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Area Rug Size Guide
Selecting the correct rug size is the most practically important aspect of new rug shopping. Buying the wrong size rug can lead to unnecessary stress. Having the wrong size rug can also wreak havoc on your design plan and lead to awkward if not silly results. While the size of an area rug should ultimately reflect your style there are some guidelines you may want to consider. Remember, an eclectic look is great; but, there are a few bright line rules that you will not want to challenge.
Maintain a Perimeter
To start, establish your desired perimeter. A minimum of a foot of flooring should be exposed around the area rug. After all, you don’t want to completely hide your beautiful floor and this perimeter will actually make the room appear larger.
Seating Placement
An area rug should be large enough so that all of your seating will fit firmly on top of it, or at least allow for the front legs to stand on it. However, make sure the furniture is balanced – the seesaw or teeter-totter effect is not acceptable. Generally, only the front legs of a sofa should be on the rug. If you have a coffee table, all the legs should be on the rug.
Dining Tables
Area rugs used under tables and especially dinning room tables are special cases where you need closely follow the rules. These area rugs need to be large enough so that a chair is never off the rug, especially when the chair is pushed back to allow a person to stand up. Some suggest and easy way to measure for a dinning room area rug is to measure the table and add up to four feet in length and width. I urge to take exact measurements, it will take time; but, it is worth it. Use the masking tape, measure under the table, pull the chairs out while sitting in them and make sure will they stay on the rug. Usually, a rug has to be at least 8 foot wide (8 x 11) to fit under a dinning room table.
Actual v. Industry Size
A crucial note on area rug size is that there are industry sizes, which are estimates of a rugs size (e.g., 5’ x 8’) and the actual size of the rug (e.g., 5’3” x 7’7”). As the parenthetical examples note the industry size is can be longer of shorter than the true measurements. We do our best to list the rug’s actual size. If you are unsure of a size, please call for the exact dimensions.
Rug Measuring Tips
Many people start shopping for an area rug by looking for a particular color or design. While there is nothing wrong with that approach, area rug shopping is made easier by knowing what rug size will fit your needs. The only way to be sure about the size of the area rug you need is by taking the proper measurements.
Measure First
Ideally, measuring will be done before you start shopping and fall in love with a rug that is the wrong size or even a bit of a stretch for your space. Avoid the temptation and measure first!
Outline the Area
One way to measure a room for the correct area rug size is to use masking tape to frame the area you would like the rug to occupy. Once your tape is set take a long look at it. Are you satisfied with its location? Did you have to move furniture to place the tape? If you plan to set furniture on the rug (coffee or dinning table and chairs) set them on the outline. How does the outline look in relation to the room’s furniture and overall size? Is it in proportion? Once you are happy with its location measure the length and width of the area you created with the tape. To be sure, measure again. Write down the measurements and save them for when you start shopping.
Set Your Size Range
If you can’t find an area rug to fit the exact size you measured determine the extent of variation you are willing to settle with. In other words, what is the greatest and smallest length and width that would be acceptable? Make that determination and stick to those guidelines.
© 2009-2010 DVL Imports, LLC. All rights reserved.
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