Buying Guide
Rug Size Guide South Africa
The right rug size transforms a room — the wrong one shrinks it. This guide covers standard South African rug sizes in centimetres, exactly how to measure your space, and the placement rules for every room, with simple diagrams.
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Standard Rug Sizes in South Africa
Rugs in South Africa are measured in centimetres. These are the most common sizes we stock and what each one is typically 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 |
| 80 × 150 | Small | Small bedrooms, reading nooks, single bedside |
| 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 |
5-Minute Method
How to Measure Your Room for a Rug
Before ordering, take five minutes to size up the space properly:
1. Measure the room
Measure the full length and width of the room in centimetres so you know the maximum space you're working with.
2. Find your seating or furniture zone
A rug anchors the furniture — it shouldn't run wall to wall. Identify the zone your sofa, bed or table sits in; that's what the rug needs to relate to.
3. Leave a border of bare floor
Leave roughly 20–45 cm of bare floor between the rug edge and the walls. This frames the room and is far more flattering than carpeting the whole floor.
4. Tape it out
Mark the rug's outline on the floor with masking tape or sheets of newspaper. Live with it for a day — it's the easiest way to be sure before you buy.
Room by Room
Living Room Rug Size
There are three classic ways to place a rug in a lounge. All work — the bigger the rug, the more pulled-together and expensive the room feels.
All legs on
Every furniture leg sits on the rug. The most luxurious option — needs a large rug (200 × 290 cm or bigger).
Front legs on
Only the front legs of the sofa and chairs touch the rug. Connects the seating while saving space — great for 160 × 230 cm.
Floating
The rug sits under the coffee table, in front of the seating. Fine for small or apartment lounges — keep it centred and generous.
Shop the living room rug collection →
Room by Room
Dining Room Rug Size
The golden rule: your rug must extend at least 60 cm beyond every edge of the table, so chairs stay on the rug even when pulled out to sit down. Match the rug shape to the table shape.
Rectangular table
Use a rectangular rug. Add 60 cm to each side of the table to find your minimum size — a 6-seater usually needs 200 × 290 cm or larger.
Round table
A round rug echoes a round or square table beautifully. Keep the same 60 cm overhang all the way around so chairs don't catch the edge.
Shop the dining room rug collection →
Room by Room
Bedroom Rug Size
In the bedroom you want warmth underfoot the moment you step out of bed. Three approaches work, depending on bed size and budget:
Option 1 — Large rug under the bed (best)
Place a large rug (200 × 290 cm for a queen, 240 × 330 cm for a king) under the lower two-thirds of the bed, leaving 50–70 cm of rug showing on both sides and the foot. Soft landing every morning.
Option 2 — Rug at the foot of the bed
A 160 × 230 cm rug runs across the foot of the bed — a good middle-ground for medium rooms.
Option 3 — Runners either side
Two 80 × 300 cm runners flank the bed. Practical for tight rooms or where a bench sits at the foot.
Our bedroom rugs and plush Classic Collection are the warmest choices for bedrooms.
Room by Room
Hallways, Entrances & Outdoor
Hallways & passages
Use a runner (typically 80 × 300 cm). Leave an even border of 8–12 cm on each side and at both ends so it sits neatly in the space.
Entrance halls
A round rug (Ø 160 cm) or a small 120 × 170 cm anchors an entrance. Choose a hard-wearing, easy-clean weave for high-traffic doorways.
Patios & covered outdoor areas
Size an outdoor rug to your seating zone just like a lounge. Always use a weather-resistant flatweave from our outdoor collection — indoor rugs won't survive outside.
Quick Reference
Choosing a Rug Shape
| Shape | Works best |
|---|---|
| Rectangular | The default for most rooms — lounges, rectangular dining tables, bedrooms |
| Round | Round tables, entrance halls, nurseries, small spaces, to soften a boxy room |
| Runner | Hallways, passages, galley kitchens, alongside a bed |
| Square | Square rooms and square tables; good for symmetrical layouts |
Avoid These
5 Common Rug-Size Mistakes
- Buying too small. The #1 mistake. A small rug makes furniture look stranded and the room 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, the rug is too small — you need 60 cm overhang.
- Running it wall to wall. Leave a border of bare floor (20–45 cm). Wall-to-wall reads like fitted carpet, not a rug.
- Ignoring the room shape. Match rug shape to the space and the furniture — round table, round rug.
Questions
Rug Size FAQ
What is the most common rug size in South Africa?
What size rug do I need for a 3-seater sofa?
Should the rug go under the dining table?
How much bare floor should show around a rug?
Found your size?
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