How to Measure for Carpets? (Living Room, Bedroom, Hallway)

When choosing a rug, most people focus on color, pattern, and texture; however, determining the correct rug size is just as important as these features. No matter how eye-catching a rug you choose, an incompatible size for the room will disrupt the decorative balance and reduce comfort. So, how do you determine the ideal rug size for different areas such as the living room, bedroom, or hallway? In this guide, we'll discuss the key points of taking the right rug measurements , recommended rug sizes according to room type, and common mistakes from an expert's perspective.

Why is the Correct Carpet Size Important?

A rug is an important decorative element that defines the framework of a space and visually unites the area. Using the wrong size rug can cause the space to lose its sense of unity . A rug that is too small will "disappear" in the room and make the space appear smaller. An excessively large rug can cover the entire wall, suffocating the room and making it look like a traditional runner . A rug chosen in the right dimensions, however, frames the furniture harmoniously, unifying the space and creating a more spacious and balanced atmosphere. It also increases the functionality of the room; for example, stepping onto a warm rug after getting out of bed or walking on a non-slip rug in the entrance provides daily comfort. Therefore, rug size is a critical factor, both aesthetically and practically.

What are the recommended measurements for a living room rug?

Living rooms and lounges are among the areas where rug size is given the most attention. Your seating arrangement (sofas, coffee tables, armchairs, etc.) will guide you in choosing the rug size. Here are a few placement alternatives to consider when choosing a living room rug:

• All furniture on the rug: The most ideal and stylish look is achieved when the rug completely covers the sofa and coffee tables. The rug should extend approximately 15-20 cm beyond the sofas, leaving a gap of at least 20-30 cm on all sides between the rug and the walls. This arrangement unites the space in large living rooms and creates a luxurious feel. For example, 8-10 m² rugs covering the majority of the floor might be ideal for a large living room; this way, the seating area is perceived as a single, unified whole.

• Only the front legs on the carpet: This is a good solution for medium-sized living rooms or rooms with sofas against the wall. In this arrangement , the front legs of the sofas and armchairs are on the carpet , while the back legs remain on the floor. The carpet is positioned like a large island in the center of the seating group. This method offers an economical solution using smaller carpets (e.g., 4–6 m² ) while providing sufficient unity in the room. It's important to maintain consistency across all furniture, such as sofas and chairs: If the front legs of the sofa are on the carpet, ensure that the front legs of the side chairs are also on the carpet. Inconsistencies (one piece of furniture entirely on the carpet, another entirely off) can lead to visual imbalance. It is recommended that at least 15-20 cm of carpet be tucked under the sofas; this creates a unifying look and helps the carpet stay in place.

• The rug is only under the coffee table: In this minimalist arrangement, often used in small or narrow living rooms, the rug is only large enough to cover the coffee table. All furniture remains outside the rug, making it appear as a standalone accent piece in the center of the room. This choice can make the space feel more spacious, but the sense of warmth and unity will be more limited. If you choose this method, remember that having no contact between the sofas and the rug can create a disconnect in the space. Even if your room is small, if possible, choosing a size where the front legs of the sofas rest on the rug will make the space appear larger and more harmonious.

Other points to consider when determining the size of a living room rug: The rug should be 15-20 cm wider on both sides than the width of the main sofa or seating group for a more proportionate look. For example, a rug that extends slightly beyond the edges of a three-seater sofa, framing the seating area, will appear more balanced. In large living rooms, the distance from the edge of the rug to the wall can be kept around 35-45 cm – this allows the parquet or flooring to be visible, preserving a feeling of spaciousness. In smaller rooms, a gap of around 20 cm may suffice.

Also, remember to leave some space for frequently used walkways in the room; leaving approximately 60-90 cm of uncarpeted space between large pieces of furniture is beneficial both for preventing the room from feeling cramped and for protecting the carpet from wear and tear. Finally, it's important that your carpet suits the shape of the room : In a long rectangular living room, lay the carpet along the long side; in a square area, more angular or rounded carpets can be considered. Using a carpet that contrasts with the shape of your room (for example, a round carpet in a narrow living room) can weaken the overall feel.

What are the recommended dimensions for a bedroom rug?

