Rugs are one of our favourite design tools at Ready Made Room Designs. They bring a room to life by adding colour, texture, pattern, warmth, and character — instantly making any space feel more inviting.

Because rugs can be quite an investment, it’s important to get the size and placement right the first time. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to choose and position rugs in different areas of your home — with a special focus on the living room and open-plan spaces, where the right rug can make a world of difference.

Living room rugs

A well-placed rug helps define your seating area and ties the entire space together.

• The rug should be large enough for the front legs of your sofa(s) and chairs to rest on it — and ideally, it should be at least as long as your main sofa.
  
  
• If your sofa is placed against the wall, having the front feet on the rug is perfect.
  
  
• Any additional chairs or sofas on the opposite side should also have their front legs on the rug — this keeps the layout balanced and connected.
  
  

Rugs in an open space

In an open-plan layout, rugs help define zones and make large spaces feel more cohesive.

If your seating area sits in the middle of the room, try to choose a rug large enough for all the furniture legs (front and back) to sit fully on it — including the coffee and side tables. This creates a unified look and prevents furniture from feeling like it’s “floating.”

🪶 Tip: Before shopping, measure your seating area and note the ideal rug dimensions — it’ll save you time and mistakes later!

Bedroom rugs 

A rug in the bedroom adds instant warmth, comfort, and character. Placement depends on the size of both your bed and room.

Here are some classic options:

• Place a large rug under the bed, extending out on both sides for softness underfoot.
• Use two runners on either side of the bed for a lighter look in smaller rooms.
• For king-size beds, ensure the rug sits far enough out to be seen and enjoyed.

Rugs placed on carpets

To add extra cosiness and layering you can rugs on carpet, keep the following tips in mind:

• When the existing carpet is plain and short-pile, a flat-weave rug can add colour and depth.
• If a new carpet isn’t in the budget, using a rug to cover or disguise an older carpet can work well as a temporary solution.
  

Dining room rugs

When selecting a rug for a dining area, there are three key factors to consider:

1. Size:
   The rug should extend 60–90 cm beyond each side of the dining table. This ensures chairs remain stable when pulled out, avoiding the awkward “half-on, half-off” effect.
2. Stability:
   A dining rug must be secure and non-slip. Using rug tape or underlay helps keep it firmly in place.
3. Maintenance:
   Since spills are inevitable, a low-pile or woven rug is best for easy cleaning and durability.

✨ Final Thoughts

Rugs are one of the most effective ways to anchor a room, introduce texture, and create atmosphere. Whether it’s the living room, bedroom, or dining area, the right rug — in the right size and position — brings balance, warmth, and style to the entire home.