Size is a very important factor in pricing a hand-woven rug. Hand-woven area rugs are made in different sizes and shapes. As a general rule, choosing the correct size rug depends on the dimensions of the room or space you are trying to cover. Oriental area rugs are not intended to cover the entire floor. Like paintings, hand-woven rugs are a work of art and need to be framed to enhance their beauty. By allowing one-to-two feet of floor space between the rug and the walls, one can create a perfect frame.
Rectangular Area Rugs
Rectangular rugs are the most common area rugs in the world and come in a variety of sizes. Therefore, standard sizes have been assigned to rectangular rugs in order to make rug selection an easier process (e.g. 10 x 12). However, standard sizes are not exact sizes. In the rug industry, a rug with measurements of 6 feet and 2 inches wide and 8 feet and 4 inches long is still called a 6 by 8 (6 x 8).
Runners
Runners are the second most common shape of rug. They are very long and narrow rectangular rugs. Most runners in today's market are between 2.5 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 20 feet long, and in some cases even longer. They are used as coverings for hallways, stairways, and entrances.
Round Area Rugs
Round rugs are unique and rare, and are mainly woven in the cities of Tabriz, Esfahan and Nain. The length and width are equal in a round rug, and they are the same as the diameter of the rug (e.g. 8 x 8).
Square Area Rugs
Square rugs are very unique and rare. As their name implies, they have equal width and length. Therefore, when looking for a square rug, look for sizes such as 4 x 4, 8 x 8, etc.