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120 x 170 cm vs 160 x 240 cm rug: which size?

120 x 170 cm or 160 x 240 cm? A side-by-side comparison of the two rug sizes, with the difference in area, the rooms each suits and the designs we stock in both.

By the Rug Kingdom team, Rug Kingdom (a trading name of Flair Furniture Ltd) · Published · Product details from our catalogue as of

The two sizes compared

120 x 170 cm160 x 240 cm
In feet3 ft 11 in x 5 ft 7 in5 ft 3 in x 7 ft 10 in
Area2.04 m²3.84 m²
Designs we stock58628

The 160 x 240 cm rug is 40 cm wider and 70 cm longer, giving 88% more floor coverage than 120 x 170 cm.

When 120 x 170 cm is the better choice

A 120 x 170 cm rug measures roughly 3 ft 11 in by 5 ft 7 in and covers about 2.0 square metres. In a living room, a common guideline is to leave 30 to 60 cm of floor between the rug and the walls, which suggests a room of roughly 1.8 x 2.3 m to 2.4 x 2.9 m. Its 170 cm length sits comfortably in front of a sofa up to about 140 cm wide (allowing about 15 cm of rug beyond each end). It is generally too small to sit under a dining table with the chairs, which needs about 60 cm of rug beyond the table on every side.

When 160 x 240 cm is the better choice

A 160 x 240 cm rug measures roughly 5 ft 3 in by 7 ft 10 in and covers about 3.8 square metres. In a living room, a common guideline is to leave 30 to 60 cm of floor between the rug and the walls, which suggests a room of roughly 2.2 x 3.0 m to 2.8 x 3.6 m. Its 240 cm length sits comfortably in front of a sofa up to about 210 cm wide (allowing about 15 cm of rug beyond each end). Placed across the lower two-thirds of a bed, it leaves at least 40 cm of rug on each side of a UK double or UK king bed. It is generally too small to sit under a dining table with the chairs, which needs about 60 cm of rug beyond the table on every side.

How to decide

If you are between the two, the larger size is usually the safer choice in a living room, because a rug that is too small makes furniture look as if it is floating. Choose the smaller size if the larger one would leave less than about 30 cm of floor at the walls, if it would run under a door, or if it would sit under only one piece of furniture. Mark both outlines on the floor with masking tape to see them in your room.

Designs available in both sizes

0 of our designs come in both 120 x 170 cm and 160 x 240 cm, so you can choose the pattern first and the size second.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 120 x 170 cm and a 160 x 240 cm rug?

160 x 240 cm is 40 cm wider and 70 cm longer than 120 x 170 cm, which is about 88% more floor area.

Which is better for a living room, 120 x 170 cm or 160 x 240 cm?

It depends on the room and sofa. 120 x 170 cm suits a sofa up to about 140 cm wide; 160 x 240 cm suits one up to about 210 cm wide, allowing roughly 15 cm of rug beyond each end.

Do you sell the same design in 120 x 170 cm and 160 x 240 cm?

Yes, 0 designs in our current range are listed in both sizes, including several of our ranges.

Does Rug Kingdom deliver free?

Yes. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you can cancel within 14 days of delivery for any reason.

Prices, stock and exact specifications change, so always check the product page before you order: every product page lists the maker's size, material, construction and care details. Delivery is free and tracked to England, Wales and mainland Scotland, and you have 14 days to change your mind. See delivery and returns.