Rug Suitability

Different rugs are suited to different settings, so it's important to consider where a rug will live and how it will be used. Here, we break suitability down room by room, covering the fibres, constructions, and care that suit each space.

Before choosing, ask yourself.

TRAFFIC
Is the room high or low traffic?

LIGHT
Does the space get direct sunlight?

LIFESTYLE
Are children or pets part of the household?

FLOORING
Is the rug going on carpet, timber or a light-coloured floor?

COMFORT
Is softness underfoot a priority?

UPKEEP
Will the rug face spills, moisture or heavy wear, and how much cleaning are you happy to do?

Dining & desk areas

Flatweave rugs are the gold standard for dining and office spaces. Low-pile and closely woven rugs are also suitable, allowing chairs to move freely without catching or snagging.

Low cut-pile rugs like Sandringham can be used, though dining furniture may leave indentations over time.

Shaggy or high-looped rugs make chair movement difficult and are prone to catching - making them unsuitable in these areas.

Avoid placing a rug over carpet under a dining table, as this can cause shifting and bunching.

Wool rugs are a good choice, as wool is naturally stain resistant. Synthetic fibres, such as those used in our outdoor ranges, don't hold stains as readily, so accidents are easier to lift out.

A stain protector is recommended for jute and hemp fibres, as spills leave visible marks. Avoid viscose (including bamboo silk) in dining areas, as it stains easily.

Size here is important. The rug should comfortably fit all dining furniture, with chairs remaining on it when pulled out - this prevents catching and long-term damage.

Living room

The living room can accommodate a range of rug styles, depending on how the room is lived in. The key is balancing comfort with practicality.

Consider how the space is used - rooms with heavy foot traffic, or homes with pets or children may benefit from a low-pile or closely woven rug that’s easier to clean and maintain. 

Wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant and a great all-round choice. Avoid viscose in busy living areas, as it's delicate and marks easily.

High-pile and looped rugs add comfort and warmth underfoot but may flatten in heavily used areas over time; rotating your rug every six months helps maintain even wear. 

A stain protector is recommended for natural fibres such as jute and hemp, as spills will leave marks.

Bedroom

Generally a low-traffic space, the bedroom allows for the widest range of rug styles.

As a private space, the bedroom suits pattern, colour and texture more than shared spaces do.

Because foot traffic is light, bedrooms are well suited to higher-pile and plush constructions, adding softness and comfort underfoot.

Avoid viscose near moisture-prone areas like ensuites. It marks easily and doesn't handle humidity well.

Outdoor

Not every rug is built to live outside. Our outdoor collection is designed for exactly that - combining durability with the comfort and style of an indoor piece. Proper placement and care help maximise their longevity.

Outdoor rugs perform best in covered or sheltered areas. Although made to resist UV fading and weather, outdoor rugs last longer out of direct sun and rain.

Flatwoven constructions are generally the most practical choice outdoors, as they are easy to maintain and less likely to trap dirt and debris.

Our outdoor collection is crafted from recycled PET yarn. Water can sit in the pile and underneath the rug, so store it during extended wet weather to prevent mould.

Other Considerations

Room type isn't the only factor. Sunlight, children and pets, pile and colour transfer also affect which rug suits a space.

Sunlight

Australasian sunlight is particularly strong and can lead to fibre degradation and discolouration over time.

Dyed and printed natural fibres are more susceptible to fading, so avoid placing these products in areas with direct sunlight where possible.

Rotate rugs every six months so wear and any fading stay even.

In areas with high sun exposure, consider using an outdoor rug or opting for neutral tones, where fading is less noticeable.

Children & Pets

Rug choice depends on your child’s age and how the space is used.

Softer piles are ideal for babies and young children for comfort while crawling and playing.

Flatweaves are recommended for older children due to their durability and ease of cleaning. 

Avoid high-pile rugs in active areas, as they can present a trip hazard. With pets, avoid loop-pile rugs. Claws catch and pull loops.

Pile & Weave

The construction of a rug shapes both its underfoot feel and how it performs, and wears over time. 

Low pile & flatweave rugs
Ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways or beneath dining furniture. These rugs are easier to clean and less likely to catch or wear unevenly.

High pile & plush rugs
Deep piles are soft and warm underfoot, which makes these rugs well suited to bedrooms and lounges. That same depth traps dirt more readily, so expect slightly more upkeep than a flatter rug.

Density & quality
A dense pile, whether low or high, generally indicates a better-quality rug. It tends to hold its shape and appearance longer.
Tightly woven flatweaves tend to be more durable and practical for everyday use.

Colour Migration

Dark rugs without a backing can transfer colour onto light floors. Rug underlay reduces this risk.