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How to choose the right rug

With a rug you immediately add more atmosphere and warmth to your interior. But choosing the perfect size rug can be quite a challenge. IKEA helps you with tips and an extensive guide per room to choose the right rug. 

 

Living room | Dining | Bedroom | Outdoor

4 tips to find the perfect rug

  1. First decide how you want to decorate the room. Where do you put the furniture? Make sure there is enough room to move.
  2. Measuring is knowing. Measure the space where you want to place the rug. You can use tape to get a good impression of the size of the rug.
  3. Is the furniture against the wall? Then when determining the perfect size rug, it is a must to pay attention to the width and the space around it. If you never walk behind the furniture, the carpet does not have to extend to the wall.
  4. Go big. It is always better to have a slightly larger rug than too small. Larger rugs are often more versatile and provide a better balance and dynamism in spaces. 

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A white wall with a round mirror on it, an open cupboard with clothes, and a beige carpet on the floor.
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A rug for the living room

A rug is nice and soft on your feet, it dampens sound and retains heat. But did you know that a rug is one of the most atmospheric parts of your living room? Large, deep pile, plain or a rug with a print, there is so much choice. First, it is important to make sure the rug matches the floor and your furniture. 

 

Use the rug to frame your seating area

Make sure that the rug is at least on the front legs of your sofa and armchair. This way you connect your furniture with each other and create an attractive unity in your seating area. A round rug is also a very suitable choice for this. Especially if your home has an open-plan living space, a rug is a good way to separate the living areas without the need for a wall or room divider.

 

Tip: Do you have a sofa bed in the living room? Then it is smart to choose a smooth woven or short pile rug.

See flatwoven rugs
White sofa with a light-coloured rug
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The best size rug for the living room

2-seat sofa

3-seat sofa

2/3-seat sofa with chaise longue


A rug for the dining room

In an open space where your living room and dining area meet, a rug under your dining table can help to clearly define your dining area. Create beautiful contrasts and play with light and dark colors. 

A useful rule is that the rug should be 60-70 centimeters larger on both sides than your dining table. This way, the dining room chairs still remain on the rug when you extend them. What is also important is that sliding your chairs in and out is a lot easier on a smooth woven or short pile rug. These rugs are also much easier to keep clean and fresh.

Smart tip! Do you have small children? Place a floor protector under your little one's seat. You can wipe it clean again in no time. 

See low pile rugs
A dining table surrounded by red chairs and a black and white rug
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The best size rug for the dining room

Dining table for 2 people

Dining table for 4 people

Dining table for 6 people


A rug for the bedroom

Rugs in the bedroom do more than just provide a soft landing when you get out of bed. They muffle sharp sounds, prevent dirt from your feet from being brought into bed and make the bedroom more cozy.

Go for a narrow or round rug next to your bed or at the foot of the bed. Or, for example, place two large carpets next to each other (with the seam exactly under the bed). This way you can easily turn your bed into the luxurious centerpiece of your bedroom. 

Look at the texture of the rug. Long pile rugs and a rug with a sheepskin structure are nice and warm, thick and soft. Flat weave carpets and short pile rugs, on the other hand, are thin, move easily and provide ventilation when needed. They are also slightly easier to clean. 

See high pile rugs
A bedroom with a made bed. There is a rug under the bed.
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The best size rug for the bedroom

Double bed

Single bed


This is how you find your outdoor rug

Outdoor rugs can really transform an outdoor space. They create a room outside, as it were, create atmosphere and they are comfortable to walk on. Use one under an outdoor dining table, under your garden set or on the balcony. Did you know that our outdoor rugs are made of materials that are easy to clean and resistant to rain and dirt? This keeps your outdoor rug beautiful for a long time. 

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A balcony with garden furniture and an outdoor rug.
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The right size rug for the garden & balcony

Dining table outside

 Outside sofa

Sofas with corner outside