Everything You Should Know Before Buying a Rug.

Rugs are more than just floor coverings - they're the artistic centrepiece of your room. Deciding which rug to buy can seem like a simple choice, but there's more to it than just selecting a design you love. Here are some factors to consider before buying a rug to ensure you choose one that fits perfectly with your space and lifestyle.

1. Rug Type: Traditional, Runner, or Circular?

Before you embark on your rug shopping journey, identify which type of rug would best suit your space.

Traditional Rugs are typically rectangular and cover a larger surface area, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or open-plan areas.

Runners are longer than they are wide and are perfect for hallways or narrow spaces that could use some adornment.

Circular Rugs, on the other hand, are excellent for adding a finishing touch to smaller, constrained spaces.

2. Room Size and Rug Placement

Determining where your rug will be placed is crucial to deciding its type, material, texture, and size. If your rug is meant for a large living room, a substantial, statement-making piece might be the best choice. However, for those who often switch up their interiors, a smaller, multi-functional rug that can blend into different spaces would be more suitable.

3. Material and Texture

The perfect rug material depends heavily on your lifestyle and how you plan to interact with your rug. If your rug will be placed in a high-traffic area, robust materials like wool or jute might be best. But for spaces where softness is a priority, like living rooms or bedrooms, cotton rugs would be a great choice.

Wool Rugs are robust, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. They're also excellent at trapping heat, perfect for colder months.

Cotton Rugs are wonderfully soft underfoot and offer a versatile year-round option.

Jute Rugs are robust and durable, making them perfect for areas with heavy footfall. Their natural tones make them ideal for spaces needing a neutral, earthy addition.

4. Size Matters

Consider not just whether a rug will fit within your space, but also whether it will fill the space to the extent you desire. A perfectly-sized rug complements the room — it doesn't dominate it or appear as an insignificant afterthought.

5. Pets and Rugs: A Consideration

If you have pets, consider their interaction with your rug. The colour of your pets' fur can influence your rug colour choice - dark fur is more noticeable on lighter rugs. If your pet interacts a lot with the rug, robust options like wool, cotton, or jute rugs are great choices, as they are durable and can withstand your pet's adventures.

6. The Power of Design

The design of your rug is fundamental. A neutral design offers flexibility for future interior changes, but a rug with a bold pattern can accentuate your current interior. A pattern is also an excellent choice for hiding pet fur!

7. Colour Choices

The rug's colour can balance your space, complementing or offsetting your interior. For a lighter, airier space, opt for a more neutral coloured rug. For a cosier atmosphere, darker rugs will be your go-to choice.

8. Other Considerations

Consider your lifestyle and future plans when choosing a rug. If you're likely to move, a smaller, lighter rug might be more manageable. Also, consider the maintenance your rug will require. All rugs need some care, but some may require more upkeep than others.

Remember, a rug does more than just adorn your floors. It sets the tone for your room, adds warmth, and can even make a statement. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your next rug purchase will be the perfect fit for your home.