Choosing a rug for your bedroom is important for both aesthetics and comfort. Stepping onto a soft rug as your first step after getting out of bed in the morning will help you start your day more pleasantly. When determining the size of your bedroom rug, the following options can be considered:

• Large rug under the bed: The most comfortable and integrated solution is to lay a large rug that covers the entire bed (including the headboard and footboard). In this arrangement, the rug partially or completely covers the double bed and the bedside tables. Ideally, the rug should extend at least 50-60 cm beyond the edges of the bed. For example, for a 160x200 cm double bed, sizes like 200x290 cm or 240x340 cm are frequently preferred – these dimensions leave enough rug space on both sides of the bed, allowing you to step onto the rug in the morning. When placing the rug, be careful not to place it too close to the wall at the headboard; leaving a gap of around 20 cm along the walls helps the room look more spacious .

• Partially placed rug under the bed: If you prefer not to place the nightstands directly under the rug, you can partially place it under the bed. In this arrangement, the rug starts slightly below the head of the bed (the area above the pillows is on the rug) and is laid out leaving sufficient space at the foot of the bed and on the sides. If you have a large bedroom and want to leave the nightstands outside the rug, make sure the rug extends at least 20-30 cm beyond the bed edges. This option allows you to leave enough soft space around the bed even though you're using a slightly smaller rug size. For example, a 180x270 cm rug placed only under the bed can cover a large part of the room and fill in any gaps.

• Small rugs (runners) on either side: In narrow or small bedrooms, it's possible to use two or three rugs instead of one large rug. You can place long, thin runner-style rugs on either side of the bed and, if desired, a third piece at the foot of the bed. The side rugs are usually around 80x150 cm and are placed in front of the bedside tables, parallel to the bed. In this arrangement, the rugs are positioned with some distance, not too close to the bedside tables and bed. This way, while part of the floor remains visible in the middle of the room, you can step onto a soft surface on either side as soon as you get out of bed. The three-piece rug solution saves space, especially in small rooms, while maintaining a feeling of warmth. When placing the rugs, pay attention to arranging them according to the shape of the room; for example, in a long room, aligning the side runners along the length of the bed gives the best result.

When choosing a bedroom rug, it's important to leave some space between the walls and the rug (about 15-20 cm). Even if your rug covers most of the room, small gaps around the edges make it look more deliberately placed and allow the room to "breathe." Also, make sure the rug doesn't obstruct the door opening; if your bedroom door opens inwards, the thickness of your rug should allow the door to open freely.

What are the recommended dimensions for entrance and hallway rugs?

Hallways and long corridors, which are the entrance areas of a house, require a different approach when it comes to carpet size. Long runner- style carpets are generally used in these narrow, transitional areas. The following points should be considered when choosing a hallway/entrance carpet :

• Width and length ratio: The width of your runner should match the width of the hallway. Ideally, the rug should be narrower than the hallway walls, leaving a few centimeters of space on either side. For example, in a 100 cm wide hallway, a runner approximately 80-90 cm wide would be suitable. Experts generally recommend that the hallway rug be about 10 cm narrower than the hallway, leaving a total gap of about 10 cm between the rug and the walls. This way, the rug will run smoothly in the middle like a strip, and a small strip of floor will be visible at the edges, creating balance.

• Standard dimensions: The most common runner sizes for hallways on the market are approximately 80 cm wide and 200-300 cm long . If your hallway is very long, you can get a custom-sized runner or lay two standard runners one after the other. However, if you are using two rugs, make sure the meeting point of the rugs is not in a high-traffic area such as in front of a door (rugs ending at the door threshold can create a tripping hazard). If possible, using one long runner provides the cleanest look, but if budget or availability constraints are present, using two separate rugs is also an option. In this case, ensure that the pattern or color matches perfectly and that the rugs are securely fixed in place to prevent slipping.

• Length and margins: Your runner should be slightly shorter than the length of your hallway. It's more aesthetically pleasing if the edges of the rug aren't flush against the beginning and end walls of the hallway, leaving a small gap at both ends. For example, in a 4-meter long hallway, leaving a runner of around 3.5-3.7 meters will create the right proportions, allowing approximately 15-20 cm of space at the ends. Leaving a few fingers' width of space instead of laying the rug right at the door threshold is also better for preventing the entrance from narrowing and the edges of the rug from fraying.

