Choosing the perfect rug

Choosing a rug can be difficult. There's a lot to consider including colour, size, texture and shape. A rug is also an investment, something that’s going to last long-term and reflect your room, its function, and your existing decor.

But don’t panic, to best choose your perfect rug all you have to do is narrow down your thoughts to a few factors.

The room

Different rugs suit different areas. For example, kitchens and hallways have more footfall than the bedroom, so it’s best to choose a rug that’s hardwearing and easy to clean. This one from AURugs is perfect for those areas that have plenty of use. 

You can apply this rule to the living room, but you might want to make a statement — something that contrasts against the rest of your furniture. This Palazzo rug can offer the best of both worlds. It brings a splash of colour into the living room, while its durability will mean you won’t be shopping for a new one any time soon. 

Your bedroom is a place where comfort is king — and this should be no different when choosing a rug for it. A fluffy white cloud to compensate for a cold floor is ideal for those cold winter mornings. 

Size

Always measure the space you want to fill, don’t guess. The last thing you want is to purchase an expensive rug only to get home and notice it’s too big or too small for the area.

Avoid the floating rug look — where you have a small rug in the middle of the room touching no furniture. 

A good purpose of a rug, as well as adding pattern and colour, is to create an area that brings everything together. This means you should try to get a bigger size so that it is touching or goes underneath your sofa, tables or bed. 

Shape

You’re not bound to a standard rectangle. Feel free to branch out to different shapes that might fit your space better. For example, if you have a circular dining table, you may want a larger circular rug to sit underneath it. This Marc Jute Round Rug is not only durable but a perfect complement to a small eating area.  

Style

What do you want your rug to do? Do you want it to blend in or be a statement piece? A rug is a good (and easy) way to add a pop of colour to a room. 

A patterned rug can do just that — adding personality without being too bold. You can then also have a range of colours you can coordinate with the rest of the room. 

Material

Some materials are more appropriate than others, depending on location and who you have in your home. If you have children or pets, then a more durable material might be more advisable.

If you have lots of people running around, materials like acrylic, polypropylene, jute and sisal are the way to go. The latter can be a bit rougher underfoot, whereas polypropylene, like this one from wayfair, can now be made to feel very soft. However, all are easy to maintain and good for high-traffic areas. 

If comfort is something that you desire more, then viscose, cotton or wool are the materials you’re after. These can also add a bit of luxury to an area, but keep clear of shoes! 

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Hero image credit: Modsy