Where do you start when choosing a rug for your home? There are so many variables: size, material, colour, use. David Hardwick, Head of Products at King Living provided some tips to help you choose the best rug for your rooms.
What size rug do I need? Should I try to fill the room/hallway, or should I leave a certain amount of border around the edge?
Choosing the perfect rug is a daunting task, especially with all the different variables that can come into play. Picking a rug size, however, is one element of the purchasing process that can be easily determined beforehand.
Finding the right sized rug will depend on your furniture, room size and layout of a space. In terms of lounge and living rooms, a general rule of thumb is that the rug should fit the size of the seating area and be as large as possible within it. This allows for an inviting, luxurious feel and still ensures a defining boarder remains around the edges.
Hallways and smaller spaces, however, need a whole new game plan. Always opt for shapes that complement the profile of the smaller space and choose a size that won't overwhelm the room.
Remember that that swallowing up unnecessary floor space in a smaller area can often make it looked cramped and cluttered.
Luckily, a good quality rug maker should always hold rugs in a variety of different sizes, meaning you won't have to forgo style for practicality. King Living's range of in-house designed rugs are available in three varied sizes; 2000mm x 3000mm, 2600mm x 3600mm and 3000mm x 4300mm, that will compliment almost any type of interior space and we'll soon be introducing a completely customisable rug option that can be tailored to any dimensions.
Should I look at different types of rugs if I need one to go over carpet, and one to go over floorboards?
Deciding upon the right material of your rug will depend on your existing flooring. Generally, floorboards will work with almost any rug, however it's important to consider both colour and texture and choose a tone that complements the wood instead of working against it. For example, if you have a whitewashed, ashy toned floor, opt for a dark blue-grey overlay such as King Living's Lonsdale rug in Graphite, to add a sense of definition without veering from the overall colour palette.
In terms of texture, having floorboards provides a great opportunity to really go for plushy, luxe finish. The tenderness of a beautiful wool or silk rug can work to soften a room with floorboards and is the perfect way to experiment with contrasting textures to add visual interest to a space. Rugs in open spaces with hard floors are also great for sound dampening. This can help take the echo out of large rooms or for quietening down noisy footsteps down the hallway.
On the other hand, working with existing carpet can be slightly trickier. Layering on rich textures, colours or patters can sometimes lead to overkill, however with the right balance of materials, a rug can add a real sense of definition to a carpeted space.
Choosing a rug that doesn't depart greatly from your primary carpet colour will help create harmony between your existing carpet and the rug. Instead, play with different textures and fibres to create the point of contrast, this will help the rug be a distinguishable accent in the room.
What are the main materials rugs are made from and what's the difference? Are expensive rugs really worth the money?
Rugs can be constructed from both synthetic and natural fibres, ranging from polyester to silk and everything in between. While viscose and artsilks are known for their vibrant colour and lustrous shine, wool or linen fibres may be preferred for their durability and comfort. It's all about the look you are going for the function you want the rug to perform.
It's also important to remember that price will always reflect quality as well as construction. Hand looming, dyeing and other artisanal processes are always going to be on the higher end of the scale, but the results are often fabulously unique and visually striking. Again, it's all about what you want the rug to represent in the home.
Another important element to consider when it comes to both material and price is where the rug is placed and now prone it will be to foot traffic and ware. Natural fibres are usually the best choice for areas of medium-high traffic such as hallways due to their durability and reasonably affordable price.
Options like King Living's Apollo is the most resilient rug in the range composed of a combination of New Zealand Wool and Nylon, it is low-maintenance, easy to clean and perfect for the busy household.
Where there are areas less susceptible to heavy wear and tear such as in the bedroom or under furniture, this is an opportunity to splash out on a rug that is slightly more luxurious in both look and feel.
Is there anything else I can do before I leave home to make my rug decision easier?
My biggest tip to consider before hitting the shops is to map out where you would like your rug to be on the floor using towels. This will help you gauge how much room you have to play with in a space and how smaller or large pieces look and feel.
The second element to consider is to decide what you want your rug to say. Do you want it to make a bold statement, or be there purely just for comfort? Think about how much of your rug is going to be on display and whether it is going to be a dominant feature in the room. This may influence your decision when it comes to colour, pattern and texture.
My last tip would be to visit a store that showcases rugs in a lifestyle setting, such as King Living. This will help you see which rugs work with different pieces of furniture like sofa's, coffee tables etc, giving you a better understanding how the rug will look in your home.