Rug Underlay
Rug underlay helps prevent slipping, bunching, and creeping on most surfaces while adding cushioning, protecting delicate floors from abrasion, and extending the life of your rug.
Suitability
Make sure the rug is suited to the room’s purpose. Different rugs are better suited to certain environments, depending on factors like room type, foot traffic, and whether children or pets are present.
It’s important to note that not all handmade rugs are ideal for every setting. For example, a plush loop pile may attract playful tugging from little ones or pets, while viscose rugs are less suitable for dining spaces due to their sensitivity to staining.
Before choosing, ask yourself:
- - Is it primarily decorative?
- - Does it need to be easy to clean and care for?
- - Is comfort a priority?
Flooring Type & Colour
Your flooring type and colour will influence how a rug looks - what works on light oak may appear entirely different on dark concrete. The flooring’s design and texture will also contribute to the overall look and feel.
When assessing samples, always view them against your actual flooring - the colour, texture, and undertones of the surface beneath can significantly affect how the rug looks and feels in your space.
- Contrast & Tone
- - High contrast (e.g. dark rug on light floor) makes the rug a strong feature.
- - Low contrast (similar tones) creates a softer, more blended look.
- - TIP: Beware of flooring colour undertones. Wood or stone can have warm (yellow, pink) or cool (grey, blue) undertones. Try to complement rug tones accordingly.
- Surface Texture
- - Smooth surfaces (timber, polished concrete) often show off rug textures better and allow rugs to lie flatter.
- - Tiled, textured or carpeted floors may cause thinner rugs to sit unevenly unless they're dense or have a backing.
Style
Choose the rug first… or last - depending on where you are in your styling journey. Does the space need colour, texture or a design element added? You can either choose a statement rug and build your scheme around this or choose one that works with the furniture and colour palette you already have in place.
Remember, shape matters too - round styles can soften lines or define a smaller zone.
Use samples to see how the rug interacts with other elements in the room, such as furniture, wall colour, artwork, and existing textiles.
Image Credit: Kathrine Macdonald Design.
Light
The colour and finish of a rug can shift noticeably depending on your home’s lighting. Natural vs artificial light, time of day, and even bulb temperature can all affect colour perception. Rug colours can appear lighter, darker, warmer or cooler depending on the light sources of where the floor rug is located. For the most accurate sense of tone and finish, we recommend viewing samples at home to understand how true-to-life the colour is prior to decision making.
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- Natural vs Artificial Light
- Natural and artificial light can influence how tones are perceived - daylight often brings out the natural undertones of fibres like wool or jute, while warm indoor lighting can deepen hues such as beige, gold, or brown. In contrast, cooler lights, such as LEDs, can make rug colours appear sharper or slightly bluer, often muting warmer undertones and altering the overall feel of the rug.
- Pile Direction
- The direction of a rug’s pile (especially in cut-pile or silk-like fibres such as bamboo silk) can reflect and interact with light in varying ways, creating natural shading and tonal shifts. These variations are an intentional part of the rug’s texture and character and add a sense of dimension to the piece.
- Direction of Light
- Shadows from furniture or window treatments can also create contrast, subtly altering the way a pattern or pile is perceived.
UV Exposure
Australasian sunlight is particularly strong and can degrade fibres and cause discolouration. Be aware that coloured rugs and natural fibres are susceptible to fading and bleaching in high UV areas.
TIP: If placed in sunlight, ensure you rotate your rug for even wear and fade.
Protect your rug
Protecting your floor rug is key to preserving its beauty and longevity. Consider the following add-ons and considerations.