• Door and Safety Allowance: When placing your hallway rug, consider the opening allowance for doors . The rug should not snag when the entrance or room doors are opened. Since entrance doors usually open inwards, the thickness of your rug should be such that the door can pass over them easily. A thinner rug or runner can be chosen if necessary. Also, hallway and entrance rugs should always have a non-slip backing . Long, thin rugs can slip on the floor; rugs with a latex or non-slip backing provide safety in these high-traffic areas.

Tip for hallway decoration: If the hallway is a large foyer, a small mat or rug can be used instead of a runner. In this case, the shape of your rug should suit the shape of the hallway (a rectangular rug for a rectangular hallway, a square or round rug for a square entrance). Also, try to choose a piece that is proportionate to your furniture (dresser, coat rack, etc.). Since the rug is a welcoming element in the entrance, it shouldn't be too small and ineffective, nor should it cover the entire area and be overly dominant .

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Carpet

When buying a new rug, you need to do some preparation beforehand to determine the correct size. Here's a step-by-step guide to measuring your rug :

1. Measure the room dimensions: First, determine the length and width of the room where you plan to lay the carpet. Use a tape measure or measuring tape to take precise measurements from wall to wall. This basic information is important for assessing whether the carpet you choose will be proportionate to the room. For example, if your room is 4x5 meters (20 m²), this will give you an idea of ​​approximately how much area you need to carpet in that room.

2. Plan your furniture placement: Consider where you'll position the rug in the room. Will the furniture be on top of the rug, or will the rug only be in the center? For example, in your living room, do you want the rug to encompass the entire seating area, or just a focal point around the coffee table? In the bedroom, will the rug be entirely under the bed, or will there be small sections on either side? Clarifying this decision directly affects the size of rug you need. In a dining room, you must account for the need for the entire table and chairs to be under the rug; they should remain on the rug even when the chairs are pulled out. Visualizing the scenario in which you will use the rug beforehand and referencing the furniture is critical to getting the right size.

3. Determine the spacing: Calculate how close the rug will be to the walls or other fixed furniture. Decorating experts recommend leaving at least 20 cm of space between the wall and the edge of the rug on all sides; for a more spacious look, this distance can increase to 35-40 cm in larger rooms. This space creates a framing effect around the rug, allowing the room to breathe . When the edges of the rug are right against the wall, the space visually narrows, and the rug can create a gloomy effect, as if it were laid from wall to wall. Similarly, you might consider leaving small gaps between the rug and furniture (for example, a few centimeters of space is nice if the rug ends in front of a console or display cabinet).

4. Mark and visualize the carpet area: Before buying a carpet, it's helpful to simulate the space it will occupy in your room. You can use newspaper, an old sheet, or masking tape for this. Temporarily mark the area where you plan to place the carpet with these materials. For example, lay newspaper pages side by side to create the rectangular area the carpet will cover on the floor. Step back a few steps and assess how this area looks: Is it too big, too small, does it match the furniture? This simple method will help you make a more confident decision by allowing you to see how the carpet will look in the room beforehand.

5. Calculate the rug size: After determining the approximate dimensions of the rug you need, you may want to calculate its equivalent in square meters. Multiply the width and length of the rug in meters or centimeters. For example, if you are considering a 2.5 m x 3.5 m rug, this is 8.75 m² . If you measured in centimeters (e.g., 250 cm x 350 cm = 87,500 cm²), you can convert the result to square meters by dividing it by 10,000 . This calculation makes it easier to compare the price per square meter of products or your room size when shopping for rugs. It is also helpful to know about standard rug sizes: Standard sizes such as 4 m² (approximately 160x230 cm), 6 m² (200x300 cm), and 8 m² (250x350 cm) are common on the market. You can choose the standard size closest to your measurements or order a custom size if you require an unusual dimension. (Manufacturers like Art Doku Halı can offer carpets in custom sizes to suit your needs, in addition to standard sizes.)

