THE PERFECT RUG
Rugs can be really tricky. Done well they can elevate a space, done badly they can ruin even the most beautiful of designs.
Rugs can anchor a space, zone a large space and add texture and pattern to lift a space. They have the power to truly transform, adding character, warmth and interest.
Consideration should be given to the size, the texture, the colour, the weave and the shape to land the perfect rug.. All these elements should be treated with equal measure and remember rugs add another layer to the design, anchoring furniture and framing spaces.
WHEN TO USE A RUG?
Practically rugs can cushion the floor, this is good from a safety point of view to soften the floor, good for little ones to play. Rugs are good for sound proofing, they can add warmth and exclude drafts. They can protect the floor from high traffic areas.
Rugs can compliment a design scheme, soften the mood, anchor the space and zone a key area. They look great under dining tables, under beds in hallways and can make small rooms look larger when over sized.
ZONING
With large open plan areas furniture can look a little lost at sea. Rugs are a great way to frame a space, really anchoring the furniture.
CONNECTING SPACES
Rugs can connect rooms and unify spaces by bridging the gap, creating visual interest and blending colours and texture.
TEXTURE & PATERN
Adding texture and pattern can be just the ticket to elevate a space, bringing visual depth and contrast to a space. This is all part of the layering effect.
SOFTENING A SPACE
Rugs soften a space and add character and warmth,
INTRODUCE COLOUR
With a plain colour palette a rug can inject some colour and life into a design.
CHANGE THE SHAPE OF A ROOM
Rugs can be used to create patterns that give the illusion of a wider or longer room.
BRING NEW SHAPES
introducing round rugs can create more movement in a space, Too many rectangles can be a little uniformed.
RUG SIZES ..
When measuring for a rug it’s better to go for a larger rug than you think you need. A general rule is you want to leave at least 30cm from the wall before your rug starts.
A more luxurious and contemporary feel is made when the rug sits on part of the furniture, allow at least the front legs of the sofa onto the rug. Avoid a rug thats too small as it will give the feeling that the furniture is all floating around on its own A rug can really anchor a space, connecting all the pieces in a room to create harmony and balance..
There are common rug sixes..
Small
75 x 120cm and 90 x 150cm
Medium
120 x 180cm and 170 x 240cm
Large
200 x 290 and 300 x 400
Round rugs
Diameter 100, 180 and 300cm
Custom Made
Bespoke sizes
MATERIAL
ORGANIC & NATURAL
SISAL
Sisal brings texture and weaves to form patterns and contrast. Often restricted to 4 metres widths these make wonderful textured rugs in earthy tones. They generally need a border otherwise they shed. Sisal rugs are made from the Agave cactus plant found in south America, china and Africa.
JUTE
Originating from Asia these rugs can be made in different shapes with fun borders; These can be tricky to clean but are usually inexpensive and look great in playrooms and garden rooms.
WOOL
Usually a mid to high pile rug; wool rugs are durable and soft under foot.
wool rugs can be plain, fringed
There are many styles originating from. different parts of the world, the most popular include the hand knotted kilim (Middle Eastern) hand woven berber or beni ourain (moroccan) Jaipur (Indian) rug, the Persian (Iran) famous for its luxurious weaving and intricate detailing and the Greek shaggy rug that were super popular in the 60’s and 70’s with the Woodstock tribe.
SILK
Strong and durable but wont tolerate getting wet these are very luxurious and expensive to acquire.
HIDE & HAIR ON HIDE
Cow hides and sheepskins are the most common hides and can be died easily. There are synthetic versions that are also now readily available.
COTTON
Due to the amount mod water needed in growing cotton this is fast becoming a luxury material. They are easy to clean, soft and durable.
SYNTHETIC RUGS
Made from polypropylene, nylon, polyester and acrylic these man made rugs are affordable and often machine washable so great for high traffic areas. They are made to resist stains, fading and moisture making them pet friendly, child friendly and people friendly.
INDOOR/OUTDOOR
we are seeing a lot more of these on the market with special chemicals that ensure that the rug stays dry and moisture resistant. These rugs are brilliant for alfresco dining and high traffic areas.
Rugs
There are some pretty hard and fast rules but you know what they say you have to know the rules to be able to break them.. So try not to get too hung about all the front legs of the furniture being on the rug. Be guided by these general rules but trust your instincts and be brave, the right rug is everything..
The most important thing is to choose a rug that is right for the space and compliments all the other elements.
Seasonal changes with rugs is a great way to adapt to the outside environment opting for a more cozy rug in the winter and lighter weight rug in the summer 🤍
