A well chosen rug is a lot more than just a decorative piece – it can really tie a room together! Not only that, but a rug has a unique ability to add warmth, cohesion and express your style. With all this riding on a rug, it can definitely be difficult to land on the perfect one. We’ve all been there; staring at rugs upon rugs, overwhelmed by choice. In this blog, we’ll help you out with this step-by-step guide to finding the rug of your dreams.
1. Size First
When it comes to choosing a rug, size is key! If you choose something too small it might end up looking like a lonely doormat, which is obviously not what you’re after. And then, on the other hand, if you choose something too big you run the risk of overwhelming your space (or looking like you installed a badly fitted carpet). Neither are good options, clearly.
Here’s a handy guide to follow:
Living Room: Go for something large enough to anchor your furniture together and make the space seem cohesive. If you’re unsure, remember that the front legs of your sofa and armchairs should rest on the rug.
Dining Room: Use your dining table as a blueprint here – the rug should extend far enough from the edges of your dining table to accomodate your chairs.
Bedroom: To get the best cosy vibes, choose a rug that peeks out by at least 60-90cm from under your bed – you don’t want cold toes in the morning.
The best way to get the sizing right it to measure (twice if you have to!). Try using masking tape to mark the area and go from there.
Picking a Pattern
Now that you’ve got the size squared away, your next step is to determine the colour, or pattern you’re after. Remember, your rug is an extension of your style, so you can use it as an accent piece to highlight any colours you want to showcase in your room. Otherwise, you can use it as a subtle backdrop to support the style and colour of your room. With so many options to choose from, this can be another one of those decisions that makes you want to tear your hair out, so we’ve broken it down for you!
Neutral Colours: If you’ve already got some statement pieces making up your style, a neutral rug is the perfect option. Neutral rugs are also a great addition to minimalist spaces – use them as a supporting feature to bring the vibe of the room together. A great example is our Asti Rug.
Bold Patterns: If you want to inject a bit of personality into a room, or add some visual interest, then go for something vibrant or bold! They’re the perfect way to level up a room without disturbing the rest of the furniture. My personal recommendation is the Doran or the Koby.
Layers: If you’re really feeling adventurous, or just can’t decide on just one, then layers are a great way to add some depth and style to a room. Try layering a smaller, patterned rug over a larger neutral one and watch the space transform!
3. Material
The Material of your rug can affect both it’s durability and comfort level. Some popular options are wool, cotton, or synthetic fibres.
Our Beckett handwoven rug is made from wool, making it a soft and durable piece. It’s also naturally stain-resistant, which makes it a reliable choice for high-traffic areas.
Our Nereida rug offers a 100% polyester composition, which gives a soft and luxurious feel for those mornings underfoot in the winter, but also has jute backing. This enhances the rug’s stability and also it’s longevity!
Another option to consider is our Leno rug, crafted from durable polypropylene. This rug is designed to withstand the demands of everyday use, while maintaining its appearance over time.
No matter which rug you choose, keep the basics in mind – size, comfort, and material. If you’re not sure, and feel a bit overwhelmed by the options, why not browse our rug collection here? If you’re more of a tactile learner, then head in store, and speak to any of our staff for some advice! Happy shopping!