Getting a new rug feels a bit like getting a new haircut—when it’s right, everything just clicks. The room feels refreshed, your furniture somehow looks better, and suddenly your space has this cozy, polished vibe. But if the rug isn’t the right size or it’s in the wrong spot? Things can look off, even if everything else in the room is gorgeous.

That’s why rug placement around sofas and lounges matters more than most people think. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about balance, comfort, and defining the space in a way that feels intentional. Whether you’ve just bought a statement lounge or you’re giving your living area a subtle facelift, let’s chat about how to make your rug work with your furniture, not against it.

1. The “All Legs On” Rule (for Larger Rugs and Bigger Rooms)

Let’s start with a classic. One of the most popular (and most balanced) rug layouts is when all four legs of your sofa and armchairs sit neatly on the rug. This style works best if you’ve got a larger room and a big enough rug—think 8x10 feet or more.

This approach anchors your furniture beautifully. It helps define the seating area and keeps the whole setup looking cohesive. Think of a spacious lounge area where a low-profile sofa and two accent chairs face each other on a plush rug—it just feels put together. It’s a layout you’ll often see in home design magazines or display homes because, honestly, it just works.

Pro tip: Leave about 20-30 cm of rug visible around the furniture edges for that balanced frame look.

2. The “Front Legs Only” Option (Smart for Medium Spaces)

If your rug isn’t huge—or your space doesn’t allow for a larger one—don’t worry. You can still make things look great by placing only the front legs of your sofa and lounge chairs on the rug. It’s a common setup in medium-sized living rooms and open-plan apartments.

This setup gives the illusion of a larger space while still anchoring the main pieces of furniture. It’s also easier on the wallet since you can go with a slightly smaller rug, like a 5x8 or 6x9 foot option.

A customer of ours, Tanya from Carlton, recently sent us photos of her mid-century style lounge with a cream-and-grey geometric rug just peeking out under the front legs of her caramel leather sofa. She was hesitant about size at first but loved how it subtly connected everything in the room.

3. The “Rug as a Coffee Table Stage” Look (For Tight Spaces or Statement Rugs)

Now, if you’re working with a small space or a bold rug that you really want to showcase, this layout might be perfect. Here, the rug sits in front of the sofa, under the coffee table, but doesn’t extend under the sofa itself.

This look works best if the rug is thick and patterned—something with character. It acts almost like artwork on the floor. But a quick heads-up: this layout works visually only if the rug is proportionate. If it's too small, it can look like a bath mat floating in the middle of the room.

One of our showroom stylists swears by this style for studio apartments and minimalist spaces. The trick is to make sure the rug is wide enough to align with the length of the sofa—or slightly longer—and that the coffee table sits squarely on it. It creates a defined zone without crowding the floor.

4. Watch the Edges – Let It Breathe

Here’s a simple yet often overlooked rule: your rug should be at least as wide as your sofa—and ideally even wider. A rug that’s narrower than the sofa can throw off the whole balance of the room. It tends to make the lounge look too big, and the rug too small—like it’s trying but not quite getting there.

Also, leave some breathing room between the edge of the rug and the walls. You don’t want it to look like carpet. Around 30–50 cm of exposed floor between the rug and wall usually works nicely in a living room.

5. Think Layers – Textures, Patterns, and Colours

Don’t be afraid to layer your textures. If you’ve got a velvet or fabric lounge, try a jute or woven rug to add contrast. If your sofa’s leather, a thick wool rug brings warmth. The key is to create a tactile experience that feels inviting.

Also, consider colour and pattern. A neutral rug keeps things calm and ties your furniture together, while a bold rug can inject personality into a room. A customer from Brighton recently paired a deep navy lounge with a blush-pink tribal print rug—it sounded risky on paper, but in her sunlit living room with white walls, it worked beautifully.

6. Round Rugs? Yes, but Be Strategic

Round rugs can absolutely work in lounge rooms, but placement is everything. If you’re using a round rug under a small sectional or a curved sofa, make sure the shape complements the furniture lines. Often, this layout works better in compact or informal spaces—like a nook or reading corner.

Position the rug so that at least the front legs of the sofa touch the edge of the circle. This keeps the area looking connected and purposeful.

When your rug and sofa layout feels right, you’ll know. The room will have that natural flow, that sense of ease where everything just fits—like a well-poured latte or your favourite worn-in jeans. It might take a bit of experimenting, maybe even a few rug returns (we’ve all been there), but when it clicks, your living room won’t just look better—it’ll feel better.

And isn’t that what home’s all about?