How to choose the perfect rug for your home

Large Rug vs Small Rug? Choosing the Best Rug Size for Your Space

When it comes to choosing the best rug size for your home, the decision between a large and small rug can dramatically influence the look, feel and function of a room.

Rugs do more than just warm up a room. They help define zones, anchor furniture and add a personal touch to your décor. It is crucial to understand how rug sizes interact with your furniture and overall layout of your space.

Let’s take a closer look at how to choose the perfect rug for your bedroom, living room and dining area. Learn how to shop smart by browsing rugs online across diverse rug ranges, including affordable rugs that are stylish and suit any budget.

Large Rugs

A large rug can instantly make a room feel cohesive and luxurious. Large rugs can help to anchor your furniture, visually balance your space, and add warmth while creating a natural gathering area. Large rugs work well in open floor plans or spacious rooms, helping to define different zones without the need for walls or physical dividers.

Best Rooms for a Large Rug

Lounge Room: The rug should be big enough for at least the front legs of all seating to sit on it. This will help to tie the space together and create a cosy conversation area. Make sure to leave some space between the rug and your walls to prevent the room from feeling cluttered or cramped.

Bedroom: A large rug under the bed should extend beyond the sides and foot, creating a soft-landing area in the morning. For the best look and comfort, aim for a rug to extend at least 45-60cm on each side of the bed, this ensures your feet have something warm to land on when you get up.

Dining Room: Dining room rugs should be large enough to fit beneath both the table and the chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. Choose a durable and easy to clean rug that can handle regular use and spills.

Small Rugs

While large rugs are often the go-to choice, small rugs also serve an important purpose especially in smaller spaces or when used for layering. A small rug placed strategically can help draw attention, enhance texture, and create a focal point.

Best Rooms for a Small Rug

Bedroom Rugs: Adding a small rug at the side or foot of the bed creates a soft and cozy touch. Bedroom rugs add a layer of texture and style to the room and they’re a great way to introduce colour, pattern, or contrast without overwhelming the space.

Lounge Room Rugs: Using a small rug under a reading chair or accent piece adds warmth, texture and helps to define the area. It can help to create a cosy area within a larger space. Small rugs are also great to be layered over larger rugs to add extra dimension and texture.

Hallway Rugs: Hallways are often overlooked but offer a wonderful opportunity to add character and comfort. A small runner will help to enhance your décor, soften footsteps, and make a big impact by visually connecting adjoining rooms. For a balanced look make sure to measure your hallway and aim to leave around 10cm of floorspace on each side.

Finding the Best Rug Size:

Measure your room: A rug should suit the proportions of your space, use painter’s tape to map out rug dimensions on your floor.

Visualise zones: Rugs help to define areas, especially on open floor plans. Choose rugs of different sizes, colours or patterns to clearly distinguish each zone.

Leave breathing room: Aim for 20-30cm of floor between the rug edge and walls, this helps prevent the room from feeling cramped or cluttered and allow the rug to frame the furniture naturally.

Choose the right material: Wool rugs are durable and provide great insulation, making it a great choice to add texture, warmth and overall coziness to any space. Synthetic rugs are a budget friendly, easy to maintain and spill resistant option. Ideal for high traffic areas or areas prone to spills.

Consider layering: Layering a small rug over a large rug can add texture and visual interest. This technique allows you to play with different patterns, colours and materials, making it easier to update your décor without replacing your larger rug.

Shop Rugs Online for the Best Selection

Shopping online for rugs gives you access to a wider variety of rug ranges from the comfort of your own home. Use the Unitex visualisation tool to see how different rugs will look and fit in your space. Simply upload a photo of your room or choose from sample room settings, then drag and drop rugs to find the perfect match for your style, layout, and colour scheme. The tool helps you visualise not only the design but also the scale, so you can choose a rug that complements your layout perfectly and suits your room’s proportions.

It is important to remember that while there are general guidelines for selecting the right rug size. Your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create matters most. If you find a rug you love and it complements the space, go for it. A well-considered rug brings warmth and personality, even if it doesn’t follow the ‘rules’.