We’ve written a few blogs that deal with how to measure up for specific rooms. Mostly these blogs focus on the size of the furniture, so we thought that a more general guide could be of use…..so here you go!

With rugs, the best rule of thumb is not to go too small. A too small rug can end up looking a bit miserly. Whilst a larger rug can add a luxe feel and actually make the space feel larger. Having said this it can still be hard to work out just what size to go for so……

Here are our top tips for measuring up:

1. Living room rugs tend to be on the larger end of the spectrum (of course that is if your space is large enough). These rugs are generally 320×230 or 400×300 options.
2. A 15-20cm “overhang” on either side of the sofa is ideal.
3. Ensure there is a gap of 10cm (up to 25cm if you have the space) between the rug and the wall. It is a rug and it shouldn’t look like wall to wall carpet (unless of course that’s your preference – then please ignore!).
4. If you are going for the “front legs on the rug” option, ensure that the rug extends about 1/3 of the way back under the furniture.
5. If you are going for a rug large enough for your furniture to sit on in it’s entirety, make sure that there is enough rug extending behind the rug to really ground the space. Anywhere from 10 – 20cm (depending on the space and your furniture) is good.
6. Bedroom rugs work in a similar fashion. There needs to be enough rug beside the bed to get out and stand on and also enough space around the rug to ensure you avoid the wall to wall carpet look.
7. Rugs under dining tables need to be large enough for the chairs to pull out and not catch on the edge of the rug. Generally 60cm per chair does the trick.

Or if that’s all just too confusing…

The number one take away if all of this is just too much would be measure and mark out before ordering. That way there’s a live visual of the size of the rug in your own space and how it’s going to interact with your furniture. It’s the best way to avoid disappointment when rug delivery day arrives! Our favourite way to measure and mark is with painters tape, but folded sheets can work well too to give you clarity on how a size will work in your space.

We hope that this has been helpful (rather than confusing). And, if nothing else, stick to the old adage (with a rug inspired twist) measure twice, buy once.