Choose a living-room rug by mapping the furniture it needs to connect. A small rectangle in the remaining floor space can look detached even when its colour is right. Measure the seating arrangement first, then compare the footprints of the sizes you are considering.
Connect the sofa and chairs
IKEA’s size guide shows seating placed fully or partly on a rug and recommends relating its length to the sofa. That gives you two useful layouts to compare: one large surface holding the group, or a smaller surface catching the front of the seating. Include an armchair or chaise in the measurement if it belongs to the same conversation area. The relevant footprint is the whole group, not just the coffee table.
Decide whether it defines a zone
Dunelm’s guide begins by distinguishing a rug that defines a space from one that simply adds comfort. In an open room, the first job calls for a clear relationship with surrounding seating; beside a chair, the second may need much less floor coverage. Write down that job before comparing colours and textures. Both guides are retail advice, so use their layouts as references rather than regarding a suggested product or measurement as a universal rule.
