Choosing a rug can be such a daunting task!... Style, colour, pattern, material, shape and size are all factors that need to be considered when trying to find the perfect rug.
At Rug Envy, we are passionate about sharing honest and extensive interior decorating advice and spatial planning tips to ensure our valued customers find the perfect rug for any space in their homes.
Rug Styles
Whether you find yourself being drawn to the latest style trends or love traditional styles, a good starting point for choosing a rug is to find a rug that will complement the colour palette and style of your room or home.
There are many rug styles designed to complement a range of interior design styles such as contemporary, modern, coastal, bohemian, tribal and much more. When it comes to rug styles there's no rules to which styles can be mixed together. Design elements and colour theory methods can be individually observed and used to incorporate a range of styles together.
Rug Patterns & Texture
When choosing a rug with patterns we recommend choosing patterns that are in proportion with the size of your room, surrounding furniture and décor.
Finding balance in proportions is key to creating harmony and flow within a home or space. Patterning in neutral colours such as natural and earthy tones can add subtle texture and patterning to a space without it negatively impacting the illusion of space.
Using a rug with large patterning in a small space can make the area appear smaller and unbalanced, whereas, using a rug with small distinctive patterning in a large space can make the space look busy and disconnected.
Transitional Rugs
We absolutely love our Transitional Rugs. Transitional style is characterized by combining the old with the new. Transitional rugs feature traditional rug patterns in a range on on trend colours, with some showcasing an abrash wash effect which softens the rugs giving the them a distressed vintage look.
Transitional rugs are ideal for those wanting to add subtle patterning and colour to their home, and are frequently used to complement neutral colour schemes and many styles such as boho, chic, coastal, modern and contemporary.
See more Transitional Rugs.
How To Pick A Rug Colour?
A simple way to find a rug that will tie in with an existing colour palette is to identify the accent colours in the space and find a rug with similar colours.
The use of dark colours can make a space feel cosy and intimate, whereas light colours can make a space feel spacious and airy. For example, if a room has dark flooring and dark furniture it may appear smaller due to the lack of light or contrast.
Using a rug with a light hue in this case will help to make the space appear spacious by breaking up the dark flooring and furniture. If the furniture and flooring is light then a rug with darker tones can help define the area or anchor furniture pieces in the room creating another layer of depth in the space.
How To Style Using Accent Colours?
Accent colours are used to emphasize, contrast and create rhythm within a styled space. They can be bold, neutral or dark shades that are found in décor, cushions, soft furnishings, wallpaper and artwork. Accent colour schemes work best when there is one main colour with 2-3 accent colours used to help to create directive flow and balance in the room.
The blush sofa is the main colour in the setting above with green, gold and white accents helping to accentuate the room, creating a beautifully balanced space.
How To Style Using Colour Schemes?
Colours can be used to influence the illusion of space making a room or home appear more spacious and can be used in the opposite way to bring a large disconnected space together.
Colour schemes are formed from colour theory and how colours relate to each other. You can choose a rug colour to combine with a range of colour schemes such as neutral, warm or cool, complementary, split-complementary, monochromatic, and triadic.
Complementary
Complementary colours are colours opposite to each other on the colour wheel, such as blue and orange or red and green. These lively colours work best if one colour dominates and contrasts the other.
Split-Complementary
Split-Complementary is one colour and two colours directly opposite on the colour wheel such as blue with red-orange and yellow-orange.
Monochromatic
Monochromatic colour schemes incorporate several values of the same colour which can keep the space from looking monotonous with use of various textures and patterns to help enhance the single colour scheme.
Triadic
Triadic colour schemes use three colours that are equidistant on the colour wheel such as green, purple and orange, where one colour is used as the dominate and the other two as accent colours.
How Do Colours Make Us Feel?
Colours play an important role in how a space can make us feel. They evoke our senses making us experience a range of emotions, both positive and negative.
When choosing colours for a room or home think about the desired mood for the space and the rooms intended use.
Neutral tones and muted colours are ideal for areas where people like to relax such as bedrooms or living rooms, whereas bright colours are often used in dining rooms, kids bedrooms and play rooms.
Pink
Although considered a feminine colour in the past this now gender neutral colour is used more frequently in interior design and decorating. Soft pinks are known to make us feel calm and relaxed, providing us with a sense of joy, love, romance and security. Whereas hot pink or bright pinks can make us feel energized, they can also be over-stimulating causing some people to feel irritated.
View our beautiful collection of Pink Rugs.
Red
Red is a powerful colour, evoking feelings of passion and determination. This colour is often used to add warmth to homes, offices and restaurants. Red can also promote appetite, energy and motivation. Rich vibrant reds are generally used in moderation as they can be over-powering in the home, and can evoke feelings of aggression and irritation.
View our collection of light to bold Red Rugs.
Orange
This vibrant playful colour can evoke feelings of joy, energy and excitement. Orange is known as the colour of change and adventure. It is often used in kids play room as an uplifting and encouraging colour that promotes learning and creativity. Generally orange is used in homes as an accent colour because like red it can be an over-stimulating colour.
See our selection of Orange Rugs.
