Secrets to Becoming a Master Measurer
We’ve all purchased articles of clothing without trying them on. Sometimes we get lucky and they’re just right. But most of the time, they don’t look so great. Since you can’t exactly try a rug on for size, measuring your space before coming into the store or ordering online will help ensure you find the perfect fit.
How to Measure
When done right, measuring a room is a two-person job. To measure your room, stand at one end of the space with your tape measure. Then, have your measuring partner in crime walk away from you to the other end of the room, extending the tape. Lay the tape measure flat on the floor and note the measurement. Repeat for the other side of the room. It pays to do this twice to make sure you’ve measured accurately. If you’re not looking for a rug to cover the floor of your entire space, it’s still a good idea to measure your room and get a feel of what you’re working with. Then, you can decide how much of the area you want to cover with a rug, or rugs, and measure that space. A good way to visualize how a rug will fit in your room is to position a bed sheet folded to different sizes, or to use masking tape to mark where you’re considering placing the rug. Then, you can easily measure the sheet or dimensions of the masking tape. On our website, we have a worksheet on which you can record your findings and explore several potential rug options.
Why Measure?
A room’s dimensions are rarely exactly as quoted by builders. A 15’x12’ room could really be 14’4”x11’11”. The same goes for rugs. These figures are rounded up for simplicity, but they vary by manufacturer. Here at Rug & Home, we're happy to measure a rug for you! And let’s face it, the wrong size rug can make a space seem awkward instead of complementing it. You wouldn’t want the guests at your next dinner party chatting about how tiny your new rug seems in the space instead of commenting on the great food and company, would you?! For bedrooms, area rugs are a nice option to place under beds. The general rule of thumb is to measure the length and width of your bed, and then add 24 inches to each side that is not against a wall. Not only will this allow you to show the true beauty of your rug, but you’ll never have to step on cold hardwood floors on a winter morning again! The same rule applies for dining rooms. You’ll want to allow approximately 24 to 27 inches on each side for chairs to be pulled out. Even after measuring, it can be difficult to visualize exactly how a rug will fit in your space. Thankfully, at Rug & Home you have options. We’ll pull any rug and place it on one of our show floors so you can walk it before you make your decision. Once you’ve made a purchase, you’re free to take it home for up to 7 days to get a feel for it in your space. If you don’t like how it looks, we’ll take it back no questions asked! (If the rug you choose won’t fit in your vehicle, or you need it delivered for another reason, our flexible delivery service allows you to get the rug to your home to make a better decision.)
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