Rug Size Guide
The right rug size transforms a room — the wrong one shrinks it. This guide covers standard South African rug sizes in centimetres, how to measure your space, and the placement rules for every room.
Standard rug sizes in South Africa
Rugs here are measured in centimetres. These are the most common sizes and what each is used for. If you're between sizes, size up — an undersized rug is the single most common mistake.
| Size (cm) | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 60 × 110 | Scatter / Mat | Bedsides, entrances, kitchen, bathroom accents |
| 120 × 170 | Small–Medium | Apartments, small lounges, under a coffee table |
| 160 × 230 | Medium (most popular) | Standard lounges, dining for 4, feature rug |
| 200 × 290 | Large | Family lounges, dining for 6, open-plan zones |
| 240 × 330 | Extra Large | Large open-plan living, dining for 8 |
| 300 × 400 | Oversized | Double-volume lounges, grand spaces |
| 80 × 300 (runner) | Runner | Hallways, passages, galley kitchens, bed-foot |
| Ø 160 / Ø 200 | Round | Round tables, entrance halls, nursery, accent |
Rule of thumb: 160 × 230 cm is South Africa's all-round favourite, but most lounges look better with a 200 × 290 cm. When unsure, go one size up.
How to measure your room (5 minutes)
- Measure the room — full length and width in centimetres, so you know the maximum space.
- Find your furniture zone — a rug anchors the furniture; it shouldn't run wall to wall.
- Leave a border — roughly 20–45 cm of bare floor between the rug and the walls frames the room.
- Tape it out — mark the rug's outline with masking tape or newspaper and live with it for a day before ordering.
Not sure which way to go? Send us your room dimensions and we'll recommend a size — free.
Living room
Three classic placements, all valid — the bigger the rug, the more pulled-together the room feels:
- All legs on — every furniture leg sits on the rug. Most luxurious; needs 200 × 290 cm or bigger.
- Front legs on (most popular) — only the front legs of the sofa and chairs touch the rug. Great for 160 × 230 cm.
- Floating — the rug sits under the coffee table in front of the seating. Fine for small or apartment lounges.
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Dining room
The golden rule: your rug must extend at least 60 cm beyond every edge of the table, so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. Match the rug shape to the table — rectangular rug for a rectangular table, round rug for a round table. A 6-seater usually needs 200 × 290 cm or larger.
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Bedroom
- Large rug under the bed (best) — 200 × 290 cm for a queen, 240 × 330 cm for a king, under the lower two-thirds of the bed with 50–70 cm showing on both sides and the foot.
- Rug at the foot of the bed — a 160 × 230 cm runs across the foot; good for medium rooms.
- Runners either side — two 80 × 300 cm runners flank the bed; practical for tight rooms.
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Hallways, entrances & outdoor
- Hallways & passages — use a runner (typically 80 × 300 cm) with an even 8–12 cm border each side.
- Entrance halls — a round rug (Ø 160 cm) or a small 120 × 170 cm anchors the space; choose a hard-wearing, easy-clean weave.
- Patios & covered areas — size to your seating zone and always use a weather-resistant outdoor rug; indoor rugs won't survive outside.
Common size mistakes to avoid
- Buying too small — the #1 mistake. Furniture looks stranded and the room feels smaller. Size up.
- Floating it in the middle — a rug that touches no furniture looks disconnected. At least the front legs should sit on it.
- Too small under the dining table — if chairs fall off the edge when pulled out, you need more overhang (60 cm).
- Running it wall to wall — leave a border of bare floor; wall-to-wall reads like fitted carpet.
- Ignoring room shape — match rug shape to the space and furniture.
Found your size? Shop all rugs → — free delivery on orders over R1500.