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Quick Answer-: Medium-sized rugs establish a warm feel by giving your furniture a uniform footing, coating a cold-looking floor, and injecting colour or texture without dominating the room. Take measurements of the space and then select a size and pattern that suits the furniture already in the space. |
No matter how much furniture you put in it, a room can still look a little empty. In smaller lounges and flats where the floor dominates the view, it's easy for rugs to get overlooked, and that leaves you with a space in the middle of the room. A medium-sized rug can fill that space without crowding the room, especially when laid around a sofa, coffee table, or other popular spot.
Before considering medium rugs in London, buyers can consider all of the sizes and styles of rugs; it's useful to consider the room and then find the right style for it. A rug might be attractive when you see it on a page, but if it doesn't fit the space, then it will not be appropriate for your home.
Begin with the space before the pattern
A medium-sized rug is good when you wish to make part of a room feel unified without taking up the entire floor. In a living room, a medium rug could be placed under the coffee table and extend a little way in front of the couch, so the seats aren't just dumped in the room. In a bedroom, it might be partly under the bed or at one end.
Before selecting a shade, measure the space and tape an outline along the floor. Yes, it's a nice, easy move, but it will help you visualize how your rug will look when it's perched beneath your living room pieces. Pace around the lined space and open the doorways close by, because a rug that appears good on a display screen might be a bit awkward in your flooring.
What medium rug size should you go for?
Because the medium rugs UK buyers see online differ in size, look at the measurements when viewing each product.
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Size |
Where it might go |
Check before buying |
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120 × 170 cm |
Next to a bed. Below a small coffee table. In a small lounge or in a tight space. |
Ensure that it is around the furniture and not just like a little rug right in the middle of the area. |
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160 × 230 cm |
A larger seating area or bedroom, depending on the floor plan |
Ensure the sofa and chair placement are checked and allow enough room for walking. |
These are just some recommendations. While a 160 x 230 rug may be just right for the layout of your room and work well under a coffee table in one house, that same rug size may be too small in another room with a larger sofa set with two armchairs. Measure your furniture and the floor space carefully, and do not rely on the medium classification.
Warm up the living room
Why opt for something bare and hard on your seating space when you have wooden, tiled or laminate flooring? There is no need to get a rug that matches all your other decor items.
Just a cream or beige rug will do nicely with dark wooden flooring and a charcoal sofa; or go for something darker to contrast with white or light coloured walls and upholstery.
If your cushions and curtains are already very busy, a subtle rug may suit better. A patterned rug can provide some character to a plain room.
Try browsing the neutral rug selection if you're after something that will complement the various colours of your furniture without trying to overshadow them.
Use an awkward layout to your advantage
Certain rooms are long and thin, have a doorway in the middle of the wall or serve as both a sitting room and dining room. In those rooms, placing the carpet in the middle of the room might not work, and it's better to align it with the sofa and coffee table, for example, and leave a clear pathway in the middle of the space.
A medium rug in an open plan space can delineate the lounge from the dining. Make sure dining chairs won't snag when pulled back. Not quite sure? Mark out the size of the rug on the floor and sit in your chairs as you normally would.
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Use masking tape to measure out the rug size.
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Place the coffee table and chairs in the spot where you typically sit.
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Move across the room as you would during your typical day.
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Look over doors, chair legs and main walkway just before you order.
Consider the texture and cleaning in addition
A rug has to withstand real life, not be attractive in a photo. A short pile is easier to vacuum and might be preferable in an area where chairs are constantly being pulled out or other furniture moved around. A softer, plumper pile may be more comfortable next to the bed or in a quiet nook, but may require a bit more maintenance depending on the material.
Have you got a crowded home? Check the care instructions before you buy. Never assume what material a rug is made of based on appearance: You can buy similar rugs that are cleanup-wise different. You can compare designs from the collection of indoor rugs, but be sure to compare the care instructions listed for the design you like.
Selecting a rug to match your home
No one size or style fits all rooms. The handy thing about medium rugs is that they create a room within a room, but that effect depends on the position of the rug in the room, and the arrangement of the furniture. Measure a few times, consider the function of the room, and then choose the colours and patterns.
Comparing options from a rug company in the UK? Don't just pick a product based on the name, take a look at the sizing filters and product description. Love London? Discover the products from our rug shop in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is considered a medium rug in the UK?
Medium rugs commonly include sizes such as 120 × 170 cm and 160 × 230 cm. The best size depends on your room dimensions, furniture arrangement and available floor space. Always check the product measurements before purchasing.
Where should I place a medium rug in my living room?
A medium rug can sit beneath a coffee table and extend towards the sofa to create a cohesive seating area. Positioning it in line with your main furniture can make the room feel more balanced and inviting.
Are medium rugs suitable for small living rooms?
Yes, medium rugs can work well in small living rooms by defining the seating area without covering the entire floor. Measure your space carefully and leave enough room for comfortable movement around the furniture.
Which colour is best for a medium-sized rug?
Neutral colours such as cream, beige and grey are versatile choices that complement many interior styles. Patterned or darker rugs can add contrast and character, depending on your existing furniture, flooring and décor.
How do I choose an easy-to-clean medium rug?
Consider the rug's material, pile height and care instructions before buying. Short-pile rugs are often easier to vacuum and can be practical for busy living areas, while other textures may require more specialised care.
