Choosing a rug: size, material and style

A beautiful sofa, a nice coffee table, and yet the room does not feel finished? Then a rug is often what is missing. A rug brings warmth and calm, defines your seating area or dining area and protects your floor. But which size do you need, and do you choose jute or cotton? In this guide you will read how to find the rug that suits your space.

Which rug suits you?

Step 1: decide where the rug will go

Start with the spot. A rug in the seating area calls for a different size than a rug next to the bed or under the dining table.

• Seating area: the rug connects your sofa, armchair and coffee table into one whole.
• Dining area: the rug defines the table in an open-plan space.
• Bedroom: a rug next to or under the bed gives a warm feeling when you get up.
• Hallway or workspace: a rug instantly makes a bare space feel more homely.

Step 2: choose the right size

Too small is the most common mistake: a small rug in the middle of a large room quickly looks lost. A few rules of thumb:

• Under the seating area: the rug looks best when at least the front legs of your sofa are just on it. A large rug of around 240 × 160 cm, such as the Imperatorz or the Ibiza, then fills a living room.
• In front of the sofa or next to the bed: a rug of around 180 × 125 cm, such as the Irradiate or the Inswennity, fits well in a smaller room or as an accent.
• Under the dining table: choose a rug that extends well beyond the table on all sides, so the chair legs stay on the rug when you push your chair back.

Tip: lay out newspapers or tape on the floor in the size of the rug. That way you immediately see whether the size is right.

Step 3: jute or cotton?

The material determines how the rug feels and looks.

• Jute: a strong natural material with a rugged, natural look. The Imperatorz is made of natural jute and is hand-braided. According to the product description, it insulates against cold and noise from the floor.
• Jute and cotton: the natural look of jute with a touch of colour. The Ibiza is handwoven and has an ethnic look.
• Cotton: woven cotton has a calmer look and suits vintage, rustic and Scandinavian interiors, such as the Irradiate and the Inswennity.

Step 4: choose your colour and style

• Natural and calm: lets your furniture speak and suits wood, rattan and plants. Think of the Imperatorz or the Irradiate.
• Colourful: adds contrast to a neutral interior. The Inswennity has a colourful, striking design.
• Ethnic: a pattern with character, as on the Ibiza, goes beautifully with a warm, natural decor.

How to lay a rug

How you lay the rug matters just as much as which rug you choose.

• Follow the lines of the room: lay a rectangular rug parallel to the sofa or the wall. Laid at an angle, it quickly looks messy.
• Let the floor show: keep some floor free all around between the rug and the wall, so the space stays balanced.
• In the bedroom: lay a large rug crosswise under the lower part of the bed, so you step onto the rug on both sides. With a smaller rug next to the bed you achieve the same on one side.
• Combine with your furniture: a natural rug goes beautifully with wood and black metal, a colourful rug works well with a calm sofa.

Common mistakes

• A rug that is too small: if you are torn between two sizes, the larger one is usually the better choice in a living room.
• Too much pattern: preferably combine a busy rug with plain cushions and throws, so the rug remains the eye-catcher.
• Not measuring: always measure first, including the space around doors that have to open over the rug.

What else to look for

• Handmade: with handmade rugs, small differences in size and pattern are possible. That makes every rug unique.
• Slipping: if your rug lies on a smooth floor, an anti-slip underlay can help keep it in place.
• Care: vacuum your rug regularly and follow the care instructions supplied with the rug.

Tips for a cosy seating area

• Place a coffee table in the middle of the rug. The 106 × 60 cm Hannah coffee table has an iron lower rack for the newspaper or the remote control.
• Prefer flexibility? With the set of 2 round side tables in marble look and black, you slide the tables together or place them separately.
• Which table suits your seating area, you can read in Choosing a side table or coffee table.
• Finish it off with a warm blanket on the sofa and a few home accessories.

Read also

• Styling home accessories: how to give your home atmosphere
• Choosing a side table or coffee table: how to find the right one
• Autumn: how to make your home cosy and atmospheric

View all rugs. Ordered on a working day before 15:00, shipped today, shipping is free and you get free 30-day returns.