Rug Buying Guide – How to Choose a Rug for your Room

How to Choose a Rug Size

Size is one of the most important factors when choosing your designer rug. A small rug will look ill-fitting in a large room and a huge rug might overwhelm smaller space. The experts suggest choosing a rug that measure two feet less than the shortest wall in the room. For example, if the shortest wall is 10-feet wide, you want a rug that is no more than 8-feet wide. In dining rooms, you want the rug to extend a minimum of 18 inches beyond the table so there is room for the chairs to be pulled out from under the table without becoming caught on the rug.
Make sure you measure properly before going shopping for your rug. Try marking out the space with masking tape or newspaper to get a better visual idea of how different sizes will look. If you are still unsure of size, many rug retailers also offer a free home trial or consultation service so you can try a range of rugs in situ to see which size works best. Designer rugs generally come in set standard sizes, but bespoke rugs can also be made to your exact dimensions.
Standard Rug Sizes:

• 120x180cm (4x6ft)
• 240x170cm (5.5x8ft)
• 300x240cm (8x10ft)
• 360x270cm (9x12ft)
• 400x300cm (10x13ft)

Contact Bazaar Velvet for more information on standard sizes in stock, bespoke rug service and home trial service

A Guide to Rug Price

You can find designer rugs in virtually every price range. Many clients begin their search with a rough idea of budget in mind, but are completely unaware of what they are getting for there money. For example, many high fashion brands who have recently branched into rugs are offering very low quality rugs at very high prices. These are usually either machine made or hand tufted (a method that involves injecting fibers into a fabric backing and securing with glue). These have a much lower lifespan than a hand knotted rug.
When rug buying, the best way of checking how a rug is made is by looking at the back of it. If a rug is hand knotted the design will be just as clear on the back as it is on the front. You will also be able to see the knots themselves. The more knots per foot, the higher the quality the rug is.
The other main factor influencing the quality of a rug is the materials it is created from. This should be reflected in its cost, but again, be careful of inflated prices for big brand names. A rug made from 100% genuine Chinese Silk for example, should cost considerably more than one made from 100% wool. If the price of a silk rug seems suspiciously low, it is probably made from imitation silk, such as bamboo silk or viscose which is very difficult to clean and doesn’t wear as well as natural materials.
 

Choosing a Rug Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your rug should compliment the interior scheme of your room and be practical for its use. For example, avoid plain or pale coloured rugs in areas such as dining rooms or hallways as any marks will be extremely visible.
When rug buying, choose a colour for your rug that creates a little contrast with the furnishings that are touching it. Refer to existing colour tones in the room. You don’t have to match the rug exactly, but picking out an accent colour in the room with the rug can be a nice touch. Also be mindful of the amount of light in the room. Introducing a light rug into a dark room can really enhance the space, whereas a dark rug can make the room appear even dimmer.
In regards to pattern, choose a rug design of a different scale and shape to other patterns found in the room. An abstract rug is a fail safe way to introduce some interest into your room without clashing with other patterns. For a statement rug, you may consider something pictorial or with a central motif. This can be approached in a similar way to selecting a piece of art- buy something you love and keep the rest of the room minimal to give the rug full attention.

Choosing a Rug Material and Texture

When deciding on a rug material and texture, be mindful of the usage of the room in which it is to placed. For example, in the bedroom comfort is key. Silk or cashmere are beautifully soft and these luxury materials can really be appreciated when walking around the room barefoot. You can even opt for a high pile or shaggy rug as it is unlikely to come into contact with much dirt or spillages.
Conversely, in a hallway or dining room, practicality should be a high priory. Select a rug with a short pile made from natural materials as these are easiest to clean. Himalayan or Bikaner Wool are ideal materials for a hallway, dining, or even living room, as they are extremely resilient. Their pile is strong and springy so high footfall will not cause damage. Also the oil in these wools give a natural resistance to stains.
Choosing a rug doesn’t have to be overwhelming and the right choice can completely transform a room. Take the time to find a rug you love that is a good fit for your space and you’ll be happy with your choice for many years to come.
 

More Rug Buying Guides

To find out more about rug sizing and placement read our definitive guide
If you have any questions about how to choose a rug to suit your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us

Related Posts:

• https://bazaarvelvet.com/how-to-choose-an-office-rug/
• https://bazaarvelvet.com/bedroom-rug-guide/

Further Reading:

• https://www.architecturaldigest.com/
• https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
• https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/