Six Step Guide: How To Choose A Rug You’ll Love
A rug is so much more than just comfort under your feet, it's an aesthetic investment in your home that can showcase your personality and bring your decor to life, but the number of options can be overwhelming. If you're struggling with finding that perfect one to suit your space, follow our 6 step guide below to help you choose a rug you'll love for years to come.
The Malawi wool rug by Armadillo&Co in our Le Bain project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Hannah Puechmerin
1. Location
Firstly, you must consider the location of your rug and what it will be used for. Will it be receiving a lot of foot traffic in your home, or are you after a statement piece for the centre of your lounge room?
Other things to consider are the room's shape and the size of the area you’ll be placing the rug. These factors will help you understand what type of rug you’ll be searching for.
Quick tip - Always consider the entrance and exit zones to the space, mainly if it will be near a door. Making sure the rug does not cross under a door is essential, or if it’s too long on one side and blocks a natural flow into another zone, consider a circular rug for these spaces.
Stack of wool rugs in the Pampa showroom in Byron Bay, NSW. Photo by Britt Howard
2. Size
Size - Bigger is definitely better when choosing your size - we can’t stress this enough!
A rug draws your eye to an area, helping to set the perimeters of that space, so size really does matter. If a rug is too small for the area, the space will look small, perhaps overcrowded and just not quite right. Your rug can be as neutral or bold as you like, but finding the correct size is key to visual cohesion in your room.
Your furniture should sit completely on the rug to create the most satisfying aesthetic. For a dining table, this means that when a chair is pulled out, there should be enough room on the rug that all four legs are still within the parameters of the rug underneath.
When finding a rug for your living room, it is also preferable to have all chair legs on the rug; however, if this is not achievable, we opt for just the front legs up to roughly halfway under the chair/sofa. We suggest having the rug sit 500mm outside the sides of your furniture, as this adds depth to the room and helps the area appear more prominent.
Quick tip - the legs must always be on the rug. Never isolate a rug by itself, so it’s floating unconnected to your furniture.
Clients own wool rug in our McFadyens Lane project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Simon Ferrito
3. Natural Fibres
Given the climate extremes of the High Country, wool is the preferred material choice for rugs as its insulating qualities make it warm underfoot on those freezing days and cool to the touch when the summer heat is at its greatest. Due to the way its fibres trap dust, wool and other natural materials are great for people who suffer from allergies as they reduce the number of particles floating in the air. Wool is sturdy and will stand up to the demands of higher levels of foot traffic, so it can be an excellent choice for areas that tend to be used a lot.
We definitely always choose natural fibres like wool when the rug is located near a fireplace. Its slow-burning properties mean that if any embers accidentally fall onto your rug, it will only singe the top of the pile, meaning it can be cut out and barely noticeable. Most synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, acrylic or polyester will melt in the heat, so be careful and opt for wool in front of fireplaces.
Synonymous with luxury, silk is another fibre used in rugs as it brings a stunning lustrous or shimmering texture to a space. It not only brings that gorgeous sheen to your rug, but it is also a robust natural fibre. Silk rugs are incredible for head-turning highlights in rich and saturated colours and are great for sitting rooms where the foot traffic is less, and the rug can be the show stopper of the space.
The Maison Clara wool rug by Unitex in our Gavan Street project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Simon Ferrito
4. Synthetic Fibres
While we adore natural products, we are no snobs when it comes to recognising the qualities of synthetic rugs. With polypropylene being highly durable and easy to clean, high traffic and outdoor areas can benefit from the use of a synthetic rug. Natural fibres are great for absorbing moisture, but this can also be their downfall. While fibres like wool may soak up spills (making them harder to clean), synthetic rugs are far less absorbent, making cleaning a breeze. Some can even be thrown in the wash!
These qualities make synthetic rugs suitable for those with small children, pets, a rental property, or if you’re after a rug under a dining table.
The Evoke synthetic rug by Unitex in our Bright Views project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Simon Ferrito
5. Pile Height
Another essential factor to consider when choosing your rug is the height and type of its pile. There are two main types of pile; cut and loop. Let’s take a look at what sets them apart.
Cut pile is made by threading the fibre through the rug backing and then shearing it off to give that upright, cut appearance. It comes in three main lengths: short (flat), medium and long (shag); and all feel soft and dense underfoot and help create a visually uniform space. Cut pile is great for homes with pets as it won’t catch their claws and pull as a loop pile can. If you’re after that luxe look, opt for a longer pile made entirely with or featuring high sheen fibres such as Silk or Tencel (a natural fibre made from wood pulp) to create that deep, velvety appearance as they catch the light. The longer the pile, the harder it will be to vacuum, so keep those gorgeous shags in low traffic areas.
Loop pile rugs are often more durable than cut pile rugs and well suited to high traffic areas such as entries and hallways. With endless pattern variations, loop pile rugs are available in two standard styles: tight and larger loop; which type will suit your space is dependent on the look and feel you’re trying to achieve. A tight loop pile will appear more cohesive in a larger space, reducing its visible texture. This pile type is best for areas with more footfall as it is firmer and more closely formed, therefore less likely to become crushed and matted. Twisted loops will improve that durability even further.
The loop pile Salsa Bali wool rug by Halcyon Lake in our Le Bain project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Hannah Puechmerin
Longer loop pile is perfect for those who dream of a higher, more visually interesting texture and a softer, thicker sensation underfoot. If it comes down to price, rugs that feature shorter cut pile or tighter loops are more affordable due to less materials used in their manufacture, while longer lengths tend to be in the higher price bracket.
6. Style
Lastly, but certainly not the least important factor is the style and appearance of the rug. You’ll be looking at your rug every day, so it should be an investment in your home, something that brings you joy. Do you love geometric shapes, solid colours, a classic Persian style or maybe a vintage Berber look - the options are endless? Is there a colour in a vase, a sculpture, or a painting on your wall that you’d love to make pop on the floor? Or are you trying to create a serene, natural space and are looking at more of a woven sisal material? Now that you know what size and material you’d like for your rug, you can be as tame or bold as possible with the design and style. Adding a rug with multiple textures will bring depth and interest to your room, while colour can bring warmth, light and focus.
Always consider all the other furniture and decor in the space, so the style is cohesive across all the items. Tying these together helps give a feeling of comfort and harmony across the room.
Find your perfect rug with our Property Styling service.
The Kobe wool rug by The Rug Collection in our Bright Views project, styled by Britt White Studio | Photo by Simon Ferrito
