Renovating
How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Space
Want to pep up your décor with colour, texture and cosiness underfoot? All you need is the perfect rug
One of the easiest ways to add warmth and interest to a space is to introduce a rug. Choose wisely, however, as it has the power to completely change the feel and shape of a room. What’s more, the material your rug is made of will determine in which rooms it would work best.
So if you want to know the difference between a cut-pile and loop-pile rug, or need help deciding between a wool or polypropylene design, step this way.
Professional advice from: Kate Mooney of Houseology Design Group; Lorna Haigh of Alternative Flooring; Roger Oates of Roger Oates Design
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
So if you want to know the difference between a cut-pile and loop-pile rug, or need help deciding between a wool or polypropylene design, step this way.
Professional advice from: Kate Mooney of Houseology Design Group; Lorna Haigh of Alternative Flooring; Roger Oates of Roger Oates Design
This article is from our Most Popular stories file
What are the practicalities?
The rug you choose will be dictated as much by personal taste as by practical considerations, says Kate Mooney.
“Before you consider colours and patterns, decide which material will go below your feet and why,” Kate says. “Ask yourself some questions. What is the room used for? Who uses it and how often? Your answers will have an impact on your choice.
“Think about your room in the context of everyday living. Do pets and children use the space? Is it a room for relaxing in or one that serves a specific purpose, such as a kitchen or bathroom?” Kate adds.
An excellent example is a child’s room in which spillages are likely to happen. The solution? A rug made in a stain-resistant material, such as polypropylene. Or perhaps you want to inject a serious dose of grown-up glamour into your bedroom, in which case, a luxurious silk rug will do the trick.
Need help with styling your home? Find interior stylists in your area.
The rug you choose will be dictated as much by personal taste as by practical considerations, says Kate Mooney.
“Before you consider colours and patterns, decide which material will go below your feet and why,” Kate says. “Ask yourself some questions. What is the room used for? Who uses it and how often? Your answers will have an impact on your choice.
“Think about your room in the context of everyday living. Do pets and children use the space? Is it a room for relaxing in or one that serves a specific purpose, such as a kitchen or bathroom?” Kate adds.
An excellent example is a child’s room in which spillages are likely to happen. The solution? A rug made in a stain-resistant material, such as polypropylene. Or perhaps you want to inject a serious dose of grown-up glamour into your bedroom, in which case, a luxurious silk rug will do the trick.
Need help with styling your home? Find interior stylists in your area.
How should you place your rug?
To create maximum impact, always buy the largest rug possible. “Arrange your furniture around the edges of the rug, but place all, or at least the front feet, of your furniture on the rug to create a cohesive look,” Roger advises.
“If you’re using a rug in a bedroom,” he says, “place a narrow runner on either side of the bed, or choose a big rug that will not only go under the bed, but also be visible around it.
“If you’re using a rug in a dining room,” he says, “make sure the rug goes under the table and fully under the chairs, even when they’re pulled out for people to sit on.
“We’re being asked to make much larger rugs that cover more of the floor area, rather than just creating an island under a coffee table or in front of a sofa,” Roger continues.
“These rugs are almost like carpeting, but offer the flexibility of being taken up for a seasonal change” he says. “Customers often buy a second, smaller rug in a contrasting texture to layer on top for a cocooning effect.”
To create maximum impact, always buy the largest rug possible. “Arrange your furniture around the edges of the rug, but place all, or at least the front feet, of your furniture on the rug to create a cohesive look,” Roger advises.
“If you’re using a rug in a bedroom,” he says, “place a narrow runner on either side of the bed, or choose a big rug that will not only go under the bed, but also be visible around it.
“If you’re using a rug in a dining room,” he says, “make sure the rug goes under the table and fully under the chairs, even when they’re pulled out for people to sit on.
“We’re being asked to make much larger rugs that cover more of the floor area, rather than just creating an island under a coffee table or in front of a sofa,” Roger continues.
“These rugs are almost like carpeting, but offer the flexibility of being taken up for a seasonal change” he says. “Customers often buy a second, smaller rug in a contrasting texture to layer on top for a cocooning effect.”
When should you opt for a runner?
A runner is a narrow-width carpet that’s ideal for use on the stairs, in halls and on landings, as well as placed in front of firesides or sofas, or by the side of the bed for extra cocooning.
“Runners can also be used to define areas of a room,” Roger says. “In the 18th century, they were used to protect the better carpets in grand houses, but today they’re sought after in their own right.”
A runner is a narrow-width carpet that’s ideal for use on the stairs, in halls and on landings, as well as placed in front of firesides or sofas, or by the side of the bed for extra cocooning.
“Runners can also be used to define areas of a room,” Roger says. “In the 18th century, they were used to protect the better carpets in grand houses, but today they’re sought after in their own right.”
Which material and style should you choose?
There are many materials and structures to choose from when picking the perfect rug for your space.
Wool rugs
Wool’s natural properties make it ideal rug material. Not only does it look and feel luxurious underfoot, it’s also hard-wearing, naturally spill- and dirt-resistant, and fire retardant and it offers excellent heat and sound insulation.
