{"id":5192,"date":"2026-03-02T11:22:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T11:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/?p=5192"},"modified":"2026-03-02T13:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T13:26:17","slug":"the-ultimate-rug-buying-guide-size-colour-and-placement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/2026\/03\/the-ultimate-rug-buying-guide-size-colour-and-placement\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Rug Buying Guide: Size, Colour and Placement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When decorating your home, few pieces are as versatile and impactful as a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/rugs\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rug<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5195\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5195\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2.jpg\" rel=\"mfp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5195 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-1024x720.jpg\" alt=\"Anywhere Ca-rPET Diamond Re-discover bespoke rug with a Cotton Frosted Pine border\" width=\"1024\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-1024x720.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-300x211.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-768x540.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-1536x1080.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-2048x1440.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-450x316.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-225x158.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-900x633.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-1350x949.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alternative-Flooring-Anywhere-Ca-rPET-Diamond-Re-discover-bespoke-rug-with-a-Cotton-Frosted-Pine-border-from-199-alternativeflooring.com-2-20x15.jpg 20w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5195\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Anywhere Ca-rPET Diamond Re-discover bespoke rug with a Cotton Frosted Pine border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you choose the perfect rug, we\u2019ve created a guide packed with clever ideas, helpful advice and plenty of feel-good inspiration.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How do I choose the best size rug for my room?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Standard sizes are a great place to start, with the most popular options including\u00a0 90 x 150cm, 170 x 120cm and 240 x 340 cm. However, if standard sizing doesn\u2019t work for your space, you can create a made to measure rug using our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/2025\/07\/how-to-design-a-bespoke-rug-from-the-comfort-of-your-home\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bespoke service online<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>What\u2019s the best placement for a rug?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5196\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5196\" style=\"width: 697px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1.jpg\" rel=\"mfp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5196 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-697x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Wool Tweed Fortrose bespoke rug with a Chequers Churchill border\" width=\"697\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-697x1024.jpg 697w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-204x300.jpg 204w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-768x1129.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-1045x1536.jpg 1045w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-1393x2048.jpg 1393w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-450x662.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-225x331.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-900x1323.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-1350x1985.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1-20x29.jpg 20w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Tweed-Fortrose-bespoke-rug-with-a-Chequers-Churchill-border-from-270-alternativeflooring.com-1.jpg 1642w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5196\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wool Tweed Fortrose bespoke rug with a Chequers Churchill border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have an open plan layout, rugs are an excellent way to define separate zones while keeping the overall space visually connected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to leave enough space between the walls and your rug. A useful guide is the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18-inch rule &#8211; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a helping hand, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/make-me-a-rug\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2018Where To Put Me\u2019 <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tool using our bespoke service, acts as a helpful guide, showcasing carpets and borders that are especially designed for your chosen setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How do I choose the right rug colour?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Ways to choose your rug colour<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>Create a contrast:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In neutral settings, a darker rug in a deep green or a regal blue for example,\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Use accent colours:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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 d\u00e9cor. Rugs can bring together the colours and tones of your cushions, artwork and accessories without overwhelming your interior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5197\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5197\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Sisal-Kayal-Pamba-rug-with-a-Twill-Rudu-border-from-409-alternativeflooring.com-4.jpg\" rel=\"mfp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5197 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alternative-Flooring-Sisal-Kayal-Pamba-rug-with-a-Twill-Rudu-border-from-409-alternativeflooring.com-4-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Sisal Kayal Pamba rug with a Twill Rudu border\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5197\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sisal Kayal Pamba rug with a Twill Rudu border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><b>Layer natural textures:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you prefer a calm and organic look, then consider layering tonal textures by introducing natural fibres such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/carpets\/wool\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wool<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/carpets\/naturals\/jute\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">jute<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/carpets\/naturals\/coir\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">coir<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These natural fibres add warmth and depth while still maintaining a fresh and airy feel. If you\u2019re struggling to find the perfect colour combination or shade, going bespoke allows you to tailor colour to suit your interior.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pattern or Plain?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beautifully decorative rugs offer a host of benefits. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019re also a practical choice, with spots, spills and general wear and tear being easily concealed within the intricate detailing of the design.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5036\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5036\" style=\"width: 683px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1.jpg\" rel=\"mfp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5036 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Wool Candy Pinwheel Apple carpet, Wool Candy Cane Floss bespoke rug with a Tramlines Prague border\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-450x675.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-225x338.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1-20x30.jpg 20w, https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Alternative-Flooring-Wool-Candy-Pinwheel-Apple-carpet-84-per-m2-Wool-Candy-Cane-Floss-bespoke-rug-with-a-Tramlines-Prague-border-from-430-alternativeflooring.com-1.jpg 792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5036\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/carpets\/wool\/striped\/wool-candy\/wool-candy-pinwheel\/wool-candy-pinwheel-apple\">Wool Candy Pinwheel Apple carpet<\/a>, Wool Candy Cane Floss bespoke rug with a Tramlines Prague border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain rugs however are far from simple. They\u2019re a great way to introduce natural fibres and intricate weaves, allowing texture to take centre stage. A minimalist\u2019s dream, plain rugs add depth while helping a space feel larger and more open.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re struggling to find the right colour or pattern, going bespoke lets you tailor your options to find the perfect match. Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alternativeflooring.com\/make-me-a-rug\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make Me A Rug<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> service allows you to customise your design and visualise different colour and pattern combinations you may have not considered before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Order carpet and border samples today and see how they look in your home before making your final choice!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Your quick rug buying checklist<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use this checklist to ensure you\u2019ve covered everything before purchasing:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you measured first?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you decided on placement and chosen a fibre that works well for the space?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you chosen a colour scheme that complements your interior?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you considered your lifestyle and how the rug will be used?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ordered samples or visited our retail partners?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you visualised your design to explore all possibilities?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you answered yes to these questions, you\u2019re ready to choose your perfect rug. We can\u2019t wait to see what you go for!<\/span><\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":859,"featured_media":5197,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[113],"tags":[140,511,510,127,55,137,513,512,7],"class_list":["post-5192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugs-and-runners","tag-bespoke-rug","tag-buying","tag-buying-guide","tag-colourful-rug","tag-natural-fibres-2","tag-patterned-rug","tag-rug-placement","tag-rug-size","tag-rugs"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Ultimate Rug Buying Guide: Size, Colour and Placement | The Alternative Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Choosing a rug made easy. 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