Rugs: Some Tips

Rugs can make a room - here are my top tips

Author

Olivia Caplan
October 18, 2024

Hi , Happy Friday!

I hope you’ve had a great week, I’ve had a really busy one with loads of consultations with you lovely lot. It’s so fun seeing what you’re up to with your renovations and helping you make decisions for longevity and practicality in mind.

This week I wanted to delve a little deeper into rugs, how to choose them and what to consider before you make the investment as most of the time they’re not cheap!

I hope you find it useful…

1. Choose the Right Size Rug

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a rug that’s too small for the space. Rugs are a key design element that help anchor and ground a room, so getting the right size is crucial. Here’s a general rule of thumb:

  • Living Rooms: Make sure the front legs of all major furniture, like sofas and armchairs, are on the rug. Ideally, a larger rug should frame the entire seating area. This gives the room a well-proportioned and cohesive feel.

  • Bedrooms: For rugs under the bed, allow enough rug to extend beyond the bedside tables and well beyond the foot of the bed. This creates a cozy, luxurious landing for your feet when you get out of bed.

The ideal size, covering the full furniture area. (Source: Ruggable )

The bare minimum, furniture front legs are on the rug. Source: Ruggable

Too small. Source: Ruggable

Pro Tip: The larger the rug, the more expansive and inviting your room will feel. Opt for a rug that’s big enough to anchor your furniture, creating a unified look. We've included diagrams to help visualize the perfect rug placement for different rooms!

2. Use Rugs to Frame Spaces

If you have an open-plan living area, rugs can be your best friend. They help frame and define specific zones within a larger space, such as your dining area, living area, or reading nook.

For example:

  • Place a large rug under your dining table to frame the space, ensuring it extends beyond the chairs.

  • Use a contrasting rug to define a seating area in your living room, giving the space a sense of grounding and intimacy.

This simple trick adds structure and helps your open space feel more intentional without the need for physical dividers.

Pro Tip: To ensure your rugs are practical for each space, go for different textures, materials and piles for dining/living and so on. You don’t want a deep pile rug made of wool under your dining table, you’re asking for trouble!

I’ve put together a summary of my favourite rugs available on the big street right now, click through to see the full selection.

Have a lovely weekend!