Finding a carpet that fits is important for any space. A carpet that is too small will look silly and a carpet that is too large will take over the room. Carpets are a very important design decision and when used properly they can completely tie a room together or ground a space.
Actual Size Vs. Nominal Size
Many carpets are handwoven, which means that they may not be available in "actual sizes" but rather in what we call "nominal sizes". What may be labelled as an 8'x10' (nominal size) carpet could actually be 7'-11" x 9'-8" (actual size) depending on how it is woven. Bringing a measuring tape to pick out a carpet is always a great idea.
Finding a Carpet That Fits
The Standard Nominal Sizes: Finding the perfect size carpet can be a difficult task if you are unsure what to look for. Carpets come in some standardized size options such as 3'x5', 4'x6', 6'x9', 8'x10', 9'x12', 10'x14'. These sizes are usually very easy to find at many different retailers.
Measuring Your Space: Knowing how to lay out your room with your furniture and how to properly measure for a carpet is quite simple if you follow the following steps.
1. Measure your entire room length and width
2. Measure your furniture items length, width and depth
3. Using graph paper, use two graph boxes for every foot to draw your room to scale.
4. Add your furniture as you would like it placed around the room, using the same scale as above.
Proper Carpet Layout Guides
Here are some examples of carpet layouts that are TOO SMALL.
Here are some examples of carpet layouts that are PERFECT.
Carpet Layout Rules
-Make sure at least the front legs of your furniture are on the carpet. The carpet is used to bring the room together so remember that!
-The carpet does not have to go beyond your furniture.
-The carpet does not have to cover the entire sofa or sectional.
-The carpet should be touching each item of furniture in the space.
We hope this helps in your search for finding that perfect carpet!
