A large wool rug of 200x300cm can weigh 10–20kg depending on pile height and construction. They're manageable for two people to move and reposition. For very large rugs, rolling rather than folding prevents damage to the pile. If you need to clean beneath the rug regularly, a rug underlay with a non slip grip makes lifting and replacing easier.

A quality non slip underlay is essential for large rugs on hard floors, timber, tile or polished concrete. The underlay should be cut to just inside the rug edges. This prevents movement, adds cushioning underfoot, and extends the life of the rug by reducing friction with the floor surface.

Allow at least 60cm of rug beyond each end and side of the dining table, so chairs remain on the rug when pushed back. For a 200cm dining table, a rug of 300cm in length is the minimum. Going larger is rarely a mistake in a dining room.

For a standard living room sofa arrangement, a 200x300cm rug is the most versatile choice. It should be large enough for the front legs of all seating pieces to sit on the rug, or ideally all four legs. A rug that only reaches the coffee table looks too small in most rooms.

We consider rugs of 200x300cm and above to be large rugs, a size that works under most dining tables and beneath a full sofa arrangement. 240x330cm is the next step up and suits larger living rooms or open-plan dining spaces. Anything above 300cm in either direction is a statement piece that requires careful planning.