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Rug Styles Decoded: Choosing the Perfect Rug For Your Space 

Looking to add style and comfort to your home? A new rug might be just what you need! Rugs can brighten up a room, make it feel cosier, and help define different areas in your space. But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand why rugs are important, the different types available, and how to pick the perfect one for your home. We’ll also give you tips on how to keep your rug looking great for years.

Ready to find the ideal rug for your space? Let’s get started

 

Why you should get a rug for your home  

Rugs are more than just decorative pieces; they play a key role in making your home feel complete. They add style, comfort, and warmth to any room, helping to define spaces and protect your floors. Whether you want to brighten up a room, create a cosy area, or reduce noise, a rug can make a big difference in your home. Let’s explore why adding a rug is a smart choice for enhancing your living space.

They look nice 

Rugs are fantastic for adding that finishing touch to your decor. They bring colour, texture, and pattern into a room, serving as a stylish focal point. By choosing the right rug, you can tie together different elements of your room and create a cohesive look that reflects your personal style. Whether you prefer bold patterns or subtle neutrals, a well-chosen rug can transform the appearance of your space and make it feel more polished and put together.

They’re comfy and warm 

Rugs add an extra layer of comfort and warmth to your home, especially on hard floors like tile or wood. They make spaces feel cosier and more inviting by providing a soft surface underfoot. This added warmth can make a big difference in cooler climates, creating a more comfortable environment throughout the year. A rug can turn a cold, hard floor into a warm, welcoming space where you can relax and enjoy.

They reduce noise 

Rugs are excellent at reducing noise and creating a quieter environment. They absorb sound, minimise echoes, and help to keep your home more peaceful. This is especially useful in apartments or homes with high ceilings, where sound can bounce around more easily. By adding a rug, you can make your living space feel calmer and more serene, enhancing your overall comfort.

They can define your space

Rugs help define different areas in open-plan living spaces, making it easier to create distinct zones for various activities. Whether you want to set apart a seating area, dining space, or play area, a rug can provide visual boundaries and structure. This not only makes your layout more organised but also adds a sense of order and purpose to your space.

They protect your floors

Rugs act as a protective layer for your flooring, shielding it from scratches, spills, and general wear and tear. By placing a rug in high-traffic areas, you can help preserve the condition of your floors and extend their lifespan. This simple addition can save you from costly repairs or replacements and keep your floors looking great for years to come.

 

The different types of rugs 

With so many rug styles available, it’s easy to find one that fits your needs and space. From versatile area rugs to stylish runners and durable outdoor options, each type of rug offers unique benefits. Understanding the different types can help you choose the perfect rug for any room or setting in your home. Let’s explore the various rug styles and what makes each one special.

Area rugs  

Area rugs are the most versatile and commonly used type of rug. Available in various sizes and designs, they can fit almost any space, from living rooms and bedrooms to dining areas. Area rugs help define and anchor a room, adding style and comfort while complementing your existing decor. They come in countless patterns and colours, making it easy to find one that suits your taste and enhances your space.

Runner rugs  

Runner rugs are long and narrow, designed to fit in tight or elongated spaces like hallways, entryways, and stairs. They add a stylish touch to these often-overlooked areas while providing comfort and protection. Ideal for high-traffic zones, runner rugs help define pathways and can make narrow spaces feel more cohesive and inviting. Their sleek design and functional benefits make them a practical choice for both aesthetics and durability.

Round rugs 

Round rugs are perfect for creating a focal point or adding a touch of charm to small spaces. They work well under round dining tables, in cosy reading nooks, or as an accent in a room. Their shape softens the look of a space and can make it feel more balanced and inviting. Round rugs are a great way to add a unique design element and bring warmth and style to specific areas in your home.

Outdoor rugs  

Outdoor rugs are designed to withstand the elements and provide style and comfort in exterior spaces like patios, decks, and balconies. Made from durable materials such as polypropylene, they are resistant to moisture, sun, and mildew. Outdoor rugs add a splash of colour and texture to outdoor settings, making them more inviting and stylish. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for enhancing your outdoor living areas.

Shag rugs 

Shag rugs are known for their plush, high-pile texture that adds a luxurious and cosy feel to any room. The long, soft fibres create a warm and inviting surface, making them perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or any area where you want to add a touch of comfort. While shag rugs offer a stylish and comfortable option, they do require more maintenance to keep them looking their best. Regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning will help maintain their appearance and softness.

