We’ve all been there. Spending hours trying to decide on the perfect rug, and then bringing it home to discover it doesn’t quite fit the space and starting the process all over again.
That is why we have put together this comprehensive guide to accompany you in selecting the right rug, the first time around. We’ll delve into the different styles, sizing and placement of rugs for your dining, living and bedroom. A rug is a truly versatile piece - including a rug when styling your home has a dual purpose of both form and function. Not only does the right rug infuse much needed personality, texture and depth in a space, but it is also used for practicality to add warmth, comfort and create distinct areas within a room. So, let’s get started…
A dining delight
In particular, open plan homes can really benefit from utilising a rug to anchor the dining area from the rest of the house. There are some key elements to consider, ensuring your rug continues to look beautiful (despite the dropped food and spills).
Size: Bigger is better when it comes to your dining space. The rug should be large enough to accommodate the table and chairs. Ideally, the chairs should be able to be pulled in and out without catching on the edge of the rug. When measuring, ensure this is accounted for in the total rug size.
Material: The dining room is a high traffic area, and inevitably some mess will happen. Choose a rug made from durable and easy to clean materials that can withstand spills and stains. In particular, natural fabrics like jute, wool and cotton are hardwearing or consider synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Our top pick is the Vintage Oushak Carpet – the base of this rug is cotton while the pile is made of densely woven small wool knots, making it perfect for those high traffic areas.
Style: The colour of your rug is definitely a factor in practicality – opt for darker hues that hide stains in busy zones like a dining area. Also consider the aesthetic of the home – what style defines the space? If your furniture and artwork is on the traditional side, then a Persian or Oriental rug can complement well. Or for more modern homes, we love geometric or abstract patterns that make a bold statement. We can’t go past our unique handcrafted Moroccan Tiflet Rug for its striking design.
Rug rules for living
A rug can do so much for your lounge room, both aesthetically and practically. For us, a living space isn’t complete without a rug. Visually it ties together different design elements of a room including the furniture, decor and artwork. And a rug can also enhance the environment – absorbing sound and reducing echo (especially in larger lounge rooms) and providing comfort in areas with hard flooring.
Size: One of the most commonly asked questions we receive is how to determine the size of a rug for a living area. A rug should anchor your seating arrangement in a lounge room - however it doesn’t have to fill the whole room. Place at least the front two legs of your sofa and armchairs on the rug and leave some breathing space between your rug and the adjoining walls (a minimum of 30cm apart).
Material: Consider the amount of use your living room will get. Is it a formal living room that is not often used or is it the family living space that gets plenty of traffic? This will determine the type of fabric - for busy zones we recommend a material that will hold up to the wear and tear of kids, pets and general family life. Consider wool for a durable yet soft option or a semi-synthetic fibre like viscose, which is an easy to clean and stain resistant fabric. We are in love with the Anna Rug – a modern rectangular area rug available in five rich colours to perfectly suit any space.
Style: This is the fun part – once you’ve determined the correct sizing and material, it’s time to select a rug that complements the overall aesthetic of your living area. Look at different textures and decide what type of feel you want in the space. A flatweave rug lends itself to a more streamlined and modern look, while a shaggy rug invites cosiness and is perfect for lounging around on. The colour is also an important factor and will help to define the space. If your furniture and artwork is bright with plenty of statement pieces, opt for a neutral hue to balance out the room. The Meraki Rug is a monochrome stunner with a textured pattern that will blend in seamlessly with any living area. Or if you want the rug to be the hero piece of the space, then go bold with a striking colour that garners attention. We love the colour our vintage Turkish rugs like the Defne bring to a space in a subtle and elegant way.
Bedroom bliss
Your bedroom is a place to retreat to when life gets busy, and it should be a true reflection of you. One way of injecting personality into your sanctuary is with a rug. But make sure you get the perfect fit with these styling tips.
Size: The placement of the rug will help you to decide on the size. If you plan to use the rug as an accent at the foot or side of the bed, then a smaller option can work really well. Or if you prefer to anchor your bedroom with a rug, then consider placing a large rug underneath the bed that extends out slightly. Our Wallace Rug is available in a range of sizes to work in perfectly for however you intend to style the rug in your abode.
Material: A bedroom is generally not high traffic compared to a living room or hallway, so you can select a more delicate fabric like silk or high-quality wool. Softness and comfort are key, as you want your bedroom to feel cosy and inviting underfoot. The Nabel Beni Mguild Rug is a unique one-of-a-kind rug handwoven in Morocco that would look beautiful in a bedroom.
Style: A bedroom is personal so you can really let your style shine. For a boho and eclectic look, an intricate Turkish rug like the Safiye looks the part or for a more minimalist style, opt for a solid hue, tonal or flatwoven rug like the Pepper Rug to blend in with the interior.
We invite you to explore the entire collection of stunning vintage and modern rugs online, carefully sourced from around the world. Or if you need further guidance in determining the perfect rug for your space, get in touch with our design team for a personalised edit to suit your home.
