Can you really call a room cosy if it doesn’t have a rug? We’d argue not. Rugs are the unassuming hero of home styling—equal parts warm hug and clever design tool. They soften noise, anchor your furniture and instantly make a space feel more like an inviting haven and less like a furniture showroom.
“Okay, I hear you … but how do I kick off my search for the perfect rug?”
Great question. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect living room centrepiece, a comfy kitchen runner or something stylish to soften your hallway stomp, we've got the tips to help you nail it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a rug that suits your space, explore the ins and outs of choosing rug sizes and the many reasons why you’ll never want to live in a rug-less home again.
How a Rug Weaves Magic into Your Home
Rugs are like magic carpets for your home; they possess a special flair that can transform your space in ways few other items can. If you’re still on the fence about choosing a rug, let us show you just how much one well-placed piece can change the entire feel of your space.
Ace Your Base
Let’s say you have an open area that doubles as a dining room, lounge, and kitchen all at once. Throw down some rugs and BOOM, you’ve created a visual divide. Now it’s super easy to see which area is which. Such ‘zoning’ works equally well in tight little apartments as it does with large open living spaces. And it brings a sense of cosiness and togetherness that makes everything feel well-coordinated.
Warm It Up, Baby!
Your choice: a chilly, hard floor that sends shivers up your spine or a lush, plush rug that beckons your feet to sink in. It’s a no-brainer where your toes will want to land. And as you step into the room, your eyes will be diverted towards those inviting, warm corners too. Yep, a rug can transform a space from feeling sterile and unwelcoming to warm and oh so-very-inviting.
Add a Bit of Shush
Whether your home is spacious or you’re making the best out of minimal square footage, one thing’s for sure: a rug can work wonders in muffling down unwanted sounds or echoes. Got neighbours below? They’ll shower you with thanks for not thudding, thudding, thudding across your hard floors (it may seem quiet for you, but a clamour for them). The fix? A great sound-dampening rug! It’s soaks up those echoes and keeps the neighbourhood vibes friendly.
Create a Lotta Zhuzh
And let’s not forget how much personality a rug can bring to the table (ahem!) floor. It can inject that real ‘factor x’ that makes your house feel like a home.
Mastering the Fit: How to Choose the Right Rug Size Every Time
Before you get swept off your feet by a charming rug and whisk it home, let’s hit pause and make sure you nail the size first. The wrong size rug (especially if it's too tiny) can end up looking like a dinky little afterthought in your abode. So, whip out that tape measure and let’s size up the situation.
You may want to place some masking tape down so you can see where your rug will go.
As a rule of thumb, when choosing floor rug sizing, have at least the first two feet of your furniture on the rug. And if you’re eyeing a runner, go for one that’s long enough to strut its stuff.
How to Pick Rug Materials That Suit Your Space
Let’s talk fibres. When it comes to how to pick rug materials, it all comes down to your lifestyle.
Synthetic materials are fantastic budget-friendly choices that save you money and are often stain-resistant, so they’re a smart pick. If you're in the mood for something more natural, cotton rugs add a gorgeous softness and are easy on the wallet, too. For those busy areas where feet frequently stomp about, jute is an excellent natural material that can handle the traffic. And let's not forget wool rugs, the luxurious option worth considering splurging on, it’s a long-lasting option that feels amazing underfoot.
Where Will Your Dream Rug Live?
Take a moment to consider the design theme of your room. What does it need to feel just right? If you want your existing furniture pieces to shine, let the rug be a nice neutral or contrasting backdrop that frames them perfectly. Got some neutral furniture? Why not bring in a rug with a statement design to create a wow-factor? No matter what, choosing the right rug will define your space and create that cosy atmosphere we all crave.
Choosing a Rug for Your Living Room
The living room is where life happens—from lazy Sundays to last-minute movie nights—so getting the rug right here is a biggie. A well-placed rug doesn’t just look good, it feels good, too.
When choosing a rug for living room styling, think about how your furniture is arranged and how people move through the space. You don’t want chairs teetering off the edge or rugs blocking the natural flow. The sweet spot? A rug big enough to fit at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs. It’ll help everything feel connected, not scattered.
Choosing a Rug for Your Kitchen
A rug for the kitchen can play a few roles: hide a floor you don’t like, create a design statement and keep your feet comfy when you’re cooking (when you’ve thrown off your shoes). When choosing a kitchen rug, ensure it’s durable, easy to clean and of course, full of character.
Choosing a Rug for Your Bedroom
Transform your bedroom into an oasis of tranquillity with a soft-textured rug with calming colours. Depending on your bedroom’s dimensions, consider laying a rectangular rug either horizontally or vertically, embracing the entire bed and both bedside tables, leaving at least 50 cm of rug jutting out on each side of the bed. For a whimsical twist, add a big round rug under the bed and slightly off to the side.
The Key is Matching Your Rug to Your Home's Unique Style
Now for the fun part, choosing a rug that vibes with your overall interior style. Whether your design style is contemporary, traditional, scandinavian, coastal, or boho, the right rug can tie everything together in a snap.
Love Your Rug for Longer with These Simple Rug Care Tips
Keep the love flowing for your rug by showering it with a bit of regular maintenance. Vacuum it regularly to whisk away dirt if you have a pile rug; this also helps to fluff it up and make it look as new as ever.
Got a spill? Gently press some paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible, then use a carpet spot cleaner to do its thing. The quicker you act on those stains, the easier they’ll disappear. Also, consider giving your rug a professional carpet clean (if it's made of the right materials) every couple of years to keep it spick-and-span.
Your Perfect Rug Awaits at Urban Sales
At Urban Sales, we're always on the hunt for those eye-catching rugs that can dress up any room, helping you create a space that radiates joy, comfort, and connection.
Whether you’re looking for a simple rug to keep your feet warm or a statement piece rug to bring your room to life, Urban Sales’ rug collection has everything you need. Our rugs are designed to last, so you can enjoy their warmth and style for years to come. Shop our range today.