Choosing the right rug sizes can make all the difference in how a room feels—adding balance, warmth, and cohesion to your décor. Whether you’re furnishing a cosy flat or a spacious family home, understanding the ideal dimensions for each room is key to a polished interior.
In this complete UK rug guide, we break down standard rug sizes, room-by-room recommendations, and expert placement tips to help you select the perfect fit for your space.
Why Rug Size Matters
Rugs are not just accessories—they’re foundational elements in interior design. The right size:
- Frames your furniture layout
- Enhances the proportions of your room
- Creates zones in open-plan spaces
- Prevents visual clutter or imbalance
A rug that’s too small can make your space feel disjointed, while one that’s too large may overwhelm the room. This is why choosing accurate rug sizes is just as important as colour or material.
Living Room Rug Sizes
The living room rug size you choose depends on the layout and scale of your furniture.
Recommended Sizes for Living Rooms:
- 160x230cm: Ideal for smaller lounges with compact seating.
- 200x290cm: A popular choice for medium-sized rooms—large enough to sit under the front legs of your sofa and armchairs.
- 250x350cm or larger: Perfect for large or open-plan living spaces where the rug can anchor the entire seating area.
Tips for Rug Placement in Living Rooms:
- Allow 20–30cm of visible flooring around the edges of the rug.
- Place at least the front legs of your sofas and chairs on the rug for a cohesive look.
- In larger rooms, consider letting all furniture legs sit on the rug for a fully grounded space.
Need inspiration? Browse our large rugs collection for living room-ready options.
Bedroom Rug Sizes
A well-sized bedroom rug can make your space feel more luxurious and inviting—especially underfoot on chilly UK mornings.
Recommended Bedroom Rug Sizes:
- For a double bed, a 160x230cm rug works well placed under the lower two-thirds of the bed.
- For a king-size bed, opt for 200x290cm to ensure adequate coverage on all sides.
- For super king beds, a 250x350cm rug will comfortably frame the entire sleeping area, including bedside tables.
Alternatively, you can place two small rugs or runners on either side of the bed (around 70x140cm), ideal for narrower rooms or minimalist aesthetics.
Dining Room Rug Sizes
A well-proportioned dining room rug enhances both function and style. The most important factor is ensuring all chairs stay on the rug—even when pulled out.
Recommended Dining Room Rug Sizes:
- For a 4-seater dining table, choose a rug that is at least 160x230cm.
- For a 6-seater table, go with a 200x290cm rug.
- For an 8-seater or larger, 250x350cm or custom-sized options will provide ideal coverage.
To ensure comfort and symmetry, leave about 60cm of extra rug on all sides of the table.
Hallway Runners and Narrow Spaces
For corridors, entrances, or narrow walkways, a hallway runner adds warmth, pattern, and flow.
Common Runner Sizes in the UK:
- 70x240cm
- 80x300cm
Leave a border of 10–15cm between the runner and your walls for visual balance. These long rugs also work well behind sofas, in galley kitchens, or on either side of the bed.
Rug Sizes for Home Offices or Studios
Whether you’re styling a compact home office or a multifunctional space, the right rug size can define the area and enhance comfort.
Best Rug Sizes for Workspaces:
- A 160x230cm rug fits well under a desk and chair.
- For full-room coverage or multi-use studios, go for 200x290cm or consider a custom size to match the layout.
Opt for low-pile rugs or flatweaves to ensure chair movement remains smooth and quiet.
Quick Rug Size Summary by Room Type
Here’s a quick summary of common rug sizes for different UK rooms:
- Small Living Room – 160x230cm
- Medium Living Room – 200x290cm
- Large Living Room – 250x350cm or larger
- Double Bed – 160x230cm or small runners
- King Bed – 200x290cm
- Super King Bed – 250x350cm
- 4-Seater Dining – 160x230cm
- 6-Seater Dining – 200x290cm
- 8-Seater Dining – 250x350cm or custom
- Hallway Runner – 70x240cm or 80x300cm
Tips for Choosing the Right Rug Size
- Measure first: Always take accurate measurements before purchasing.
- Mark it out: Use masking tape or paper to map out the rug’s footprint on your floor.
- Leave breathing room: Aim for visible floor edges around your rug—especially in living and dining rooms.
- Don’t undersize: When in doubt, go a size up. Larger rugs tend to make rooms feel more cohesive and grounded.
Shop Rugs by Size at Rugs of Dorset
At the Rugs of Dorset, we offer a wide range of high-quality rugs to suit every room and layout. From small rugs to large statement pieces, you’ll find:
- Rugs in all standard UK sizes
- Custom rug options for awkward or oversized spaces
- Expert advice to help you select the perfect fit
Still not sure which rug size is best for your space? Our team is here to help. Explore the collection at Rugs of Dorset or get in touch at 020 8892 5378 or info@rugsofdorset.co.uk for tailored recommendations.
Rug Sizes FAQs
Q1: What is the most common rug size in the UK?
A1: The most popular sizes are 160x230cm and 200x290cm, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
Q2: Should a rug go under or in front of furniture?
A2: In most cases, placing the rug under at least the front legs of furniture creates a more balanced and connected look.
Q3: Can I order a custom rug size?
A3: Yes. Many rug suppliers, including Rugs of Dorset, offer bespoke rug services to match unusual room shapes or specific design requirements.
