Rug Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Rug
Choosing the right rug depends on how the room is used, how much foot traffic it sees, your existing décor and your budget. This guide walks you through the key criteria step by step.
1. Choosing a Rug by Room
Every room has its own requirements: living room, bedroom, children's room and kitchen. Living rooms usually call for durable, stain-resistant weaves, bedrooms for soft high-pile rugs that keep the warmth in, and children's rooms for hypoallergenic rugs that are easy to clean.
2. Choosing a Rug by Material
| Material | Advantage | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Natural, hard-wearing, keeps warmth in | Living room, bedroom |
| Polyester | Affordable, vivid colours | Any room |
| Polypropylene | Stain-resistant, easy to clean | Kitchen, hallway |
| Cotton | Soft texture | Children's room |
3. Choosing Colour and Pattern
Light-coloured rugs make small rooms feel airier, while darker tones create a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. Geometric and ethnic patterns suit modern interiors, whereas classic patterns pair best with traditional décor.
4. Choosing the Right Size
When working out the size, we recommend leaving roughly 30-50 cm of floor visible around the rug. For a detailed size chart, see our Rug Size Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of rug is the most durable?
Wool and polypropylene blends last longest in heavily used areas.
Which rug suits a small living room?
A light-coloured rug with a simple pattern that covers at least 70% of the room makes a small living room look larger.