Couple relaxing on a classic red Persian rug with a floral pattern

How to choose the right size of an oriental rug for each room?

Choosing the right size of an Oriental rug can make the difference between a well-designed space and one that appears cluttered or unbalanced. An Oriental rug is not only a decorative element but also defines specific areas, adds warmth, and can connect all the furniture pieces in the room. Selecting the right size is crucial to fully utilize the potential of rugs. Below, we provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to choose the perfect size for every room in your home.

Living Room: Proportion and Balance

The living room is often the centerpiece of the home, and the chosen Oriental rug should reflect the significance of this space. A general rule states that the rug should be large enough for all the main furniture pieces, such as sofas, armchairs, or coffee tables, to be fully or partially on it. This helps create a cohesive and well-balanced room. A common mistake is choosing a size that is too small, which makes the room appear disjointed. You can opt for a large Oriental rug that covers the entire room, allowing the furniture to sit completely on it, or choose a medium size where only the front legs of the furniture are on the rug, which also creates a connection between the elements. Make sure the rug is proportional to the room to avoid a cluttered or overloaded appearance.

Cosy living room with oriental rug, leather sofa and fireplace

Some rugs that might suit your living room particularly well.

Isfahan Seyrafian Silk Warp 369x251 NZ$168,278

Sadraa Heritage 359x264 NZ$7,311

Tabriz 50Raj 353x254 NZ$18,828

Kaschmar 386x297 NZ$10,604

Bidjar 385x304 NZ$28,046

Tabriz 50Raj 402x298 NZ$79,090

Kaschmar 382x295 NZ$7,823

Bidjar 396x295 NZ$26,550

Yazd Antique 422x311 NZ$151,637

Bidjar 366x265 NZ$16,810

Dining room with a modern solid wood table on a hand-knotted carpet in warm orange tones.

Dining Room: Functionality and Style

In the dining room, the Oriental rug serves both an aesthetic and a practical function. It should be large enough so that both the table and the chairs fit completely on it, even when the chairs are pulled out. A rug that is too small leaves the chairs outside of the rug, disrupting the visual balance. To prevent this, measure the area that the table and chairs occupy, and add at least 60 cm on each side so that the chairs always remain on the rug. If you have a large dining table, choose an Oriental rug that is at least 2.5 x 3.5 meters, while for smaller tables a rug of 2 x 3 meters can work well.

Berber Beni Ourain 376x266 NZ$9,517

Persian Gabbeh 154x101 NZ$1,215

Gabbeh Loribaft 233x167 NZ$2,717

Turkaman 187x132 NZ$563

Loom Gabbeh Lori 196x144 NZ$748

Berber Ela Design 302x209 NZ$4,181

Berber Ela Design 251x169 NZ$2,743

Naturescene 241x170 NZ$2,917

Persian Gabbeh Yalameh 199x143 NZ$3,048

Berber Maroccan Design 323x252 NZ$3,909

Berber Maroccan Design 301x240 NZ$3,685

Berber Maroccan Atlas 321x256 NZ$3,507

Loom Gabbeh 169x121 NZ$476

Berber Maroccan Atlas 248x182 NZ$2,508

Bedroom: Comfort underfoot

The bedroom is another room where an Oriental rug can convey a sense of luxury and comfort. In this case, the size of the rug should reflect the size of the bed and the way you want to distribute the rug in the room. The most common arrangement is to place the Oriental rug under the bed, allowing it to extend on the sides and at the foot, so that you step onto a soft surface when getting up. For a double bed or a queen-size bed, a rug measuring 2 x 3 meters is a good choice, as it sufficiently covers both sides. For king-size beds, you will need a rug of at least 3 x 4 meters to fully cover the area around the bed. Alternatively, you can also place smaller rugs on both sides of the bed if you prefer a segmented approach.

Various bedroom designs with stylish rugs – modern, cosy, and classic

Modern hallway with large window and classic runner

Halls and Entrances: Size and Durability

Halls and entryways are heavily trafficked areas, and a long and narrow Oriental rug, also known as a runner, is ideal here. In hallways, it is important that the rug does not cover the entire floor but leaves 15 to 20 cm of the floor exposed on both sides to create a framing effect. When purchasing a runner, you should pay attention to durable materials that can withstand daily wear and the heavy foot traffic in these areas, ensuring that the rug not only looks good but also remains in excellent condition for many years.