Rug guide
How to choose floor rugs for Australian homes
The right rug makes a room feel finished. Here's how to pick the size, material and colour that suit your space, your climate and the way you live.
1. Measure first: getting the size right
A rug that's too small is the most common mistake. Measure your room and furniture, then mark the outline with painter's tape before you buy.
- Small, 1.6 m – 2.3 m: under a coffee table, beside a bed or in a reading nook. Shop small rugs.
- Medium, 2.7 m – 2.9 m: most living rooms, with the front legs of the sofa on the rug. Shop medium rugs.
- Large, 3.2 m – 3.4 m: open-plan living and under queen or king beds. Shop large rugs.
- Extra large, 4 m: big open-plan spaces where all the furniture sits on the rug. Shop extra large rugs.
Hallways suit runner rugs, and round rugs soften square rooms and work well under round dining tables.
2. Choose a rug for each room
- Living room: leave roughly 20–40 cm of floor visible around the edges and anchor the seating group. Living room rugs.
- Bedroom: place the rug about two-thirds under the bed so you step onto something soft. Bedroom rugs.
- Dining room: allow enough space for chairs to slide back and stay on the rug, and pick a low pile that's easy to clean. Dining room rugs.
- Kids' rooms: soft, easy-care rugs are ideal for play. Nursery & kids rugs.
- Outdoor & patio: choose rugs made for outdoor use. Outdoor rugs.
3. Pick a material that suits Australian living
- Wool: warm, resilient and natural — comfortable underfoot in cooler months.
- Jute: natural texture, durable and easy-care; a relaxed, coastal look for warmer homes.
- Cotton: lightweight, breathable and soft.
- Polypropylene: durable, stain-resistant and easy-care — a practical pick for families and pets.
- Viscose: a silky finish and smooth touch for low-traffic rooms.
- Polyester and acrylic: soft feel and vibrant, long-lasting colour.
4. Colour, pattern and style
Light neutrals such as beige, cream and grey open up smaller rooms. Patterned and multi-coloured rugs hide everyday wear in busy spaces. For style, explore modern, traditional, natural and shag rugs.
5. Care and placement tips
- Vacuum regularly and blot spills quickly — don't rub.
- Rotate your rug every few months so it wears evenly.
- Strong sun can fade fibres over time, so consider window coverings in sunny rooms.
- Always follow the care instructions for your particular rug.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug do I need for my living room?
Most living rooms suit a rug large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs to sit on it. In many Australian living rooms that means around 290 × 200 cm or larger; smaller rooms may suit 230 × 160 cm.
Which rug material is easiest to clean?
Synthetic fibres such as polypropylene are generally chosen for being durable and easy to care for, which suits busy homes, kids and pets. Always follow the care notes on the individual rug.
Are wool rugs good for Australian homes?
Wool is warm, resilient and naturally comfortable underfoot, making it a popular choice for living rooms and bedrooms, particularly in cooler months and cooler climates.
Is delivery free?
Fantastic Rugs offers free Australia-wide delivery on orders over $99.
Still deciding?
Describe your room and budget and our AI rug finder will suggest rugs from our range. Free Australia-wide delivery on orders over $99.