How to measure for a rug
Measuring properly takes ten minutes and saves the disappointment of a rug that is too small. Here is the method interior designers use.
You will need
- A tape measure (a laser measure is handy for large rooms)
- Masking or painter's tape, or sheets of newspaper
- Your phone, to note and photograph measurements
The method
- Decide the zone. Is the rug for the seating group, the dining table, the bed, or a walkway?
- Measure the furniture. Sofa length, table length and width, or bed width.
- Add the margins. Seating: 15 to 30 cm beyond each end of the sofa. Dining: 60 cm on every side. Bed: 45 to 60 cm on the sides and foot.
- Check the floor border. Leave 30 to 60 cm of floor between rug and walls (20 cm in small rooms).
- Mark it out. Tape the outline on the floor at the nearest standard size and live with it for a day.
- Check doors and vents. Make sure doors open over the rug and that it does not cover floor vents or hearths.
Worked example
| Step | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Three-seater sofa | 210 cm long |
| Plus 20 cm each end | 250 cm minimum rug length |
| Front legs on, coffee table, space in front | About 180 to 200 cm depth |
| Nearest standard size | 200 x 290 cm |
| Room 360 x 420 cm: floor border | 80 cm and 65 cm each side, comfortable |
Next steps
Use the room-by-room size guide, then shop by size: 120 x 170, 160 x 230, 200 x 290, extra large or runners.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure a room for a rug?
Measure the furniture zone the rug will anchor, add margins, check the floor border to the walls, and mark the size out with tape.
Should a rug be smaller than the room?
Yes, leave about 30 to 60 cm of floor showing around the edges in most rooms.
Is it better to have a rug too big or too small?
Slightly too big is almost always better than too small.
How much floor should show around a rug?
Usually 30 to 60 cm, or about 20 cm in a small room.
Shop the guide
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98 -
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Natural
from £59.98
Shop all 160 x 230 cm rugs (160x230cm)
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Emerald Green
from £59.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Gunmetal Grey
from £59.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Ivory Cream
from £59.98
-
Atlas Shaggy Rug in Natural
from £59.98
Related guides
- What size rug do I need? A room-by-room guide
- How to choose a rug for a living room
- Rug sizes in cm and feet: conversion chart
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.