Measuring a room for an area rug

There are many factors that go into selecting the perfect area rug: color, pattern, texture and material. However, the positioning of a rug in a room is very important to take into consideration. Before you make your purchase, think about the function of the room the rug will be placed in and the other pieces of furniture you are working with.

Dining RoomStructure Jacquard Square Nutmeg detail

  • Chairs in a dining room are moved frequently, and should always have all 4 legs on the rug, even when pulled out. Measure your dining room table and add about three feet to each side to account for chair movement.
  • Arearugfacts.com also suggests leaving the rest of the furniture in your dining room off the area rug. More space on the perimeter of the rug helps to create the illusion of a larger room.Pipeline Gold

Living Room

  • For a rug that covers your whole living room, measure the room and deduct two feet from each side to leave space between the rug and the wall. This will give the room a unified look.
  • A smaller rug can accent a coffee table or ottoman. Measure the piece of furniture and add at least two feet on all sides. This will allow enough space to walk around the table or ottoman and still be on the rug.

Hallway/Entryway

  • Bricks Belgian ChocolateMake sure to consider the thickness of your rug in hallways or entryways with doors that are used frequently. Leave enough clearance for the door to open and close without touching the rug.
  • Hallway runners should be sized to leave six to twelve inches of floor space on all sides.
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  1. This is extremely useful! Planning for an area rug bigger than a floor mat is more complicated than it might seem at first when you try to visualize it under stuff. Thank you. By the way I love your natural fiber rugs.

  2. Thanks for the tips! I have made several mistakes that are highlighted here, including buying an area rug that is too thick for the door and an area rug where the dining room chairs end up half on and half off the rug.

  3. Good advise…especially considering the use of the rug,the room and the product selection.
    Our Metropolitan is thick…
    all of the furniture needs to sit on the rug or it is great as an area rug in a conversation area.
    Rugs and a can of paint are instant updates!