You really can't underestimate the difference the right rug can make to a space. It can be a way to experiment with colour against an otherwise muted palette. An anchor for a design thread that runs through the room and beyond. An element of cosiness. Or even a trigger for your child's imagination.
That said, choosing the right rug isn't the easiest of tasks, and has foiled even the most expert of design fans. So read on to discover the options available to you, and what might work best, according to TheRugShopUK...
Marvel at a modern design
Don't be fooled by the name – modern rugs can work in almost any style of home due to their chameleon-like ability to transform the whole feel and appeal of your living space. Striking geometric patterns and strong colours will have impact whatever the time of year, giving a room an anchor, a focal point, or a boost of drama.
When choosing a modern rug, however, there are a few things to consider. If the rug is going to be placed in the dining room, for example, it will need to be resistant to food stains and not a magnet to crumbs.
Before purchasing a modern rug, also take into account the impact it will have. If you have a light and calm space, you may want a rug which doesn’t overpower the setting of the room. Alternatively, if you want to brighten up a dull room, choose a modern rug which transmits vibrancy and brightness.
See more modern rugs at TheRugShopUK
Cover the floor with an area rug
Area rugs look fabulous all year round, but come into their own in winter. This is because they cover a large area – covering up any draughty floorboards, and providing cosy insulation.
When purchasing an area rug, one of the main characteristics which you need to focus on is – not surprisingly – the size. Choose a rug that either completely covers your walkway or one that leaves the floor exposed where people need to pass by.
Then just decide how far beyond the furniture the rug should extend to. A common way to place a rug is to ensure that it reaches beneath all four feet of the furniture.
Ideally, choose a rug that contrasts and complements your décor, but that doesn't exactly match the floor that it lays on – avoid anything that blends in too much.
Area rugs are available in a whole range of different sizes and are the perfect option for those who want to cover their floor, but don’t want wall-to-wall carpet.
With prices ranging from £100 to £4,000, area rugs are suitable for all – but again, ensure that your area rug is easy to clean, especially if you have little ones.
See more area rugs at TheRugShopUK
Have fun with an outdoor rug
Can you think of anything better than relaxing in your garden during a lovely summer’s day? What about relaxing in your garden during a lovely summer’s day with an outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs are absolutely worth the cost – especially when preparing for summer. They are such a great way to fill unused space within your garden and completely rejuvenate a tired deck or patio.
Outdoor rugs are usually made from long-lasting and durable polypropylene, which is easy to clean and resistant to stains and any inclement weather.
When purchasing an outdoor rug, consider the design carefully – will it overwhelm your garden or will it still allow your plants, flowers and furniture to shine?
If your house is a family home then you may also want to confirm that the outdoor rug is soft and cushioned so it's comfortable for the kids to sit on and play.
See more outdoor rugs at TheRugShopUK
Bring character with a traditional rug
Traditional rugs tend to work best in period homes – think Victorian or Georgian townhouses or quirky country cottages. But that's not to say you can't mix it up and add one to a modern apartment.
For a truly traditional look, many people's go-to colour is red. That said, there is a whole spectrum of options – even on-trend grey.
Do take note, however, that a cluttered room is no place for a traditional rug. In a jam-packed space as there would be no room for it to shine. So give your traditional rug plenty of space to breathe and let it work its magic...
See more traditional rugs at TheRugShopUK
Cosy up with a shaggy rug
The dense pile height and soft malleable underfoot experience of shaggy rugs will bring luxury and comfort for your home through autumn and winter.
However, if you don’t have the time to properly care for your shaggy rug or have cats and dogs at home, then they might not be ideal for you. This is because some shaggy rugs can actually unravel over time, leaving small bits of the rug around your room that pets could be tempted to eat.
That said, we love a shaggy rug – and use them everywhere, from in front of the sofa to next to the bed.
See more shaggy rugs at TheRugShopUK
Indulge in a wool rug
Wool rugs are absolutely perfect for the winter season, providing a cosy and relaxing environment within your home. Wool rugs bring out delicacy and luxury and are most suited for areas where there is minimal furniture – leaving the rug with room to shine and space to provide the warm and inviting aura which they emit.
As the majority of wool rugs are hand-tufted, they are priced at the higher end of the rug spectrum.
Do you have young children or pets? If so, avoid purchasing a wool rug as they are known to shed fibres within the first few months. These loose fibres could cause problems – for example, triggering allergies and asthma. Also, wool rugs easily catch and absorb lingering smells such as smoke, which can then be hard to get rid of.
Otherwise, wool rugs are a great option for your home – they are luxurious, long-lasting rugs that will be sure to revive and brighten up a dull and dark space.
With their thick pile and highly cushioned surface, wool rugs may just be the best option to make a house into your home.
See more wool rugs at TheRugShopUK
Play all day with a kids' rug
When choosing the right rug for your child, you first of all need to make sure that it fits in with the visual appearance of the room – there is nothing worse than a rug which looks completely out of place.
Secondly, ensure that the rug appeals to your child. By doing so, you know for certain that your child will get the most use out of the rug as possible.
A children's rug can be hugely versatile, and even inspire play. For example, the rug above can be used by the child to re-create a city of their own.
Once again, avoid a rug that sheds if you are intending it for a child's room, as it could become a choking hazard for very little ones.
See more kids' rugs at TheRugShopUK
Make a statement with a designer rug
Designer rugs go well in many homes, especially those that tend to have a bright and modern appeal. The good thing about designer rugs is that they are available in in many different designs and colours – which is great when it comes down to matching the designer rug with your internal décor.
Also, as they are available in a whole range of different shapes and sizes you don’t have to worry about getting a rug to fit the measurements of your room!
With many designer brands such as Ted Baker, Orla Kiely, Calvin Klein and Louis De Poortere, there is no wonder why designer rugs are an amazing choice for any home.
When choosing the right designer rug for your home make sure that you don’t just buy the rug because of the brand that it’s made by. Choose the right rug that fits in best with the overall visual appearance of your room as well as the overall colour scheme of your space.
See more designer rugs at TheRugShopUK
Be practical with a flat-weave rug
Flat-weave rugs are most suited to high-traffic households, as their make-up is highly durable and resilient. A flat weave is also easy to clean, therefore suitable for family homes. This asset means you can use them in the busiest areas, such as a hallway or kitchen.
Flat weave rugs are among the most affordable of rugs so they really are great for any home – just make sure that you choose the right colour and design to match your decorations and internal design.
See more flat-weave rugs at TheRugShopUK
Here at TheRugShopUK, we supply over 25,000 carefully selected rugs to satisfy all our customers needs.
With various designs, colours and shapes, you will be sure to find the right rug for you.