Rugs Buying Guide
They warm floors, soften sounds and give your room a whole new look in seconds. Here’s what to consider before you buy.
Select the perfect size
Start by thinking about what you need your new rug to do: is it intended to define a space, or simply to make an area in your home more comfortable? Consider the rug’s placement, too. Here are our suggestions for different types of space:
Living Room
For a lounge or living room, you might choose a rug that touches all sofas and chairs to tie the seating area together and create a cosy, clearly defined nook. A good rule of thumb is that, if the rug is going to sit under a sofa or chair, a third of the chair should be on the rug – to prevent it slipping, and to further help tie the space together.
Hallway
Start with a doormat to catch grit and dirt as people are taking off their shoes. If you have a large space, you might consider a larger mat so it doesn’t look lost at your door. For the hallway itself, a runner is a perfect choice. Don’t forget an appropriately sized anti-slip mat to ensure the rug stays in place on busy days or when you’re rushing.
Dining room
An important consideration for a dining room rug is the size of your table, but also the movement of the chairs. Measure the table and chairs with the chairs pulled back from the table – if the rug under the table is too narrow, it’ll get caught when you tuck the chairs under the table. We suggest ensuring that 60-80cm of rug is visible on either side of the table to accommodate chair movement. Don’t forget to measure this distance if you use chairs at the head of the table, too!
Bedroom
A rug is a wonderful way to warm up a bedroom. If you’re searching for the right fit, consider whether you want it to fill the space beneath the bed and either side (in which case you might need an extra-large rug) or to soften the space beneath your feet when you get out of bed (in which case you might choose a runner or a sheepskin mat). Don’t forget that longer pile rugs can be used side-by-side with a less visible join, so if you have a large space to fill
you might consider using more than one rug.Rug Materials
Explore the features of different rug materials to choose the best one for your home.
Material Wool Naturally soft and resilient, wool rugs have hypoallergenic properties. Warm in winter and cool in summer, they naturally repel dust and stains. Easy to clean by brushing or vacuuming. Synthetic Colourfast, fade-resistant, and easy to clean, synthetic rugs are great for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children's playrooms. Suitable for indoor/outdoor use. Jute, Sisal, and Seagrass Durable and low maintenance, these natural fibre rugs have unique colour variations. Perfect for high-traffic areas and easy to clean with water and soap, provided they dry completely. Cotton Soft yet hard-wearing, cotton rugs are ideal for kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. They’re easy to maintain with brushing or vacuuming. Sheepskin Super-soft and cosy, sheepskin rugs are ideal for bedrooms or near sofas. Not suitable for damp areas, and spills should be wiped off quickly to avoid damage. Look out for these life-proof features:
Our homes are for living in, and we know that not every day goes to plan. Whether it’s a spill or a slip, we’ve got quick and clever fixes to help keep your home clean and comfortable. Think: machine-washable rugs perfect for dining rooms, kitchens, hallways and kids’ bedrooms, or non-slip mats keeping runners, mats and rugs secure – even on the busiest days.
Machine-washable styles make cleaning a breeze
- Perfect for pets, and kid-friendly too.
- Machine wash at 30 degrees, and dry flat.
- Small & medium rugs will fit in a washing machine with 8-19kg capacity. For larger rugs, you might consider using a laundrette.
Anti-slip mats hold rugs in place without being seen
- Ideal for high-traffic areas, like hallways and dining rooms.
- Suitable for all types of flooring, leaving no sticky residue.
- Perfect for smoothing out lighter weight or flatweave rugs.
