Rugs invite warmth into a space, defining the ambience and drawing different elements together. Proper rug placement can transform a space, creating visual interest and anchoring the room. More practically, a well-positioned rug can protect the flooring underneath and also improve the acoustics in a room. A rug can help to define traffic flow and create visual balance in a space. 

Placing a rug in a room can make or break your styling. In this rug placement guide we’ll explain how to position a rug across different areas of your home. 

Featuring Bruny Rug Fern, Fleur Sofa, Fleur Tub Chair, Fleur Ottoman Bench, Fleur Ottoman High and Issho Coffee Table.

Living room rug placement

The living room is the central hub of a home. With the style of open plan living we see in homes today, rugs can be used to create a defined living room zone. You can also use a rug to draw the eye to a focal point in the living room, such as a fireplace or coffee table. 

There are broadly three options for how to place a rug in a living room:

Furniture on the rug

Suitable for large rugs, placing all of the furniture on the rug creates a cohesive look and aesthetically connects each of the elements. This is also an ideal rug placement for a modular sofa with the rug serving as a base for the seating arrangement.  

Furniture partially on the rug

By placing only the front legs of the sofa on the rug, you can create a more open and spacious feel. This placement works well in large living rooms and creates a sense of unity without overwhelming the space. 

Furniture off the rug

For smaller rugs, position the furniture with the rug as the focal point to define the seating area. This living room rug layout works well in smaller spaces and helps to create an open and airy feel. 

Featuring the Apollo Rug in Putty, Aspen Dining Table, Aspen Dining Chairs and Quay Console Table.

Dining room rug placement

A rug in the dining room can introduce texture, pattern and colour. It can delineate the dining area and lift the aesthetic of the space.  

Choose a rug that mirrors the shape of your dining table, i.e. round or rectangular. The rug should be large enough so that when you slide your chair all the way back from the table, all four legs are still on the rug. The dining table should be centred on the rug to create symmetry and balance. 

Featuring the Marion Rug in Sandstone, Bellaire Bed, Smart Crescent Table, Lume Smart Light, and Dainelli Roma Dresser.

Bedroom rug placement

A rug in a bedroom adds a touch of luxurious comfort, bringing visual contrast to the room to anchor the sleeping space. You need to be careful with rug placement under a bed to ensure that you choose a large enough rug for the room. Otherwise, the bed will overshadow the rug, creating an imbalance in the room. 

Consider three different styles for positioning a rug under a bed.  

All furniture on the rug

Position the bed and side tables in the centre of the rug to create a defined area within the bedroom. There should be a gap of approximately 700mm between the edge of the bed and the edge of the rug. 

Side tables off the rug

For smaller rugs, position the rug towards the foot of the bed to add texture and warmth to the room. In this case, the side tables won’t sit on the rug. Also aim for 700mm between the side of the bed and the side of the rug. 

Round rug placement

When placing a round rug under a bed, position the rug towards one corner so the rug protrudes from the end and one side of the bed. This position works well with beds that don’t have equal space on either side, such as up against a wall.  

Featuring the Quay Marble Console Table and Pallino Table Lamp.

Hallway rug placement

Hallways are often overlooked when it comes to rug placement. It’s important to consider the swing of the doors to ensure the rug doesn’t obstruct the doors from opening and closing freely. 

If you have a console table or other furniture, it’s best for the furniture to sit either completely on or off the rug for a cohesive look. 

Featuring Esperance Rug (coming soon) in Linen, King Cove, Monument Coffee Table and Luna Outdoor Chairs.

Outdoor rug placement

Outdoor rug placement follows the same principles as indoor spaces. An Outdoor rug can bring considerable comfort to your outdoor area by providing a softer surface to walk on. 

Outdoor furniture – like your living room – can be placed on the rug, partially on the rug or off the rug.  

When selecting an Outdoor rug, it’s important to consider the rug material to ensure it is designed for longevity and to withstand the elements. 

Featuring the Antipodes Organic Rug and 1977 Sofa.

Organic rug placement

If you have an organic-shaped rug – like our Antipodes Organic Rug – you can follow these same guidelines for each room.  

Organic-shaped rugs are a great option to creates a sense of calm with a natural shape while remaining boldly individual.

Featuring Lillico Rug in Natural, Tullah Rug in Natural and Bruny Rug in Fern.

Shop the King Living Rug collection

The handcrafted collection of King Living Rugs combines texture, pattern and colour to create a luxuriously effortless range for every room in the home. 

Shop the collection and use our rug placement guide to ensure the perfect positioning, every time. 

For more articles on rugs, you can explore: 

• The complete guide to buying the perfect rug  
• Learn how to maintain and clean your rug 
• Guide to wool rugs