A rug is one of the strongest pieces for completing a space; chosen wrongly, it is the first thing to upset a room’s proportions. A rug of the right size, colour and texture brings the furniture together, improves acoustics and adds warmth to the space. Here are the points to consider when choosing a rug.
1. Which room are you choosing the rug for?
How the space is used determines the rug’s material. In areas where cooking takes place and the risk of stains is high, such as the kitchen, thin, non-slip rugs that are easy to clean should be chosen. Jute rugs, which have become very popular recently, are well suited to this use. Softer, textured rugs stand out in the living room, and washable rugs in children’s rooms.
2. Don’t cover the floor design
If you have a special floor design (patterned parquet, beautiful natural stone), you won’t want to cover it completely with a rug. In such areas, choose a smaller rug that frames the floor. In the bedroom, if the area is large, a rectangular or round rug extending out from under the bed gives a result that is both functional and visually beautiful.
3. The proportion between furniture and rug
Furniture shouldn’t “spill” off the rug, or a certain order should be established between rug and furniture. Although it may seem unimportant at first glance, this proportion directly affects how the space is perceived. As a general rule:
- In the seating area, at least the front legs of the sofas should be on the rug.
- At the dining table, chairs should stay on the rug even when pulled out (about 60–70 cm on each side of the table edge).
- At least 50–60 cm of rug should be visible on both sides and at the foot of the bed.
4. Colour and pattern
In rooms that get little sunlight and are already busy, heavily patterned or ethnic rugs make the space feel even heavier. In such rooms, choose light, calm rugs. If you love patterned rugs, use them in a bright, suitable corner of the home.
5. Maintenance and use
Long-pile rugs are soft but hard to maintain; in heavily used areas, short-pile or flat-weave rugs last longer. In homes with pets, choose densely woven models that don’t snag.
Frequently asked questions
What size rug should I buy for the living room?
A size that covers the whole seating group or at least its front legs; in most living rooms, 200×290 cm or 240×340 cm is a good start. Determine the size according to the furniture layout.
Should the rug colour match the sofa?
No; a choice from the same tone family but one or two shades lighter or darker looks deeper.
For furniture and rug layout, read our article on the right furniture layout, or get support from our decoration & renovation service.
