How to Measure for a Rug (Step by Step)
How to measure for a rug the right way — measure your furniture zone, add a border, and tape it out. A simple step-by-step guide.
To measure for a rug, measure the furniture zone you want the rug to sit under, then add a border so the rug extends beyond it — and tape out the size on the floor before you buy. Getting the measurement right is the single most important step in choosing a rug. Here is how.
Step 1: Measure the zone
Measure the length and width of the area the rug should define — for example, the seating group in a living room, or the bed in a bedroom.
Step 2: Add the right border
Add space so the rug extends beyond the furniture: front legs of the sofa on the rug in living rooms, past the sides and foot of the bed in bedrooms, and 60 cm beyond a dining table. Details in the rug size guide.
Step 3: Leave a floor margin
Keep an even 20 to 45 cm of bare floor between the rug and the walls — not wall-to-wall.
Step 4: Tape it out
Mark the rug size on the floor with painter's tape (or newspaper) and live with it for a day. This is the best way to check the size feels right before ordering.
Between two sizes? Order a custom size so it fits perfectly — see how to order a custom rug. Shop at rugkari.com.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure for a rug?
Measure the furniture zone, add a border so the rug extends beyond it, leave 20 to 45 cm of floor to the walls, and tape the size out before buying.
How much floor should show around a rug?
An even border of 20 to 45 cm of bare floor between the rug and the walls.
What if my room is between two sizes?
Order a custom size — made-to-order rugs can be woven to your exact dimensions.
