A room-by-room rug guide

A rug that's perfect in the living room can be all wrong in the bedroom. Each space has its own job for a rug to do, and once you know what that job is, the choice gets easy. Here's how we think about it, room by room.

The living room

This is where a rug earns its keep. Go large: the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on it, tying the seating together. A 200×300 cm is the classic fit, 250×350 if the room is generous. Since this is the room people see and use most, it's worth stepping up the grade here if the budget allows.

The bedroom

Here a rug is about the first thing your feet touch in the morning. Two ways work beautifully: a large rug set under the bottom two-thirds of the bed so warmth surrounds you as you get up, or a pair of runners flanking the bed. Softer, lighter colours suit a room made for rest.

The dining room

The rule is simple: the rug must stay under all four legs of every chair, even pulled out. Add about 60 cm beyond the table on each side. Choose a design with some pattern and mid-tones, because a dining rug lives with crumbs and the odd spill, and a busy weave hides everyday life kindly.

The hallway and entry

A runner softens footsteps and carries the colour of the living room down the hall, so the home feels connected. Leave an even margin on both sides and choose a dense, hard-wearing weave, since this is the most-walked strip in the house. See our runner guide for the details.

The study or reading nook

A smaller rug, or a toshak floor-seating set, turns a corner into a place you actually want to sit. This is a lower-traffic spot, so it's the perfect home for a finer, silk-sheen piece you want to admire.

Match the rug to the room's job, not just its colour scheme, and it will feel right for years.

Not sure which room to start with? Bring your measurements into the Dandenong showroom and we'll walk through the whole house with you, or try our quick rug finder.