Understanding the result
This room-planning calculator lets collectors compare a rug with room boundaries, furniture placement and the visible floor border around it. It works from measurements rather than photographs. The result describes geometric fit and reveal only; style, pile condition, traffic paths and how furniture legs sit on the rug still require an on-site check.
- These results support research and planning; they do not independently establish authenticity, age or value.
- Keep direct observations separate from assumptions, seller claims and conclusions.
- Seek qualified, object-specific advice when the decision affects value, repair, safety or a legal transaction.
Good records improve research
Keep original observations separate from conclusions. Photograph the whole object and relevant details in even light; record dimensions, labels, maker marks, repairs, provenance and the references consulted. Do not alter the object just to obtain another clue.
Methodology and limitations
For a centred rug, the floor reveal on opposing sides is half the difference between the room dimension and rug dimension. The rug footprint is checked against the room envelope and a manually measured door-swing / circulation zone. Furniture coverage is a plan-view comparison; it does not prescribe a universal design rule because rug placement depends on room use and furniture arrangement.
In a 5.0 × 4.0 m room, a 3.0 × 2.0 m rug centred in the room leaves approximately 1.0 m along the long sides and 1.0 m along the short sides. Moving the rug under a sofa changes furniture coverage without changing the room-edge reveal.
Historical objects are often repaired, refinished, reassembled or made from more than one material. Modern reproductions may imitate older processes. A likely match should always be phrased as a research hypothesis unless it is supported by a qualified, object-specific assessment and trustworthy documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one correct border around a rug?
No. The best reveal depends on room proportions, furniture arrangement, doors and circulation. The calculator reports your selected layout rather than enforcing a single decorating rule.
Should furniture be entirely on the rug?
That depends on the room and the furniture. Record the relevant footprint and test the actual leg positions. The tool compares footprints but cannot judge comfort or the visual result.
What if the room is not rectangular?
Use the smallest clear rectangular envelope for a first estimate, then measure alcoves, bay windows, hearths and angled walls separately.
Does the calculator consider rug fringe?
Use the full laid-out rug dimensions, including fringe if it affects door or circulation clearance. Delicate fringe should not be stretched for measurement.
Will the calculator show whether a rug is authentic?
No. It assists with size and layout only, not material identification, provenance or valuation.
Related antique tools
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