Decorating a large room may seem easier than working with small spaces, but finding the perfect balance of proportion and style can be tricky.

Rugs play a key role in defining areas and adding warmth, but choosing the right rug for a large room is more than just picking the biggest size available.

 

 

Create Balance with Rug Size and Furniture

In larger rooms, it's essential to consider how the rug fits in relation to the scale of the furniture. A small rug can easily get lost in a bigger area, leaving the room feeling disconnected and unbalanced.

When choosing a rug, it’s important to select one that works in harmony with the size and arrangement of the furniture, rather than just filling a gap on the floor. The right rug will make the room feel more grounded, giving the space a well-thought-out, layered aesthetic.

Choosing the right rug for a larger space not only adds comfort and texture but also plays a critical role in making the room feel complete and proportionate.

 

 

Tip:

For bedrooms, a 340 x 240cm rug can frame a king-size bed beautifully, adding both visual symmetry and a luxurious underfoot feel. Ideally, the rug should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed, providing a soft, inviting surface for your feet when you first step out of bed in the morning.

 

Define Areas in Open-Plan Spaces

Large, open-plan rooms, while offering a sense of freedom and flexibility, can sometimes feel too vast and disconnected if not carefully designed. Without clear divisions, it can be challenging to create a cohesive and functional layout that doesn’t feel overwhelming or sparse.

One of the best ways to organise such spaces is through the strategic placement of rugs. By using rugs to differentiate areas for dining, lounging, or entertaining, you can create clear boundaries without the need of walls.

Rugs not only define specific zones but also visually ground furniture, making each area feel more intentional. The right rug can serve as the foundation for an entire area, ensuring that each zone has its own identity while maintaining a harmonious flow throughout the open-plan space.

Tips:

In the living area, a 340 x 240cm rug can anchor a seating arrangement that includes a sofa, a couple of armchairs, and a coffee table, making the space feel contained and inviting.

Meanwhile, a 400 x 300cm rug under the dining table helps define the dining zone. Not only does it bring the area together, but it also provides enough space for all six dining chairs to remain on the rug, even when they’re pulled out.

 

Layering Rugs for Added Depth

In larger rooms, it’s not just about filling space - it’s about creating warmth, texture, and depth that makes the room feel lived-in and inviting.

One trick that designers often use to achieve this is layering rugs. By layering, you can bring a dynamic, multi-dimensional feel to the room that a single rug might not provide on its own.

The layered effect not only adds depth but also gives you the flexibility to experiment with mixing styles. For instance, a modern, neutral base rug can be paired with a more traditional accent rug, allowing you to balance contemporary and classic aesthetics in a seamless way. 

Layering allows you to combine different textures, colours, and patterns, giving the space more visual interest and making expansive areas feel more intimate and curated.

Image Credit: Green Dream DIY

Tip:

For example, you might lay down a 400 x 300cm neutral rug as the base, providing softness and warmth. Natural materials like jute, sisal, or wool often work well for this layer because of their soft texture and neutral tones.

On top of that, adding a smaller, more detailed rug perhaps around 200 x 140cm, can draw the eye to the centre of the room. Think intricate patterns or vibrant colour to make a bold contrast with your base rug.

For more tips on rug layering, you can read our guide here.

 

Consider Proportions and Pathways

In larger rooms, pathways between different zones are just as important as the areas themselves. Rugs not only anchor furniture but also guide the flow of movement through the space.

If a rug is too small or too distant from walkways, it can make the room feel fragmented. Alternatively, a rug that encroaches on pathways can make even a large space feel cramped.

When planning your layout, think about how rugs interact with natural walking routes. The right rug placement will help direct the eye and movement through the room, keeping the design cohesive and functional.

Choosing the right size rug in relation to walkways ensures the room maintains a sense of flow and proportion, making it both aesthetically pleasing and practical.

 

 

Tip:

In open-plan rooms, ensure that rugs are proportional to the furniture and leave ample space for movement around the room. For example, in a living area, a rug that’s too close to a wall or walkway can make the space feel awkward.

Position the rug so there’s at least 30-45cm of visible floor between the rug and the walls, allowing for clear walkways and a balanced look.

 

Choose Colours and Patterns to Anchor the Space

The colour and pattern of a rug can dramatically influence how a large room feels. In expansive spaces, the right palette can create either a cosy, intimate atmosphere or maintain a sense of openness and airiness.

Rugs are often one of the largest visual elements in a room, so their colours and patterns set the tone for the entire space.

The choice between dark or light colours, and whether to include patterns, depends on the atmosphere and interior style you're trying to create. Consider how the rug will interact with existing décor, including the room’s walls, furniture, and natural light, to ensure the space feels cohesive and inviting.

 

 

Tip:

For larger spaces, darker rugs can ground the room and add warmth, while lighter rugs can keep the space feeling bright and open.

If you want to introduce visual interest without overwhelming the room, choose a rug with a subtle geometric or floral pattern. These designs can bring depth and character while maintaining a harmonious balance with the rest of the room’s décor.

 

The Right Rug Makes All the Difference

Decorating larger rooms comes with its own set of challenges, but the right rug can transform even the most expansive spaces into a cohesive, inviting environment.

By carefully considering rug size, colours, patterns, and placement, you can define distinct areas, create a sense of balance, and enhance the room’s overall style.

Whether you're working with an open-plan layout or a spacious living room, a well-chosen rug will not only provide comfort and texture but also anchor the space, making it feel complete and thoughtfully designed.

Explore our diverse collection of rugs here to find the perfect piece that suits your style and transforms your larger space into a beautifully curated haven.