From making a statement to defining a zone, a rug is the ultimate style tool.  Rugs anchor a room, bringing with them personality, style and warmth.  It’s important to have a holistic approach when you’re choosing a rug.  Consider the room, sofa and artwork all the elements of the room.  They need to all work together in aesthetics, tone and texture.  

The first thing to do is measure your space, then decide on the aesthetic you want. Patterned or a solid block colour? What sort of material, natural fibre or synthetic? Does the rug need to be hard-wearing? Will it be partially covered by a sofa or coffee table? Is it important how it feels underfoot? Decide what type will best suit your room and the needs of your family or space.  Then look at the layout of your room. If the rug is for the living or family area, consider the sofa arrangement.  Do you have a single sofa or modular?  Your seating will determine the shape and size of the rug you’re looking for. 

Take into consideration every element in the room, the sofa, the wall colour, the size and shape of the room. If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere, try a wool rug in a muted palette. If you prefer something opulent and moody then look for a rug that features deeper, rich tones.  A dark rug is going to make a space feel more intimate while a pale rug won’t look so heavy.  The material you choose for your rug depends on what purpose it will serve; whether it’s purely functional or a touch of luxury in your room. If it needs to be durable, synthetic fibres are the way to go, if not wool blends or natural fibres can be used. Think about whether you want your rug to be a short pile or a longer, plusher pile for that cosy feeling.

Then you need to choose the shape of the rug for your space.  Rectangular or square rugs may be more traditional but they’re great for defining spaces. However, a round rug adds softness to a room and it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t fit the space perfectly. With a rectangular or square rug, it has to be the right size to be in proportion with the space otherwise it will look out of place. 

Rugs can be pricey and the bigger the rug, the more it’s likely to cost; but there are lots of inexpensive, colourful rugs in the market that are fantastic to add interest and warmth to a room without breaking the bank. These are great options, especially if you like changing up the look and feel of your room from time to time. If you’re looking to invest in a rug that will last for many years, go for something classic. Choose muted colours and natural fabrics such as silk or wool.  

We hope this helps! 

AI xx