Ask any interior designer or decorator and they will tell you that the right rug will complete a room. The wrong choice, however, can make a space look cluttered and feel awkward. Before investing in a rug for your home, follow our cheats guide to picking the winner!
We are calling it the rug trifecta…
Colour
Colour is key. From bohemian neutrals all the way through to millennial pink features, a cohesive colour palette is the best starting point when embarking on new decorating project.
When choosing a rug for your room, remember that colour balance is important. If the surrounding elements are patterned or boldly coloured, a muted or neutral rug will tie it all together nicely. On the other hand, if your furniture and décor are soft, neutrals shades opt for a bold or even patterned rug to lift the space.
Buyers tip: If you’ve got your mind set on a statement rug then choose it first. This eliminates any coordination mishaps when you’re buying bigger ticket items like a lounge.
Texture
Rugs are the perfect way to add texture to a room. Depending on the season or the look you are after there are several different textures to choose from.
Using the same balance principle as colour, when choosing texture, its best to try and contrast. Rooms with hard lines and metallic features should be paired with a soft shag or pile. Rooms with soft qualities might go best with a woven textile.
Textures that are soft and pillowy will make a room feel warm and inviting. Rugs made from firmer fabrics will add drama and dimension.
Size
Last but certainly not least is size. We’ve said it once and we will say it again, SIZE MATTERS. To ensure the rug gives your space the perfect finishing touch, our resident decorator and senior digital content editor Rebecca gives some sound advice.
“The one mistake people make is to choose a rug that’s too small for their space. The right rug is a cohesive element in your room, grounding your furniture and tying everything together. A rug that’s too small will float in the middle of the room. In a living room, the rug should fit under the coffee table and the feet of the sofa (or at least the front two feet of the sofa).”