When decorating your home, few pieces are as versatile and impactful as a rug. Choosing the right rug can often feel a little overwhelming, especially with such a variety of options available. From colour and the type of fibre (natural or synthetic), to size, shape and placement, there are several important factors to consider before making a purchase.

To help you choose the perfect rug, we’ve created a guide packed with clever ideas, helpful advice and plenty of feel-good inspiration.  

How do I choose the best size rug for my room?

First, it’s best to decide where your rug will go? Is it for a living room, bedroom or dining room? Once you know the setting, you can begin to consider the size. 

It’s often tricky to imagine how much room a rug will actually take up, which is why taking accurate measurements at home is so important. A few careful measurements can make all the difference in creating a balanced, beautifully finished space.

Standard sizes are a great place to start, with the most popular options including  90 x 150cm, 170 x 120cm and 240 x 340 cm. However, if standard sizing doesn’t work for your space, you can create a made to measure rug using our bespoke service online. 

What’s the best placement for a rug?

The placement of your rug plays a key role in creating a balanced and aesthetically pleasing space. For larger area rugs in bedrooms or dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the furniture it sits beneath. This gives all-important extra space for dining chairs to slide out comfortably, or creates a soft, cosy touch underfoot when you hop out of bed in the morning. 

If you have an open plan layout, rugs are an excellent way to define separate zones while keeping the overall space visually connected. 

It’s also important to leave enough space between the walls and your rug. A useful guide is the 18-inch rule – leaving approximately 18 inches of floor space between the walls and the edges of the rug. This tip works especially well in enclosed rooms, creating a subtle visual contrast whilst adding texture and dimension.

Remember to consider other pieces of furniture to maintain a cohesive and functional layout. For traditional interiors, this is a golden rule. But for those who prefer a more playful or eclectic style, feel free to bend the rules and allow for experimentation. 

For a helping hand, our ‘Where To Put Me’ tool using our bespoke service, acts as a helpful guide, showcasing carpets and borders that are especially designed for your chosen setting.

How do I choose the right rug colour?

The colour of your rug can largely influence the overall feel of your space. Softer patterns and lighter colours are excellent for making a room feel larger and more open. Airy shades like creams, beiges or light greys reflect more light and create a fresh, uplifting space. Darker shades however, work best for creating more cocooning and cosy environments. 

Ways to choose your rug colour

Create a contrast: In neutral settings, a darker rug in a deep green or a regal blue for example,  can add depth and enhance a soft and minimalist living space. In colourful rooms balance darker furniture with lighter or muted rugs to create visual harmony. 

Use accent colours: If you prefer a cohesive scheme but feel that colour drenching is a little too much for you, consider choosing accent colours that complement your existing décor. Rugs can bring together the colours and tones of your cushions, artwork and accessories without overwhelming your interior. 

Layer natural textures: If you prefer a calm and organic look, then consider layering tonal textures by introducing natural fibres such as wool, jute or coir. These natural fibres add warmth and depth while still maintaining a fresh and airy feel. If you’re struggling to find the perfect colour combination or shade, going bespoke allows you to tailor colour to suit your interior. 

Pattern or Plain?

Beautifully decorative rugs offer a host of benefits. Placing pattern on the floor not only creates a focal point, but also makes the space feel grander, more dynamic and layered too. Not forgetting, they’re also a practical choice, with spots, spills and general wear and tear being easily concealed within the intricate detailing of the design. 

Plain rugs however are far from simple. They’re a great way to introduce natural fibres and intricate weaves, allowing texture to take centre stage. A minimalist’s dream, plain rugs add depth while helping a space feel larger and more open. 

If you’re struggling to find the right colour or pattern, going bespoke lets you tailor your options to find the perfect match. Our Make Me A Rug service allows you to customise your design and visualise different colour and pattern combinations you may have not considered before. 

Order carpet and border samples today and see how they look in your home before making your final choice!

Your quick rug buying checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered everything before purchasing: 

• Have you measured first?
• Have you decided on placement and chosen a fibre that works well for the space?
• Have you chosen a colour scheme that complements your interior?
• Have you considered your lifestyle and how the rug will be used?
• Have you ordered samples or visited our retail partners?
• Have you visualised your design to explore all possibilities?

If you answered yes to these questions, you’re ready to choose your perfect rug. We can’t wait to see what you go for!