I’m back in the studio after a wonderful couple of weeks in Italy. Our daughter is backpacking through Europe so we met her in Rome and then headed to Puglia. We definitely experienced ‘La Dolce Vita’ and loved the simple way the locals live in this region. I love the different perspective that travelling can provide.
Now on to a topic that I see a lot of clients needing help with….choosing the right floor rug. I have simplified the process and in this post am sharing Three Things To Consider When Choosing a Rug.
1. Size
If I am decorating a room from scratch, I will usually start with selecting the rug. The style and colour of the rug can impact the other pieces in the space. A common mistake is choosing a rug that is too small for the area and furniture is left ‘floating’ around the perimeter. Measure the area first and choose a larger rug that extends beyond the furniture. Even if it is only the front two legs of a sofa or chair.
I will assess whether a standard size rug will fit first. Depending on the supplier, the standards sizes are close to: 2 x 3m, 2.5 x 3.5m and 3 x 4m. In a dining room, the rug should be large enough to accommodate the dining chairs when they are pulled out. A good rule of thumb is to allow an additional 60cm on each side of the table for the chairs. I usually need to consider a custom made rug to achieve the perfect size under a dining table. In this project below, we used a custom made sisal rug with feature cotton border.
2. Material/Budget
The type of floor rug can influence the final look of the room. For a casual feel, sisal or jute are a great choice. Wool or silk are soft underfoot and add a sense of luxury to a space. Aside from the aesthetic, there are some practical considerations . For example, is the space in a high traffic area and are pets (or kids!) spending time on the rug? Will people be laying on it, wanting a cosy feel or is a more formal look needed? A handmade wool rug is at a higher price point than a more budget friendly synthetic alternative.
For these living rooms we chose mid range wool rugs with a lovely texture to create a cosy space.
3. Style
The next consideration is the style of the rug and its purpose in the room. Will it be the main feature of the space or do you need it to take a back seat and allow other furnishings to be prominent? In this lounge room, the pattern and colours in the rug create interest and tie all the other decorating elements together.
Although plain in colour, this rug is still a feature in the room, again anchoring the space and referencing the other decorative pieces.
The patterned rug in this living room acts to break up the larger blocks of colour and softens the overall aesthetic.
And don’t forget the outdoor spaces. In my own home I have used a striped polypropylene rug that is easily cleaned to create some personality in my Al Fresco. It breaks up the expanse of bluestone pavers and defines the sitting area.
For any further assistance on sourcing the perfect rug, please feel free to email me (here).