Size Matters

There are several things to consider when purchasing a rug however, size, is the most scientific variable. Anyone can determine the ideal size of a new rug by following a few simple steps:

1. Measure your entire room. Use a good-quality measuring tape, if possible.

2. Measure existing furniture. Either add them to your drawing or, even better, cut out blocks of paper for each piece, so you can easily and quickly “rearrange the furniture.”

3. Draw your room dimensions in scale. Include doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents, where necessary.

4. Measure the space you want to fill. Unless you want a customized rug (and are willing to spend the price for one), don’t get too specific. Measure out and mark off standard sizes: 4×6, 5×8, 8×10 feet. 

Tip: Use masking tape to outline the rug’s dimensions.

5. Always double-check your measurements. Like the seasoned carpenter says, “Measure twice; cut once.”

6. Size Matters. Go shopping! Find a store, like Rug & Home, that allows you to take the rug home and try it out for several days. You’ll know immediately if it’s the right size, but you may need longer to consider things such as color, pattern, and durability.

A few more thoughts:

-A rug that isn't properly sized for a room can make the room look uneven or unfinished. 

-Don’t size your space just with your eyes. A 6×9-foot rug that seems huge in the store may still be too small for the room once you get it home.

-Leave at least 18-24 inches of exposed floor in your room whenever possible. 

A new rug is like a new chair: you can tell in the store how comfortable it is, but you won’t know until you get it home how well it fits in to your life. Do your homework before you buy, but make sure you can return it if it doesn’t work.