How much space should a rug occupy in a small living room for balance?

A rug in a small living room should be about six by nine feet, providing enough coverage to anchor your seating area. Leave fourteen to eighteen inches between the rug’s edge and your coffee table to allow for movement and create visual balance. This size complements sofas and chairs without crowding the floor, helping define zones in an open or compact layout. Choosing the right rug size is a key design step to unify your décor and add warmth in an 800 square foot apartment.