A statement sofa is more than just a place to sit — it’s often the focal point of the living room. Whether it’s a bold colour, a luxe velvet finish, or an eye-catching silhouette, your sofa deserves a supporting cast that enhances its presence. Enter: the perfect rug.
Choosing the right rug can elevate your sofa, anchor your space, and bring balance to the room. But with so many options out there, how do you find a rug that complements rather than competes with your standout piece? Here’s how to get it right.
1. Let the Sofa Shine
If your sofa already makes a strong visual statement — think jewel tones, bold prints, or sculptural shapes — keep your rug slightly more understated. Neutral hues, subtle patterns, or tone-on-tone textures can create a calm base that lets your sofa take centre stage without clashing.
Try this: A soft grey or warm ivory rug with a navy velvet sofa will create contrast without overwhelming the room.
2. Play with Pattern (If the Sofa is Solid)
If your statement sofa is a single colour, you have more freedom to experiment with pattern underfoot. A geometric print, a faded vintage-style design, or even bold stripes can add personality and draw the eye without stealing the spotlight.
Tip: Make sure the rug’s palette picks up at least one tone from your sofa or other elements in the room to create a cohesive feel.
3. Think About Texture
Texture is often overlooked but can make a huge impact. A low-pile or flatweave rug offers a sleek, modern look, while a high-pile or shaggy rug adds softness and comfort. Consider how the rug’s texture contrasts or complements your sofa — a boucle or tweed sofa, for example, pairs beautifully with a smooth wool or silk-blend rug.
Perfect pairings: Velvet sofas with wool rugs, linen sofas with sisal or jute bases.
4. Size Matters
To properly frame your sofa, your rug should be large enough to extend beyond it. Ideally, the front legs of your sofa should rest on the rug, along with at least part of any surrounding furniture. A rug that’s too small can make your room feel disjointed, no matter how stylish it is.
Rough guide: In most spaces, a 160 x 230cm or 200 x 300cm rug works well — but always measure your space first.
5. Layer for Depth and Flexibility
Layering rugs is a modern technique that can work especially well with statement furniture. Try a large neutral base rug, then add a smaller patterned or textured rug on top, positioned just in front of the sofa. It adds dimension, warmth, and a designer finish — and lets you switch things up more easily as trends (or moods) change.
6. Consider Shape and Placement
While rectangular rugs are the classic go-to, don’t rule out round, oval, or even irregularly shaped rugs. A curved sofa might look stunning with a circular rug that echoes its lines. In more angular spaces, a soft, rounded rug can bring flow and balance.
Bonus tip: Try angling your rug slightly or offsetting it to create a relaxed, modern vibe.
Final Thoughts
The perfect rug doesn’t just sit beneath your statement sofa — it works with it. Whether you’re aiming for bold contrast, elegant harmony, or layered sophistication, choosing the right rug can make your seating area feel curated, intentional, and truly complete.
So before you settle in on your show-stopping sofa, take a moment to consider what’s underfoot. The right rug might just be the piece that ties it all together.
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