Choosing a rug is one of the most satisfying ways to change a room, and one of the easiest to get wrong. After more than sixty years of helping customers in our Lostock Hall showroom, these are the questions we're asked most often. We hope this guide helps you choose with confidence.
1. Measure first
Before you fall for a design, measure your space. Mark out the rug size you're considering with masking tape or sheets of newspaper and live with it for a day. It's the quickest way to see whether a size feels right.
As a rule of thumb, leave a border of bare floor around the rug: around 30–60cm in most living rooms and bedrooms, a little less in smaller rooms. A rug that's too small is the most common mistake we see, so if you're torn between two sizes, the larger one is usually the better choice.
2. The right size for each room
Living room
Aim for a rug large enough that at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs sit on it. This ties the seating together and makes the room feel bigger. In larger rooms, a rug that takes all the furniture legs looks especially generous.
- Smaller living rooms: 120 x 170cm or 160 x 230cm
- Most living rooms: 160 x 230cm
- Larger living rooms and open-plan spaces: 200 x 290cm or larger
Dining room
Choose a rug that extends at least 60–75cm beyond each edge of your table, so the chairs stay on the rug when they're pulled out. For a six-seater table, that usually means 200 x 290cm or larger. Round tables look lovely on a circular rug.
Bedroom
Place the rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed so it extends around 50cm or more on each side, giving you something soft underfoot first thing in the morning.
- Double bed: 160 x 230cm
- King or super king: 200 x 290cm
- Alternative: a pair of smaller rugs or runners either side of the bed
Hallways and landings
A runner should leave roughly 10–15cm of floor showing on each side, with a similar gap at each end. Measure around doors too, so they can open freely over the rug.
Quick size guide
- 80 x 150cm: beside a bed, in front of a fireplace, or in a doorway
- 120 x 170cm: smaller living rooms, reading corners and children's rooms
- 160 x 230cm: a popular all-rounder that suits most living rooms and double beds
- 200 x 290cm and above: large living rooms, dining tables and king-size beds (see our extra large rugs)
3. Choosing the right material
Wool: naturally hard-wearing and resilient, with a lovely warmth underfoot. Wool rugs shed a little loose fibre at first; this is completely normal and settles down with regular vacuuming.
Polypropylene and other synthetics: practical, colourfast and easy to clean, which makes them a great choice for busy family homes, children and pets.
Viscose: prized for its silky sheen and rich colour. It's best in lower-traffic rooms such as bedrooms, away from damp areas. If you spill something, blot rather than rub.
Jute and natural fibres: beautiful natural texture with a relaxed feel. They're best kept in dry areas and can shed a few fibres, especially when new.
Washable rugs: ideal for kitchens, hallways, and homes with pets or little ones. Always check the care label and make sure the rug fits your washing machine drum.
Indoor and outdoor rugs: made to cope with the elements, and just as useful in conservatories, utility rooms and busy entrances.
4. Colour and pattern
Take your lead from something already in the room: a cushion, a curtain, or the colour of your sofa. Patterned rugs are wonderfully forgiving in busy rooms, while plainer designs let a statement sofa or artwork take centre stage. If you're unsure, bring a cushion or fabric sample into the showroom and we'll help you match it.
5. Caring for your rug
- Vacuum regularly to lift grit from the pile. Use suction only, without a rotating brush, on shaggy and delicate rugs.
- Rotate your rug every six months or so, so it wears and fades evenly.
- Deal with spills straight away: blot gently with a clean, dry cloth; never rub.
- Use a rug underlay or gripper on hard floors. It stops slipping, adds comfort and helps your rug last longer.
- Avoid strong direct sunlight where you can, as it can fade colours over time.
Still not sure? We're here to help
We're a family of rug specialists and have been helping customers choose since 1961. Call us on 0345 163 2015, or visit our showroom at 144–146 Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, open Monday to Saturday, 10am–5pm, with free parking. We'll happily talk you through sizes, colours and materials, with no pressure at all.