Selecting the Rug Size Selecting the Rug Size
Looms on which Oriental rugs are hand woven are fixed to standard sizes, therefore rugs are only available in those given sizes. Determining the size of the Oriental rug you need is very important. The following are a few guiding principles.
Room Size Rugs
Should you use one rug or two?
One rug is the general rule as it serves to tie the room together and to set the basis for the selection of fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc.
In a very large room, more than one rug can be used to separate the room into distinct conversation groupings. The designs of the rugs should be different enough to create spatial separation, but similar in color and quality to maintain the integrity of the entire space.
Selecting the rug size for a room.
Do you want the rug as a floor covering or an accent piece? If you want the rug as a floor covering, measure the area to be covered. If however, you want the rug as an accent piece, you must decide weather you want it free of furniture or partly covered by it.
If you want a medallion in the rug, measure the distance from your chandelier to one end of the area to be covered. Doubling that distance gives the length of the rug you need. When you place the rug, the medallion should lie in the center of the room, directly under the chandelier.
The space you want to leave rug-free should ideally measure 2 feet on each end, allowing the beauty of the floor beneath the carpet; hardwood, marble, tile, etc., to be displayed. If the room has a fireplace, vents or any other outlet, deduct that from the area to be covered.
Hallway or Staircase Runners
For a hallway, measure the width of the area you would like to cover, allowing a small area on each side free of rug. Take into account vents, swinging-doors, etc. Then measure the length of the area to be covered. Leave some area at each end exposed.
For a staircase, first measure the maximum width to be covered. Then count the number of steps, measure the rise of the step, and then and measure all landing areas. Also consider the shape of the staircase; weather curved or straight. A straight flight of stairs requires aproximately 3 feet of runner for every two steps. Stairs containing corners must allow for the treatment of the landings. Stairs that are curved must be measured for the outside (longest) length to compensate for the curvature. Careful measurement and professional advice are imperative.