A complete rug size guide

What type of rug is suitable for the living room?

The living room is where many various activities take place, and many different types of rugs can work. If you are looking for a cozy and comfortable feeling by the sofa, a slightly thicker rug is best. If you want extra softness, go for a rug with high pile.

How to place a rug in a living room, and what size you should choose

Length: When placing a rug under the sofa, it should be longer than the sofa. This creates an airy impression and frames the area with the sofa and coffee table.

Width: If you have a large area rug (or put several together), the entire sofa can be on the rug, otherwise, a rule of thumb is that 1/3 of the sofa should be on the rug. This is to keep the rug in place and tie the living room furniture together. 

So the width depends on your living room layout, how you choose to place the sofa (fully or partially on the rug), and whether you have a corner sofa, chaise lounge, armchairs or loveseat in the same space. Then these should also be placed fully or partially on the rug without feeling cramped. 

Tip! If you have a large sofa, we recommend the STOENSE rug, which allows you to put several rugs together without the seams being visible.

What type of rug fits under the dining table?

Under the dining table can be a messy place with a high risk of crumbs and spills. Choose a flatwoven rug where crumbs will not be pushed into the pile, it's also easier to pull the chairs in and out on a flatter surface, and much easier to vacuum, some are even machine washable.

Tip! If you have small children, you can place a KOLON floor protector under the high chair, which is easy to wipe off. 

How to place a rug under a dining table, and what size you should choose

Width: Keep in mind that the rug you choose needs to be wider than your dining table and chairs when they are extended. It's a good idea to add an extra 60 – 80 cm to your measurements on each long side of your table. If the rug is too narrow, you risk getting caught on the edge of it when moving the chairs in and out. 

Length: The rug should be longer than the dining table. If the dining table is placed so that you also have chairs on each end, the rug needs to be long enough so that the chairs can be pulled in and out without getting caught on its edge.

What type of rug is suitable for the bedroom?

A cool bedroom means better sleep, but it also means colder floors. That's why it's nice to have a large, soft pile rug to put your feet on when you get up. It creates that lovely hotel feeling in the bedroom.

Another option is to have a small area rug by the bedside, or why not a ULLERSLEV sheepskin? A rug in the bedroom also contributes to better sleep as it collects dust particles from the air, prevents dirt from getting into the bed, and reduces the noise level.

Tip! If you have under bed storage drawers, a short pile or plain weave rug makes it easier to pull out the drawers. 

How to place a rug under a bed, and what size you should choose

The size and rug placement in your bedroom all depend on where your bed is positioned. 

If you have a double bed (or a single bed in the middle of the room), you can place the bedroom rug fully or partially under the bed so that it covers the floor under the footboard and the sides of the bed. It's important that you have something soft to put your feet on when you get up, so there should be about 50 cm of rug at the side of the bed.

Tip! If you want an extra large area rug, we recommend the STOENSE rug where you can put several pieces together without the seam being visible.

The alternative is to have a smaller rug at the side of the bed, in which case we recommend an 80x150 cm size rug. 

What kind of rug fits in the entryway?

The first answer is of course: doormats. A durable mat placed inside at the door protects the floor and collects gravel and dirt, so you don't have to vacuum the entryway as often as you would if you didn't have a doormat.

Depending on the size of your entryway, you can also have a runner further into the hallway. Smaller, narrower flat-woven rugs work well as hallway runners. They are easy to lift and shake off and vacuum. Since they are lighter and smaller, you can change them out seasonally to update your space. 

What kind of rug works outside?

An outdoor rug can add a more personal and cozier feel even on a balcony and terrace. Especially if you have a hard and cold floor of stone or concrete. Just remember to choose an area rug that is made for outdoor use so that it can withstand rain, snow, and sun. Since outdoor rugs are extra hardwearing, they are also well-suited for certain indoor spaces – like under the dining area where the risks of wear and spills place extra demands on the rug.

Natural fibres

Jute, sisal, seagrass, and other natural fibres are hardwearing and recyclable materials that add a beautiful texture and warm feel to rugs. These rugs often have natural colour variations that make each rug unique. Natural fibres are not very good at repelling water, but stains can be removed with a little water and soap on a cloth.

Synthetic fibres

The advantage of a rug in synthetic fibre is that it’s hardwearing and doesn’t shed lint. It’s also quite stain-resistant and easy to clean. This is why durable and easy-care synthetic fibres are optimal for rugs placed in areas with a lot of traffic, like the kitchen, children’s room and hallway – and for outdoor rugs. Common synthetic materials are polypropylene, polyester, and nylon.

Vacuum your rug often
• Regular vacuuming, at least once a week, is good for the rug to prevent dust and dirt particles from entering and damaging the carpet fibres, they should be vacuumed fairly often. Use the flat nozzle, not the brush, and vacuum at low power. If the rug has piles, finish by vacuuming in the direction that the piles lie.
• In rooms where the carpet is more exposed to dirt, such as hallways and kitchens, they may need to be vacuumed more often.
• Remember to also vacuum under the carpet from time to time, as a lot of dirt and grit can make its way down through the carpet.
• It is generally recommended to only wash a carpet (if possible) when it can no longer be cleaned by vacuuming alone. Always follow the carpet's washing instructions.

Removing stains
Dry stains should be scraped gently towards the centre of the stain. Wet stains should not be rubbed, soak up the stain with paper towels or a damp white cloth before the stain penetrates too deep into the rug.

Rotate your rug regularly
• If the carpet is located in rooms where you often walk on it, you should rotate it regularly (or flip it over, if it is reversible). This will reduce wear and tear and make the carpet wear more evenly and last longer.
• Keep in mind that when moving the rug, you should avoid pulling only the edge of the carpet. The edge consists only of a single seam and can only withstand a certain load.

Keeping the rug fresh for longer
• Many rugs are the same on both sides, which means you can turn them over at regular intervals.
• A handmade or larger rug that is extra dirty should be washed by a professional dry cleaner. If possible, avoid placing your rug in direct sunlight since this will bleach the rug.

Care of oriental rugs 
A Persian carpet is durable and easy to maintain. With regular vacuuming, it can stay that way for a long time. As with other carpets, it is important to vacuum under the carpet as well. If dirt gets under the carpet, it can damage the carpet fibres or knots. If a Persian rug gets dirty or needs repair, we recommend hiring a professional carpet cleaner. Specialized equipment is required to properly clean this type of carpet without damaging it.

Anti-slip underlay
With one of our anti-slip underlays, STOPP or STOPP FILT, under the rug, it stays firmly in place when you vacuum. You also reduce the risk of tripping or slipping on the rug. The anti-slip underlay protects both the floor and the rug, and the rug will also feel a little softer to walk on if you choose STOPP FILT.

Find care instructions for your rug under the Product details and Material & care section of the product page.