 

How to choose the perfect rug for your space 

Selecting the right rug involves more than just picking a design you like. It’s important to consider factors such as size, material, style, and texture to ensure the rug complements your space and meets your needs. By taking into account the function of the room, the existing decor, and how the rug will fit into your lifestyle, you can find the perfect rug that enhances both the look and feel of your home. Let’s explore how to make the best choice for your space.

Size 

Choosing the right size rug is crucial for achieving a balanced look in your room. Measure your space accurately to ensure the rug fits well. In living areas, the rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture. For dining rooms, select a rug that accommodates the table and chairs, even when they are pulled out. The right size ensures that the rug enhances your space without overwhelming it, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Material 

Selecting the right rug material depends on the room’s function and your lifestyle. Here are some common options:

  • Wool: Durable and stain-resistant, wool rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas. They offer a soft, luxurious feel and are easy to clean, making them a great choice for living rooms and hallways.
  • Cotton: Lightweight and affordable, cotton rugs are suitable for casual spaces and easy to wash. They’re great for kitchens, bathrooms, or as accent rugs in other rooms.
  • Synthetic Fibres (e.g., Polypropylene, Nylon): These materials are durable, stain-resistant, and often more affordable. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas and outdoor use, providing practicality and ease of maintenance.
  • Silk: Luxurious and elegant, silk rugs are best suited for low-traffic areas where they can be admired for their beauty. They require more care and are ideal for formal settings or bedrooms.
  • Jute and Sisal: Natural fibres like jute and sisal add texture and a rustic charm. They’re durable and work well in casual or coastal-themed spaces but can be less soft underfoot.

Choosing the right material will ensure your rug meets your functional needs and enhances the overall look of your space.

Style and colour 

When selecting a rug, think about how its style and colour will fit with your existing decor. If your room has a classic or traditional feel, a rug with a timeless pattern, like Persian or Oriental designs, can enhance the space. For a modern look, geometric or abstract patterns might be more suitable. If your room features neutral tones, a rug with a bold pattern or vibrant colour can create a focal point and add visual interest.

Consider how the rug’s colour will blend with or complement your current furnishings and walls. Neutral colours like beige or grey can blend seamlessly with various styles and colours, while bold or bright hues can make a strong statement. The right rug can set the mood of the room, with softer colours creating a calm and soothing atmosphere, and vibrant tones adding energy and liveliness. By thoughtfully choosing the style and colour, you can enhance your space and create a cohesive and inviting environment.

Texture  

The texture of a rug can significantly influence the atmosphere and comfort of a room. For a cosy, inviting feel, consider a high-pile rug, such as a shag or plush design. These rugs offer a soft, luxurious surface that's perfect for creating a warm and comfortable environment. High-pile rugs are especially nice in living rooms or bedrooms where you want a touch of luxury and extra warmth underfoot.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more streamlined and modern look, low-pile rugs with a flat weave or low shag provide a sleek and clean appearance. These textures are easier to maintain and work well in high-traffic areas like hallways or dining rooms, where a less bulky rug is practical.

The choice of texture should align with the room's purpose and your personal comfort preferences. High-pile rugs add warmth and softness, while low-pile options offer a more minimalist and practical solution.

Maintenance 

When choosing a rug, consider how easy it is to maintain, as this will affect its longevity and appearance. Rugs in high-traffic areas, such as living rooms or hallways, benefit from materials that are easy to clean and resistant to stains, like synthetic fibres or wool. These materials can often be vacuumed regularly and cleaned with spot treatments.

For rugs in low-traffic areas, such as bedrooms or formal spaces, you might opt for more delicate materials like silk or wool, which may require professional cleaning to keep them looking their best. Regular vacuuming is essential to remove dust and dirt, and spot cleaning should be done immediately to prevent stains from setting in.

Additionally, rotating your rug periodically helps ensure even wear and prevents fading from sunlight. Using a rug pad can also protect the rug and your flooring, add cushioning, and keep the rug in place. Proper maintenance will help preserve the rug's appearance and extend its lifespan.

 

The range of rugs at Briscoes 

Choosing the right rug can really enhance the look and feel of your home. With the right type, material, style, and texture, a rug can add comfort, define spaces, and protect your floors.

Ready to find your perfect rug? Check out Briscoes’ collection and discover the ideal rug for your home. 

 

 

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