement of the living room always need to be designed with relaxation, functionality, and ergonomics in mind.

The same rules also apply when it comes to choosing a living room rug. This is why rug selection for lounge can sometimes be challenging. Every home has a different concept, design and unique usage, and there’s personal preference to consider too. But don’t worry, here at Land of Rugs we have you covered. As rug specialists, we’re here to share our expert knowledge and living room rug ideas. 

Should I get a rug for my living room? What size rug should I get for my living room? What is the best living room rug? These are just some of the questions you might have. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new living room rug, here are some key points to help you choose the ideal rug for your living room:

Rug Size and Shape

So, what size rug for the living room should you go for? Perhaps the most important thing to consider when selecting an area rug size for your lounge is the size of the space. This is a key piece of information when it comes to getting your rug sizes for the living room right. It’s vital that the measurements of the rug match the dimensions of the room. If you fail to do this, you run the risk of creating a very cluttered or disproportionate space.

Large Living Rooms

In a large space, a rug can be used to anchor the whole look of your living room. Where you choose to place the rug will impact your decision on size and shape. Select a rug that complements the size and shape of the room; with a larger space, you have more options to experiment.

Smaller Spaces

If your furniture is against the wall, you might want to use a medium or large rug to float the front two legs of your furniture on the rug. This will allow you to be creative with your space without creating the perception that your room is small. 

Pro tip: When using smaller rugs, choose a coffee table that complements the size and shape of the area rug. Avoid bigger tables and go for small or medium-sized pieces to ensure that your rug is not overshadowed.

Rug Placement

Rug placement in the living room will impact the aesthetic and feel of the space, so it’s important to get it right!

Large Living Room

A large living room will need a smart arrangement of your furniture on or around your rug. You can choose to place either all or some of your furniture on top of the rug. To place furniture in the centre of a rug, you will need either a large or extra-large rug to ensure that your furniture is not cramped. Alternatively, placing the first few inches of the rug underneath your sofa or other lounge furniture also works very effectively.

Smaller Spaces

On the other hand, if your living room is on the smaller side, choose a small or medium rug. These rug sizes are an ideal addition to make to surround a feature or a coffee table, with your other furniture arranged around the rug.

Colour scheme and interior theme 

The impact of your overall interior design theme on the selection of the rug is very immediate. Not only is it going to dictate the colour scheme of the rug, but also the design, pattern, and texture. 

Since the theme summarises every part of the room, a rug plays an important role in how your living room will look as a whole. If your lounge is designed using sleek modern lines, your rug will need to complement it. A contemporary rug would work well in this instance. If your living area features a more traditional theme, why not try an oriental patterned rug? 

The same applies to all home décor themes. Use the theme of the room to help you come up with suitable living room rug ideas. 

Do you want to match or contrast?

Another thing you need to understand before choosing a rug for your living room is whether you want your rug to match or contrast with the rest of the room. 

In interior design, contrast occurs when you accessorise with items that have opposing characteristics such as pattern, colour or material. To elaborate, if the colour scheme of your living room is navy blue, select a rug in the opposite shade – such as red – to deliver an awesome contrast. If your living room is decorated in a minimalist style, go for a bold, patterned rug to make an impact. Creating contrast with a rug is a fantastic way to make a statement. 

Selecting a rug to match the room’s décor also works very effectively. Choose a rug that has similar features to other items of furniture and use them in conjunction to enhance the beauty and impact of the particular characteristic. Many people choose to place a rug on carpet in the living room, this works particularly well when you pair together with the similar tones and different textures. For other types of flooring, be sure to select a rug that matches your floor type. 

Like anything else, you should be true to your personal taste. Select a design, colour, pattern and material that you love and your living room rug will never go out of style!

Cost

Budget is a key factor to consider when choosing a living room rug. It’s useful to know roughly how much you are willing to spend and to look at rugs on offer within your price bracket. You should also take into account your lifestyle habits and footfall in the room. Do you have children and are spillages likely? Is this a high footfall area? Take these questions into consideration and let the answer partially inform your decision on spending. Whatever you are looking to spend, taking good care of your rug is essential.

Pro tip: Solid coloured rugs tend to show stains and spillages more visibly than patterned rugs. So if you have children and your home is more prone to accidents, take this into consideration. In our stylish Think Rugs range you'll find a wide selection of on-trend designs at an affordable price.

So, these are important points to consider when choosing a rug for your living room. If you’re looking for living room rug ideas and inspiration, we’re delighted to share with you some of our favourite rugs for the living room. 

What is the best rug for the living room?

Aurora Rug AU01 Dune Silky Abstract