Custom Rug Size Checklist: How to Measure Like a Designer
When choosing moroccan rugs, size is never a secondary detail. Designers know that proportion is what turns a beautiful rug into a true design element one that defines a living space, creates balance, and lasts a long time without visual regret.
Whether you’re investing in a vintage Moroccan piece, a Beni Ourain, or a custom flatweave, this checklist shows you exactly how to measure like a designer and avoid the sizing mistakes that disrupt even the most carefully planned interior design.
Why Designers Always Start With Size
A rug is not just home decor.
It structures the room, guides movement, and anchors furniture.
Correct rug sizing:
- Creates visual harmony in living rooms
- Makes small spaces feel intentional, not crowded
- Enhances comfort and flow
- Turns a rug into a statement piece, not an afterthought
This is especially important with handmade Moroccan rugs, where craftsmanship, wool quality, and proportion go hand in hand.
Designer Checklist: How to Measure a Rug the Right Way
1. Living Room: Define the Seating Area
Designers measure the furniture zone, not the walls.
✔ Measure sofa width + chairs
✔ Add 20–30 cm on each side
✔ Front legs of furniture should rest on the rug
This method works beautifully with layered setups that include floor cushions or moroccan floor pillows, which add extra seating while maintaining visual balance.
Common mistake: choosing a rug that only fits under the coffee table, breaking the flow of the living space.
2. Small Spaces: Measure for Function, Not Fear
In compact interiors, proportion matters more than size alone.
✔ Measure walking paths
✔ Leave clear margins around doors
✔ Avoid wall-to-wall rugs
This approach is ideal when styling floor cushions for small spaces, where a cushion adds comfort without overwhelming the room and helps create a cozy atmosphere.
Common mistake: undersizing rugs out of fear which actually makes rooms feel smaller.
3. Bedroom: Comfort Comes First
A bedroom rug should support daily rituals.
✔ Measure bed width
✔ Extend rug 60–70 cm on visible sides
Flatweave or soft wool rugs inspired by Atlas Mountain traditions work especially well here, adding warmth without visual heaviness.
Common mistake: narrow runners that don’t align with the bed, disrupting symmetry.
4. Dining Room: Chairs Must Stay On the Rug
Design rule: chairs should never fall off the rug when pulled out.
✔ Add 70–80 cm around the table
✔ Choose durable, high quality flatweaves
This is where kilims and low-pile Moroccan rugs shine practical, elegant, and easy to live with.
External reference: The Spruce explains why proper rug clearance is essential in dining spaces.
5. Hallways & Transitional Spaces
A runner should guide movement naturally.
✔ Measure full hallway length
✔ Leave 10–15 cm clearance at both ends
This creates rhythm and prevents visual breaks in long corridors.
Common Rug Measuring Mistakes Designers See All the Time
- Measuring walls instead of furniture
- Forgetting chair movement
- Ignoring door clearance
- Guessing instead of measuring
- Using standard sizes for custom layouts
- Ignoring color palette balance
- Treating rugs as accessories, not structure
Why Custom Sizing Changes Everything
Custom sizing allows you to:
- Respect real furniture proportions
- Highlight vintage Moroccan textures
- Integrate rugs seamlessly into interior design
At Surcoma, rugs are one-of-a-kind pieces woven first, then chosen. This philosophy ensures each rug works as a functional and aesthetic foundation, not a forced fit.
Expert's advice for the best rug colors
Designer Tip: Visualize Before You Commit
Professionals often:
- Outline the rug with tape
- Test furniture placement
- Observe how color interacts with light
This simple step helps you test how a rug introduces a pop of color, supports floor seating, or complements an outdoor floor transition.