RUG BUYING GUIDE

The very best rugs do so much more than protect your floor from scuffs and spills, adding texture, warmth and interest, while being spectacular works of art in their own right. 

Practically, they zone a space and anchor a room, adding that perfect finishing touch to your scheme. Whether a long statement runner that makes an entrance in your hallway, a small textural rug that warms your toes when you get out of bed or a stylish floor covering that sits in the middle of a convivial seating arrangement, there’s a style to suit every taste and space.

“..Rugs are one of the most transformative tools in decorating”

“I've always thought that rugs are one of the most transformative tools in decorating, while providing a clever way of bringing personality and depth to a room. They’re not a new idea, of course. People have been using rugs in their homes for years, whether for warmth and comfort, or as a way of expressing themselves or another culture. Over time, rugs have evolved into a decorating choice that we keep returning to because they’re both practical and characterful.”

Sue Jones, Co-Founder and Creative Director

What Size Rug Should I Choose?

The space you have available is the most significant consideration when deciding what size of floor covering to choose, as well as the layout of your room.

Living Room

For a typical living room with a traditional layout, you might want to choose a sizeable rug that sits under your coffee table in the middle of a seating arrangement to zone the space and tie everything together. For a smaller room, downsize with a design that sits under your coffee table but not your sofas, or for a bigger space opt for an oversized style on which all key furniture sits.

Dining Room 

As a rule of thumb, match the shape of the rug in your dining room to that of the table – rectangular with rectangular or circular with circular, for example – to visually frame the furniture. Measure the table and add at least 2ft on all sides for the size of your rug so that the dining chairs sit comfortably on it, too.  

Bedroom  

Whether you’ve got bare floorboards or a fitted carpet, a rug in your bedroom zones the space and provides a visual break between the bed and other pieces of furniture – as well as providing something irresistibly tactile and soft underfoot on cold mornings, of course. We suggest a rectangular design laid horizontally about two thirds from the bottom of the bed so it’s positioned underneath the feet at the end but not the top. The secret is to have enough of the rug visible on either side of your bed and the bottom so that it looks intentional.   

Hallway   

If you’ve got a sizeable hallway, a circular rug topped with a similarly-shaped table laden with coffee table books or simply a large vase of faux flowers can make a grand first impression, while long and narrow halls are better suited to runners that exaggerate their proportions by drawing the eye from one end to the other.  

How Do I Layer Rugs?

Sue Jones is an expert when it comes to the art of layering rugs and does so in her own home to spectacular effect. But what’s her secret? “The key to making it feel intentional is proportion and balance,” she explains. “A simple, grounding base such as jute or sisal works beautifully, allowing you to place something more intricate on top, like a floral dhurrie, geometric kilim or richly-coloured wool rug.” 

Sue adds: “As a guide, I’d suggest the bottom rug is at least a third larger so the layering feels deliberate and well-framed, and I tend not to go beyond two or three, as any more can quickly overwhelm a space. That said, the size of the room really dictates how bold you can be. For example, in a generous space, like an orangery, overlapping several rugs across the floor can look wonderfully inviting, but do try to make sure a common colour runs throughout to keep the look cohesive.”  

Sue concludes: “There’s no single ‘right’ way to layer rugs – a neat, centred stack feels polished and often a touch more formal, while overlapping designs slightly off-centre introduce a more relaxed aesthetic. I find layering works wonderfully in spaces where you want to add warmth, softness or an extra dimension.” 

Materials and Finishes  

Shop Our Rugs

We collaborate with skilled artisans to create truly unique floor coverings in all shapes and sizes, from hand-knotted wool designs to cotton dhurries and intricately-embroidered heirloom pieces. You’re sure to find something you love.

Still Need Help?

Our Home Styling Service can help you choose the perfect rug for your taste and space, while advising you on the right size and material for your household. Get in touch with one of our experts today.