Choosing the right size rug is just as important as selecting a design style or colour palate. Whether rectangle, square or round, the perfect size and shape of a rug is critical to achieving the right look for a room’s particular proportions and design. The size and shape of a rug can help define sitting, dining or accent areas of a space by emphasizing particular groupings of furniture. Furniture can be positioned either directly on the rug or around it depending on the size of the room or the aesthetics you want to achieve, additionally, use of multiple rugs with a layered can draw the eye from one room or area to another. Without overly complicating a relatively simple concept, rest assured there is a science to choosing the proper size rug for any application. Think about the purpose of the space, the lifestyle you live, your style and material choices.

The Living Room

For a grander statement in larger areas, choose a 280x190cm or 320x230cm size rug if you can accommodate, even larger. Don’t be afraid to choose a larger sized rug for your space. These larger sizes allow for a greater design pallet, so the motifs can become larger and more focused on the room’s decor. Make sure your rug will accommodate all four legs of your coffee table. You may want to choose a rug large enough to accommodate all of your room’s furniture, or simply the front legs of your furniture grouping. Size should be chosen to allow a symmetrical border of exposed flooring on all four sides of the rug. If the design of the room does not allow for symmetrical positioning, choose a size that will provide equal borders top and bottom, and side to side. If the rug is to be the focal point, a large design element should be used to draw the eye down toward the space. If a piece of furniture or an architectural feature is to be the primary focus of the room, an all-over, repeating pattern should be considered to complement rather than concentrate. And, you might even consider positioning the rug at an angle to add a unique visual element to your space’s design. The main rule for all spaces, where you are considering placing a rug is that the size of the rug doesn’t overpower the space but still provides comfort and practicality.

Under a dining table

A good rule of thumb is that area rugs should be 1 – 1.5meter larger in length and width to the dining room table. You should be able to pull a chair out and sit at the table without the chair legs falling off the edge of the rug. Placing a rug under the dining table defines the dining area without confining it.

Outdoors

Just because it’s theoutdoors, doesn’t mean this space should be neglected. Rugs have the ability to personalise and add comfort to any outdoor setting. Whether it’s a small balcony or a patio setting, an outdoor rug from our Pavilion range is the perfect way to continue the flow from the inside interior out. With UV stabilised pile, washable and constructed from a woven 100% heat set polypropylene construction, these won’t fade or warp under the harsh Australian sun. Choose a rug large enough to allow for a symmetrical border of exposed decking or patio material on all four sides or, in smaller areas, a size that will provide equal borders top and bottom, and side to side. You may want a rug large enough to accommodate all of your outdoor furniture, or simply one that allows for the front legs of your furniture grouping to rest upon it.

Bedroom

There are various ways to incorporate a rug in the Bedroom. Choosing a rug large enough to accommodate the room’s furniture, with a symmetrical border of exposed flooring on all sides of the bed can create a sense of grand splendour. As many average sizes rooms, the bed will cover the majority of the rug, you may want to choose smaller rugs to be placed around or at the front of the bed instead. Whatever choice is made, the bedroom is a place of sanctuary and relaxation, and the choice of material and pattern of the rug should reflect a sense of tranquillity that’s suites your needs.

The look and feel of the Rug

All rugs project their own style and feel to a space. And the materials of the rugs construction plays a major part in this role. Whether it be Acrylic, Wool, Polypropylene, Sisal or Microfiber the choice of rug material is almost endless, and as important choice as the size and design. The choice of material should reflect how and where the rug will be placed. A Shag rug for instances offers a warmth and intimacy to the room. A wonderful choice for a TV room, living area where a plush pile provides comfortable and causal seating arena. Our Pandora shag with its plush, dense pile provides a divine underfoot experience and texture. How do you help your clients choose the right size, look and feel when there are a plethora of rug options in the market?