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? You can either select a statement rug and build your scheme around it, or choose one that works with the furniture and colour palette you already have in place.
ANCHOR RUGS
Tonal and quiet, these sit in the background of a room. They let furniture, art and other textiles lead, while still bringing warmth, texture and definition underfoot.
STATEMENT RUGS
Bold in colour or pattern, these become a starting point for the scheme. A statement rug carries more visual weight, allowing the furniture and surrounding palette to remain relatively simple.
Colour sets the tone of a room and influences how it is perceived, from light and open to grounded and intimate. Consider the existing palette and how much visual weight you want the rug to carry.
NEUTRALS AND LIGHT TONES
Neutral rugs offer versatility and work across a wide range of interiors. Lighter tones can help a room feel more open and airy, though pale colours may show dirt and marks more readily.
DARK TONES
Darker colours ground a space and add depth and richness. They are also more forgiving of everyday marks and signs of use.
CONSIDER THE FLOORING
High contrast, such as a dark rug on a light floor, creates definition and makes the rug a feature. Similar tones create a quieter, more integrated look.
Pattern introduces visual interest and helps connect different colours and elements within a room. Subtle, tonal patterns add detail without dominating, while more expressive designs can become a focal point.
CONSIDER THE SCALE
Smaller, busier patterns can read almost like texture from a distance, creating a layered feel without overwhelming a compact room. A large-scale motif does the opposite, drawing the eye across the floor and making a space feel more expansive.
Texture adds depth and dimension, particularly in spaces built around a restrained colour palette.
High-low pile, carved details and varied constructions create visual and tactile interest, while flatter, more understated textures can provide a quieter foundation.
Consider how the pile, construction and surface detail will interact with the other materials in the room, from upholstery and timber to stone and textiles.
Shape influences how a rug sits within a room, how furniture is framed and how the space is defined. While rectangular rugs are the most versatile, round, square and organic shapes can create softer or more distinct zones.
ROUND
Round rugs soften rooms with strong architectural lines and angular furniture. They work particularly well for defining smaller zones, such as a reading nook, entryway or occasional seating area, and pair naturally with round furniture.
RECTANGULAR
The most common and versatile shape, rectangular rugs work naturally beneath sofas, dining tables and beds, helping anchor furniture and create a clear, defined area.
SQUARE
Larger square rugs work well in generously proportioned rooms, anchoring a whole seating group within a single, balanced zone. They work particularly well with symmetrical furniture layouts, with enough scale for furniture to sit fully or partly on the rug. The generous dimensions bring a sense of expanse and quiet luxury.