Dear Leanne: I was wondering how to decide on an area carpet size and shape for our dining room. The room is a 12-by-18-foot (3.6-by-5.5-metre) rectangle but our table is 48 inches (1.2 m) round. Do we go for a round shape to match the table or a rectangle to match the room shape? How big should it be?
ANSWER: You do need to consider both the size and shape of the room you are dealing with, as well as all the furniture it holds. There are a few general rules you should apply.
For the area rug to look esthetically proportioned as well as functional, it should fit under the table and chairs when the chairs are in use. To ensure the proper size, add an additional 0.9 metres (three feet) to your table's dimensions to accommodate the space required when the chairs are pulled out.
If your round table has extension leaves, they need to be considered as well. Note that if this is the case, your table may now be a different shape. However, not all round tables extend from the centre. Some have leaves that attach to outer edges, thus maintaining their shape, but expanding their circumference.
Once the outer limits are established, you know the minimum size that you should consider for the area rug. If your table retains its round shape, a round area rug will look wonderful.
Round rugs, however, are not as widely available as rectangular rugs. You may need to place a special order for the right size. Fortunately, since the room is rectangular, you can place a rectangular rug under your round table.
If you have other furniture in the room, such as a buffet or china cabinet, the shape of the room becomes more important than the shape of the table. Now the entire space must be considered.
To determine the proper size, ensure the carpet completely covers the area under the table with the chairs in use, while stopping at least 0.6 m (two feet) from the walls. This allows the cabinet and buffet to stand on the hard floor evenly.
There are standard sizes of carpets and the following dimensions are generally used: for a table that seats four, a 1.8-by-2.7-metre (six-by-nine foot) carpet is recommended; for six seats, a 2.4-by-3-metre (eight-by-10-foot) is recommended; and for eight to 10 chairs, a 2.7-by-3.6-metre (nine-by-12-foot) works.
For your space, a 2.7-by-3.6-metre could fit, depending on other furnishings, but a 2.4-by-3-metre would be better scaled to the size of your table. If you are investing in a hand-knotted area rug, you will want to decide if your current furniture has a long life, as these rugs are investment pieces. Avoid buying a rug your future table will outgrow.
Leanne Brownoff is an interior design consultant.
-- Canwest News Service
