How to choose a rug for a small room
In a small room the rug has a big effect. The right one makes the space feel larger and more pulled together; the wrong one makes it feel cramped.
Do not go too small
The most common mistake in a small room is a rug that is too small, floating in the middle of the floor. It chops the floor up and makes the room look smaller. Instead:
- Aim for a rug that leaves about 20 cm of floor showing around the edges, or at least gets the front legs of the sofa on.
- In a small living room, 120 x 170 cm is often the minimum, and 160 x 230 cm frequently fits better than you would expect.
- In a small bedroom, a 120 x 170 cm rug under the lower part of a single or small double, or a runner along one side, works well.
Check with the rug size calculator before you buy.
Colour and pattern
| Goal | Try |
|---|---|
| Feel larger and lighter | Light neutrals: cream, beige, light grey |
| Hide everyday marks | Low-contrast pattern in mid-tones |
| Add personality without clutter | One bold geometric or abstract rug, with plain soft furnishings |
| Make a narrow room feel wider | Lay a striped or linear design across the room |
Pile and texture
A low or medium pile keeps doors clear and looks neat. In a small bedroom, a soft shaggy beside the bed adds comfort without taking floor space.
Where to start
120 x 170 cm rugs · Small rugs · Cream rugs · Low pile rugs
Frequently asked questions
What size rug for a small living room?
Usually 120 x 170 cm or 160 x 230 cm, chosen so at least the front sofa legs sit on it and some floor shows around the edge.
Do rugs make a small room look bigger?
A correctly sized, light-coloured rug can, by joining the furniture into one zone.
Should a rug go under the sofa in a small room?
Ideally the front legs should sit on it. It anchors the sofa and makes the room feel more spacious.
Is a dark rug a bad idea in a small room?
Not necessarily; it can feel cosy. Light rugs make a room feel bigger, dark ones make it feel snug.
Shop the guide
-
Amelie Lana Rug in Rust With Faded Blue Hues
from £29.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98
-
Jasper Medallion Rug in Blue Cream
from £69.98 -
Jasper Rug in Multicoloured
from £69.98 -
Jasper Rug in Beige
from £69.98
Related guides
- What size rug do I need? A room-by-room guide
- How to choose a rug colour
- How to measure for a rug
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.