Finding the Proper Size of an Area Rug

Often times when considering the purchase of an area rug, consumers are quite lax as to determining the size. “Guesstimating” the size necessary for a particular space is not the way to achieve the ultimate look one is seeking when looking to add an area rug to a room. Specific measurements work best when seeking to purchase an area rug yet often times, a consumer will settle for a rug that really does not fit an area because they do not want to invest in a custom cut rug. This is understandable since the average buyer does not want to invest that much in an area rug to lay on the floor.

Follow these guidelines the next time you’re in the market for a rug:

Generally speaking, a 1'11”x 3'4” size up to a 4'x6' size is recommended for use in a hearth space, doorways, or smaller conversation areas. Smaller rugs fit well in smaller places and can add a touch of accent to a room or that part of the room.

A 5'x7' rug up to a 6'x9' area rug is suggested for use in smaller bedrooms, home offices, or underneath coffee tables. They also accent small spaces, but people tend to place more importance on how they look because they can sometimes set the tone for the whole room. They can also be used to anchor a color that’s found somewhere else in the room, so they provide that cohesive, calm feeling.

Finally, an 8'x10' area rug or larger is designed for use with furniture grouping. If, however you need a rug to cover a large room, the 8’x 10’ rugs usually won’t do the job. You’ll most likely need an even larger area rug for major gathering areas, such as a dining room or a great room.

Suggested Rug Shopping Places

Yet this general guideline does not eliminate the need for specific measuring of an area. But to do this correctly, one must take several elements into consideration. Firstly, one must use a steel tape measure so as to eliminate the fluctuation in the measurements that can result in the use of a soft, fabric tape measure. Using this will give you accurate measurements of the space to be filled, and it will make your selection process go much smoother.

Secondly, remember to note where the vents and doorways are in relation to the room, as they will likely affect the actual placement of the rug itself.

If one chooses to make a space smaller and more intimate, one can create this effect by taking the actual measurements gotten from measuring with a steel measuring tape and subtracting 24” from the the length and the width of the furnished area. This will bring in the actual space taken up by the furnishings and create that inviting, cozy look often sought for in conversation or gathering areas.

Also, if you are considering an area rug for the space under your dining table, you should measure the table's actual length and width, and then add 54” to each of the measurements. This allows for 27” on either side of the table to accommodate a space for the chairs that surround it even when they are pulled out from the table itself. Rocking back and forth as one attempts to enjoy a meal because the front two feet are sitting on a rugged surface but the two back feet are not is most uncomfortable, and will leave the owner wishing they had thought to add these extra inches!

It is also important to remember that rug making is not an exact science and that dimensions can vary between manufacturers. To be safe, round off the measurements of the rug you are considering to the closest whole size and allow a leeway of 2” to 6” between the actual size and the size stated. Doing this will assure that you have enough area rug to cover your space.

So when considering the purchase of an area rug for a space in your home, be sure to follow the suggested steps and considerations listed here to avoid being the victim of buyer's remorse. There is nothing worse than thinking you've found the perfect area rug for a spot in your home and then getting it home and discovering it won't work