A new rug is an investment for your home, and ideally, one you will have, and love, for years. With so many patterns, materials and sizes to choose from, buying a rug for your home is not always as easy as you might think. When buying designer rugs online you need to pay attention to details to ensure it suits your needs and will arrive as expected. There are some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Rug materials
Rugs are made from a range of materials. Each has its own characteristics, with some materials more suitable for a certain lifestyle and level of use. Consider where in your home your rug will be used and what it’s going to be subjected to, such as pets, young children, high-traffic, eating and drinking. Take these things into account before investing to ensure you buy floor runner rugs that are well suited for the space.
There are numerous types of rugs, including tufted rugs, knotted rugs, woven rugs and embroidered rugs. They are made differently and can utilise a range of different materials including jute, wool, cotton, silk and synthetics.
Jute rugs are made of grass fibres. They work well for outdoor spaces, or as a smaller rug layered on top of a bigger one, to create an interesting look. These rugs are not ideal if you want to add warmth and cosiness to a room, as they feature a rough texture that can sometimes be quite thin.
Wool rugs are popular for their warmth and softness underfoot. Wool rugs are often more durable and have a longer lifespan, making them a good investment. They work well in high-traffic areas in the home and will maintain their appearance for many years. Silk rugs can be luxurious, but as the material is delicate, they may not be ideal for high-traffic areas. If you want a rug with some shine and lustre, a wool rug with silk highlights is a great option, combining durability with luxury.
Synthetic or cotton rugs can be a good choice if you’re on a budget, but they don’t provide the same luxurious feel as wool or silk rugs. However, they may be a good choice for children’s bedrooms, as they can be easy to clean.
Rug size
The size of the rug you need will depend on the size of the room it will go in. Always check the dimensions provided on a website and measure the space in your home to ensure you get a rug that will fit and provide the amount of coverage you’re after. A small rug can make a room look bigger, but if it’s too small it can look like it’s floating on the floor. A larger rug can make more of a statement or cover unappealing flooring. Just make sure it’s not so big that it creeps up the walls.
How you want your furniture placed on the rug may also influence what size you choose, whether you want all the furniture on it or just some central pieces.
Colours, patterns and style
Consider the purpose of the rug before buying rugs SF. Do you want it to be a statement piece in the room and to stand out from the rest of your decor, or do you want it to blend seamlessly with the existing style?
Decide how prominent you want the rug to be in the room, whether it’s an accent piece or the statement. Think about how it ties together or is set apart, from other decor and furniture in the room. Something simple can sometimes suit a room better, especially if the rest of the room design is loud and busy.
Your existing home design and decor style may influence the rug you choose. If you have a modern home, you may want a contemporary or minimalist style rug, whereas if your home has more traditional elements you may want to highlight these with a traditional rug. Of course, you can always create contrast in your home, by using a Persian rug in a modern setting
The type of flooring you have may impact your rug choice. Certain tones and patterns may complement the flooring better.
You need a rug pad
When using a rug on carpeted, tiled or wooden flooring, your rug is likely to move around. A rug pad anchors the rug to the floor, preventing it from moving out of place. A thicker rug pad can add a cushier feel, which can be beneficial when a rug is placed on hard flooring. It can also help protect both the rug and flooring, creating a buffer between the two, preventing damage.
Pile
When looking at designer rugs, you may hear the term pile used often. Pile is how deep the fibres of the rug are and can indicate how plush the rug will feel. Low-pile rugs are generally stiffer, while high, or deep, pile rugs will have longer fibres and offer better softness underfoot.
Low-pile can be easier to keep clean though, so it may be a good option for the kitchen, dining room or hallway, while a high-pile rug is perfect for a living room or bedroom, and if you have hard flooring it will provide increased comfort and cushioning.
