Finding the perfect rug for the living room can be a real challenge. The ideal size, the proportion in relation to the sofa, and even how it integrates with the coffee table raise common questions for those trying to harmonize the space.
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According to the site Livingetc, there is a practical guideline that helps solve the dilemma of the ideal rug size for the living room: the two-thirds rule. It’s a proportion guide that, while not a rigid rule, is considered foolproof by interior design experts to maintain balance between the furniture and the space.
The idea comes from the principle of dividing style into three parts, ensuring harmony. In this case, the rule specifically applies to the relationship between the sofa and the rug, helping to avoid one looking disproportionate to the other or the space giving off a sense of disorder.
How the two-thirds rule works
According to California-based interior designer Christine Jahan, it’s important to remember that the rule is not a commandment but rather a flexible guideline. Applied to the rug and sofa, it suggests that the sofa should take up about two-thirds of the rug’s length. Thus, when centering the sofa on the rug, the extra space on each side should equal one-third of the total.
Livingetc editor Hugh Metcalf emphasizes that this proportion guarantees a balanced look, creating a fluid composition and preventing the rug from appearing to “float” in the middle of the room.
In addition, experts recommend leaving a border of 30 to 45 cm (12–18 inches) around the rug. This helps frame the piece elegantly, preventing it from looking like wall-to-wall carpeting.
Result: more style and confidence in décor
By applying the two-thirds rule in the living room, the rug creates a central “island,” defining the space of the furniture and highlighting the layout. For Christine Jahan, this principle brings more visual clarity, aesthetic confidence, and style.
Thus, choosing a rug is no longer just a matter of taste but also a strategic design decision — capable of transforming the living room into a balanced, cozy, and sophisticated space.
Source: Livingetc. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
