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Rug guide · 01
Choosing a size
The right size matters more than almost any other decision. A rug that is too small shrinks a room; one that is well judged makes it feel settled.
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Room-size visualiser
Room size
12 × 15 ft (366 × 457 cm) — 27–42 cm of floor around the rug.
Shop oversized rugs →Plan drawn to scale from your measurements; furniture uses typical sizes. Recommendations follow the margins in this guide — mark the outline with tape before you decide.
01
Start with a plan
Measure the room and sketch it to scale, marking doors, windows, vents, fireplaces and the furniture you intend to keep. This shows you the floor that is really available for a rug.
02
Leave a margin of floor
In most living rooms, leave around 30 to 45 cm of floor visible between the rug and the walls. In larger rooms you can leave more. Avoid running a loose rug right up to the skirting.
03
Room by room
- Living room: place at least the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug, and let it extend a little beyond the ends of the sofa.
- Dining room: extend the rug around 60 to 75 cm beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on it when pulled out.
- Bedroom: place the rug under the lower two thirds of the bed, extending at least 45 to 60 cm beyond each side where space allows.
- Hallway: leave a band of floor on either side of a runner and keep it clear of door swings.
04
Test before you decide
Mark the rug's outline on the floor with low-tack tape and live with it for a day or two. If you are torn between two sizes, the larger is usually the better choice.
Put it into practice
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