Yellow
Like the colour orange, yellow can evoke feelings of excitement and energy. It is a bright a cheerful colour that represents youth, sunshine and happiness. Yellow is commonly used in homes as an accent colour to add warmth and character to a space. Bright yellows are great for kids bedrooms or play rooms, whereas soft calming yellows are ideal for baby nurseries.
See our collection of Yellow Rugs.
Brown
This earthy colour can evoke feelings of comfort, stability and relaxation. Light browns are inviting and can add a sense of warmth and structure to homes. Dark browns can make a space feel cosy and intimate but can also make some spaces feel cluttered and small. Brown is considered a natural colour with the versatility to work in harmony with most colours. An array of browns are currently being used in homes today as many people move towards having eco-friendly homes with a variety of natural elements being brought into the home.
See our large collection of Brown Rugs.
Black
Black can represent feelings of power, luxury and strength. Black is a bold colour often used in interiors to define and contrast, creating interiors that feel sophisticated, elegant and sleek. This versatile colour can add a sense of simplicity and mystery to homes. However, for some people this colour can evoke feelings of uncertainty and sadness.
See more Black Rugs.
White & Neutral
White can evoke feelings of harmony, balance and clarity. The use of white in homes can give a sense of cleanliness, purity and modernism. Shades of white are often used in interior design to make a room or home appear more spacious. White can also make interiors feel sterile or bland. Different shades of white and a range of textures can be used in neutral colour schemes to add a sense of warmth and depth to the space.
See our large collection of White and Ivory Rugs.
Grey
In colour psychology grey can evoke feelings of sophistication, security and solidity. This timeless colour is used more frequently than ever in homes today. Grey is a versatile colour with warm and cool shades that can work along side almost any colour.
View our versatile range of Grey Rugs.
Green
Green is known for being the colour of nature, growth and fertility. Like all colours different shades of each will evoke a different feeling. Dark greens can bring a refreshing sense of nature into the home. Bright greens can evoke feelings of creativity, energy and success. Soft pale greens can make us feel positive and relaxed.
See our collection of Green Rugs.
Blue
The most calming colour of them all. Blue evokes feelings of peace and tranquility, with most people feeling relaxed by various shades of blue. Navy is known to make people feel trust and confidence, and offers a sense of luxury or success. Light blues are ideal for baby nurseries and kids rooms.
See our collection of calming Blue Rugs.
Purple
Purple is seen as a noble colour that is associated with wealth and royalty. Purple is known to boost confidence and creativity, and evoke a sense of mystery.
View our Purple Rugs.
What's The Best Rug Material?
When placing a rug in a home or space it is important to consider the rooms intended use. Will the rug be placed in a high traffic area? Does it need to be pet friendly?
Rugs that are made from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene or polyester are great for areas with high foot traffic as they’re hard wearing and easier to clean.
Jute Rugs are strong and durable, however, you should avoid using them in wet areas prone to spills such as your bathroom or kitchen. This is because jute fibre is highly absorbent and can be easily damaged by moisture.
When looking for a rug material that is child or pet friendly, choosing a rug material that is easier to clean is important. Synthetic fibres such as polyester, viscose or polypropylene are less prone to stains and can withstand regular vacuuming.
Rugs made from natural fibres can also be child and pet friendly, however it depends on the type of weave and construction to know how durable they will be and how easy they are to clean.
Wool rugs are an ideal choice for bedrooms and living rooms as they're soft and cosy, and add a sense of warmth to those spaces where we like to relax. Although wool is perceived soft and delicate, hand braided and flatweave wool rugs have tightly woven fibres making them hardwearing.
See our Rug Care Guide for more information on how to care for your rug.
How To Choose A Rug Size?
Rugs can be used to anchor furniture pieces and designate areas in a home. Anchoring furniture pieces such as a coffee table in the middle of your rug gives you a center point to build your living room setting around, helping you to create symmetry in the room.
The first step to finding the ideal rug size is to identify the size and shape of your room or space. The next step is to identify the size of new or existing furniture pieces and map out where they can be placed on or around the rug to create a balanced arrangement. The key is to create a functional space that is also aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Rug Placement Tips
When placing a rug be mindful of opening and closing doors as rugs can pose as an obstruction in these areas. Avoid placing the corner of a rug directly in a walk way as it can become a trip hazard.
Placement of rugs in walk ways can form trip hazards, this can be avoided by using anti-slip mats underneath the base of the rug. Anti-Slip Mats will prevent rug slippage and can help to hold rugs in place while being walked over and vacuumed.
For more information on rug sizing please see our Rug Size Guide.
Need Help Choosing A Rug?
Let us help you in 3 easy steps...
Step 1. Take a photo of your space
Take a picture of the area or area's where you would like to place your new rug. Try and take a high quality image with plenty of natural light so all colours are easily visible.
Step 2. Define your styling goals
Tell us a little about your design goals for the current room you're wanting to style.
What size is your room? Are you wanting to add a particular style?
Will it be a high traffic area? Does your rug need to be child and pet friendly?
The more detail you provide the better as this helps us to suggest the very best rugs to suit your needs.
Step 3. Email us the details
Email your photos & styling goals to info@rugenvy.com.au or send us a message in our live chat box on the bottom right of our website.