How to Make a Unique Area Rug

Determine the overall desired size of your area rug by measuring the space you wish to cover. Typical area rug sizes are 5 feet by 7 feet, 8 feet by 10 feet and 9 feet by 12 feet, but you can design an area rug that is unique to your space.

Find an assortment of carpet samples and remnants from local carpet stores, remnant stores and home improvement stores. You can also purchase rug samples in a variety of sizes at local and online carpet and rug suppliers. Samples vary in size; collect as many as you need. Some retailers offer samples for free, others sell their samples.

Arrange the carpet samples and/or remnants according to the overall desired dimensions of the finished area rug and according to the size of the samples. For example, remnants are larger than samples. Place those in the center and arrange smaller carpet samples around the perimeter as a border. If you are only using samples, some may be 1-foot square while others may be 4-inches square. Create a unique pattern by combining the squares to make up the size of the area rug.

Flip the samples and remnants of the completed rug design so that the backside is facing up. Keep the arrangement intact as you flip the samples over.

Cut strips of 3-inch wide duct tape to fit the seams between each sample. Place the strips of duct tape onto the backside of the samples as you cut the strips. Place half the width of the strip onto one sample and the other half onto the adjacent sample, ensuring that the seams are straight and flush together before placing the tape.

Flip the unique area rug over after all of the samples are connected with duct tape. Place the rug in the desired location.