By following the steps above, you can determine the most suitable rug size for your room. Remember, a little planning when buying a rug prevents future regrets. Once you've determined the correct size, all that's left is choosing a rug style that suits your taste.

Common Mistakes and Their Solutions

Many people make similar mistakes when choosing rug size. Here are the most common rug placement mistakes and tips to avoid them:

• Choosing a rug that's too small : A small rug gets lost in the middle of the room and disrupts the overall harmony of the space. Instead of connecting the furniture, the rug acts as a separate piece, making the room appear narrower and more cluttered. Solution: Choose a rug that's proportionate to the main furniture in the room. If you're unsure, opting for a slightly larger size is usually safer. The edges of the rug should at least come close to the sofas, ideally tucking a few centimeters underneath them.

• Choosing a rug that's too large (wall-to-wall): A rug that covers the entire floor and extends to the walls doesn't create a stylish look. In this case, the rug might cease to be a modern piece and instead give the impression of an old-fashioned wall-to-wall carpeting. The room will appear cramped , and instead of a rug, it will look like just a patterned floor covering. Solution: Always leave a border around your rug (preferably at least 20-25 cm). Allowing some parts of the floor to be visible adds depth to the space and highlights your rug as a decorative accent.

• Furniture completely outside the carpet: Large pieces of furniture (sofa, dining table, bed, etc.) not touching the carpet at all create a floating effect in the room. This disconnected look lacks coherence in the decor. Solution: Your carpet should definitely relate to nearby furniture. At least ensure the front legs of armchairs and chairs are on the carpet . For example, a rug in front of a coffee table that extends to include the front legs of the sofa creates a much neater look.

• Choosing a rug that doesn't match the room's shape: If your room is rectangular but your rug is round, or if the room is large but your rug is a tiny square, it can create an unsightly disproportion. The rug should be in harmony with the architectural form of the space. Solution: Choose a rug shape according to the shape of your room. A long rectangular rug is ideal for a long room; large round or square rugs can be considered for a square room. If you want to use different shapes to create a special accent, be careful to do so in sizes that don't disrupt the main geometry of the room (for example, placing a large round rug in the center of a very large living room and leaving space around it).

• Incorrect placement and scaling: Laying the rug haphazardly or using the wrong scale also leads to mistakes. For example, a rug that isn't perfectly centered in the hallway, or one that's shifted to one side, will look bad. Or, a rug under the dining table that's insufficient when chairs are pulled back will make it difficult to use. Solution: Always place your rug along a central axis and symmetrically. Maintain parallelism if it's near a wall. When choosing a rug for a dining table, make sure it's at least 60 cm wider than each side of the table so that the chairs remain on the rug when pulled back (a ~250x350 cm rug is ideal for an average 8-person table).

With the above warnings in mind, you can make more informed choices about rug size. In short, your rug should be neither too small nor too large; it should have a harmonious relationship with your furniture and be placed in a way that suits the architectural features of your room. If you really like the pattern and color of your rug but the size is a little small, you can also consider creative solutions such as laying a plain, larger rug underneath and layering your favorite piece on top (layering method). The important thing is that the resulting look creates a balanced and visually appealing composition.

Take your measurements correctly, and enjoy the decoration!

Choosing the right rug size might seem confusing at first, but the basic principles are clear: you need to choose a rug that's neither too big nor too small, suitable for the room's dimensions, furniture placement, and usage habits. With the tips we've shared in this guide, you can now go rug shopping more informed . By determining the ideal rug size for every corner of your home, from the living room to the bedroom, hallway to kitchen, you can achieve both aesthetic and functional harmony in your spaces. When your rug is the right size, patterns and colors show themselves better; your room gains a sense of unity, as if it were professionally decorated.

Finally, after clarifying the measurements, you can browse the Art Doku Carpet collection to choose a carpet that suits your style. At Art Doku Carpet, you can find carpets in various sizes and designs suitable for different living spaces such as the living room, bedroom, and hallway; or, if you wish, you can order a custom-sized carpet to perfectly fit your space. Once you have the correct measurements, the rest is just up to your taste! Remember, by choosing the ideal carpet size, you can achieve perfect comfort in your home that appeals to both the eye and the feet.