How to Measure Rug Size

Rugs give balance and add a decorative accent to the room area.

Rugs give a room a homey touch and often serve as a basis for the primary colors on the walls and the use of accent colors. Whether you are selecting a room-size rug, one for underneath a coffee or dining room table or for a bedroom setting, it is important to measure for the correct size. This enables you to use the rug as an accent piece and prevents it from overwhelming the room with its size or being too small.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pen and paper

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the room and write down the measurements.

2. Pick the area you want covered with the rug. Measure the area with a tape measure.

3. Place a sheet of paper in each of the four corners of the area you want the rug to cover.

4. Adjust the papers closer or farther apart if the area seems too large or small. Once the coverage area looks right to you, measure the rug area again and write the measurements down.

Tips & Warnings

• For a rug underneath a dining room table, allow plenty of room so that seated guests can push their chairs back to stand up with the chair legs still on the rug.

• The back legs of your sofa do not have to be on the rug. All other furniture legs should be either completely on or off the rug.

References

• World Floor Covering Association: Area Rugs - Before You Buy
• Apartment Therapy: Good Questions: Good Rugs for Solo Dancing?