Pure wool rugs are usually more expensive than those made with synthetic materials. “However, as wool can last longer than many other fibres, it can be worth the investment,” Kate says.
Be aware that a 100 per cent wool rug is not suitable for all spaces. In hard-wearing areas, such as a child’s bedroom, a wool-rich rug – made using a mix of wool and man-made fibre such as nylon and polypropylene – will generally fare better than a pure wool design.
Shop around for a wool/synthetic mix that meets your budget. However, remember that the higher the man-made content, the less wool’s natural characteristics will be seen.
There are many materials and structures to choose from when picking the perfect rug for your space.
Wool rugs
Wool’s natural properties make it ideal rug material. Not only does it look and feel luxurious underfoot, it’s also hard-wearing, naturally spill- and dirt-resistant, and fire retardant and it offers excellent heat and sound insulation.
Pure wool rugs are usually more expensive than those made with synthetic materials. “However, as wool can last longer than many other fibres, it can be worth the investment,” Kate says.
Be aware that a 100 per cent wool rug is not suitable for all spaces. In hard-wearing areas, such as a child’s bedroom, a wool-rich rug – made using a mix of wool and man-made fibre such as nylon and polypropylene – will generally fare better than a pure wool design.
Shop around for a wool/synthetic mix that meets your budget. However, remember that the higher the man-made content, the less wool’s natural characteristics will be seen.
Plant-fibre rugs
Wool isn’t the only natural material used to make rugs – other options include plant-fibre designs, made from the likes of jute and sisal, as seen here.
“Natural rugs are strong, resilient and sustainable,” Lorna Haigh says. “They’re also naturally fire-retardant, and they breathe and absorb humidity in the air, releasing it when the atmosphere becomes dry. They also help to improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins.”
Natural-fibre rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways, kitchens and conservatories, apart from jute, which is less durable than sisal and is best used in low-traffic areas. “Plant-fibre rugs don’t show dirt and can easily be vacuumed, but liquid spillages can leave marks on them,” Lorna says.
Read reviews of local flooring and carpet fitters.
Wool isn’t the only natural material used to make rugs – other options include plant-fibre designs, made from the likes of jute and sisal, as seen here.
“Natural rugs are strong, resilient and sustainable,” Lorna Haigh says. “They’re also naturally fire-retardant, and they breathe and absorb humidity in the air, releasing it when the atmosphere becomes dry. They also help to improve air quality by absorbing airborne toxins.”
Natural-fibre rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as hallways, kitchens and conservatories, apart from jute, which is less durable than sisal and is best used in low-traffic areas. “Plant-fibre rugs don’t show dirt and can easily be vacuumed, but liquid spillages can leave marks on them,” Lorna says.
Read reviews of local flooring and carpet fitters.
Synthetic rugs
Stain-resistant and fade-resistant as well as extremely durable and easy to clean, polypropylene is a cost-effective, man-made fibre that’s a practical choice for a rug in parts of the home that are likely to experience spillages.
“The pile can flatten faster than on rugs made of wool,” Lorna says, “so shorter piles work better in areas with lots of footfall.”
Polyamide – also known as nylon – is considered the most durable of the synthetic fibres. “This means polyamide rugs can be more costly than their synthetic counterparts, but their excellent longevity can offset the cost,” Lorna says.
Stain-resistant and fade-resistant as well as extremely durable and easy to clean, polypropylene is a cost-effective, man-made fibre that’s a practical choice for a rug in parts of the home that are likely to experience spillages.
“The pile can flatten faster than on rugs made of wool,” Lorna says, “so shorter piles work better in areas with lots of footfall.”
Polyamide – also known as nylon – is considered the most durable of the synthetic fibres. “This means polyamide rugs can be more costly than their synthetic counterparts, but their excellent longevity can offset the cost,” Lorna says.
Silk and cotton rugs
The reflective sheen of a silk rug brings a luxurious look to a bedroom or living room, as seen here. Super-soft to the touch, silk is generally less sturdy than wool and more expensive. What’s more, it can be difficult to clean.
Cotton is a strong, versatile and relatively inexpensive natural product. The disadvantage is that cotton can attract dirt easily, but the good news is that a small cotton rug is very easy to wash.
The reflective sheen of a silk rug brings a luxurious look to a bedroom or living room, as seen here. Super-soft to the touch, silk is generally less sturdy than wool and more expensive. What’s more, it can be difficult to clean.
Cotton is a strong, versatile and relatively inexpensive natural product. The disadvantage is that cotton can attract dirt easily, but the good news is that a small cotton rug is very easy to wash.
Twist pile rugs
The pile you choose will not only affect the look and feel of your rug, it will also indicate the degree of wear you should expect. Twist pile is the most popular and is made from twisted fibres to create a coarse, hard-wearing finish that’s perfect for busy areas of your home.
“Twist carpets are available in a huge range of colours and styles,” Lorna says. “Depending on the material your twist pile is made from, these rugs are more likely to flatten than loop or cut piles.”
The pile you choose will not only affect the look and feel of your rug, it will also indicate the degree of wear you should expect. Twist pile is the most popular and is made from twisted fibres to create a coarse, hard-wearing finish that’s perfect for busy areas of your home.
“Twist carpets are available in a huge range of colours and styles,” Lorna says. “Depending on the material your twist pile is made from, these rugs are more likely to flatten than loop or cut piles.”
Cut pile rugs
Cut pile is created when the loops that result from weaving are cut to the same height and allowed to slightly tuft. The types of cut pile rugs available include:
• Saxony pile rugs, which have a deep pile, making them feel soft and luxurious. “The fibres are heat set, so they don’t untwist, but, due to the length of the fibres, they can start to look a little flat in high-traffic areas,” Lorna says.
• Velvet pile rugs, which have a smooth, luxurious finish, rather like suede. “These are perfect for the bedroom, although they’re tough enough for other rooms, too,” Lorna says.
• Shag pile rugs, which have an extra-long cut pile, making them feel wonderful underfoot. “These rugs are best used in occasion spaces, as they can be trickier to clean and maintain,” Lorna says.
Cut pile is created when the loops that result from weaving are cut to the same height and allowed to slightly tuft. The types of cut pile rugs available include:
• Saxony pile rugs, which have a deep pile, making them feel soft and luxurious. “The fibres are heat set, so they don’t untwist, but, due to the length of the fibres, they can start to look a little flat in high-traffic areas,” Lorna says.
• Velvet pile rugs, which have a smooth, luxurious finish, rather like suede. “These are perfect for the bedroom, although they’re tough enough for other rooms, too,” Lorna says.
• Shag pile rugs, which have an extra-long cut pile, making them feel wonderful underfoot. “These rugs are best used in occasion spaces, as they can be trickier to clean and maintain,” Lorna says.
Loop pile and cut and loop pile rugs
Loop pile comprises uncut loops of yarn, resulting in a rich texture, particularly when loops of different lengths are used. “Loop carpets are durable enough to be used throughout the home, although snagging can occur,” Lorna says.
For this reason, a loop pile is not recommended if you have four-legged friends – claws can get caught in the loops.
Cut and loop pile rugs are created from both cut and uncut fibres, which creates a tactile feel. “Texture is a wonderful way to bring a new dimension to an interior scheme, adding visual weight and decadent softness underfoot,” Lorna says.
Loop pile comprises uncut loops of yarn, resulting in a rich texture, particularly when loops of different lengths are used. “Loop carpets are durable enough to be used throughout the home, although snagging can occur,” Lorna says.
For this reason, a loop pile is not recommended if you have four-legged friends – claws can get caught in the loops.
Cut and loop pile rugs are created from both cut and uncut fibres, which creates a tactile feel. “Texture is a wonderful way to bring a new dimension to an interior scheme, adding visual weight and decadent softness underfoot,” Lorna says.
Flatweave rugs
Flatweave has a robust, durable construction and subtly woven texture that provides a stylish alternative to pile carpet. “Flatweave creates a style of flooring that was popular in Britain before the rise of pile carpets in the early 19th century,” Roger explains. “Most rugs and runners were once made this way.
“Unlike pile carpet, which has an even, uniform feel, like a perfectly manicured bowling green, flatweave has a texture that lends a unique character and personality to a floor,” Roger adds. “The disadvantage of flatweave is that animals such as cats can catch their claws in its woven texture.”
Tell us…
Where in your home do you use rugs? Which materials have you found to be the best? Share your experience in the Comments section.
Flatweave has a robust, durable construction and subtly woven texture that provides a stylish alternative to pile carpet. “Flatweave creates a style of flooring that was popular in Britain before the rise of pile carpets in the early 19th century,” Roger explains. “Most rugs and runners were once made this way.
“Unlike pile carpet, which has an even, uniform feel, like a perfectly manicured bowling green, flatweave has a texture that lends a unique character and personality to a floor,” Roger adds. “The disadvantage of flatweave is that animals such as cats can catch their claws in its woven texture.”
Tell us…
Where in your home do you use rugs? Which materials have you found to be the best? Share your experience in the Comments section.
“A rug is more versatile than a carpet,” Roger Oates says, “and offers a good way to soften a hard stone or wooden floor, which, although practical, can be rather noisy. A wool rug with a good underlay will soften the acoustics.”
Rugs are also the perfect antidote to the ubiquitous wooden floor. “As people move away from minimalism, they’re looking to create a more comfortable feel in their homes that includes the softness and luxury of a rug underfoot,” Roger says.
“It’s not common practice to seasonally change floor coverings but, with rugs, it couldn’t be easier,” he adds. “Use textured wool rugs to provide colour and warmth for a cocooning effect in winter, then replace with fine cotton rugs in summer for a cool, pared-down look.”
Roger argues that a rug should be one of the first considerations when furnishing a room. “When choosing your décor, remember it’s usually easier to match wallpaper and paint to carpet or rugs rather than vice versa,” he explains.