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Buyers’ guide to rugs

The growing popularity of hardwood and polished-concrete floors means rugs are now more important than ever.

Interior designer, The Block judge and Carpet Court ambassador Darren Palmer said no living space was complete without one.

“Rugs can be a number of things to a room — art on the floor (coloured and patterned), a textural base (chunky weaves) or a neutral contrast to a colourful piece of furniture or decor,” he said.

Mr Palmer said rugs were also useful for creating zones within a space.

Mt Hawthorn showroom Artisan Rugs’ Steve Klimoski said there were many factors to consider when selecting a rug for your home.

“The rug should have a purpose of aesthetics, warmth and help with acoustics by cutting down the echo in open-plan areas,” he said.

Mr Klimoski said that when buying a rug to suit existing decor, consider the colour of the walls, curtains, any artwork and furniture. “Bringing in a photo of the room or some colour swatches will help you narrow down the selection process,” he said.

Simon Robinson, director of Melbourne label The Rug Collection, said rug choice should also be influenced by the style of the room. “If you have a patterned fabric sofa or bold feature pieces, perhaps choose a simpler pattern in a neutral tone or block colour,” he said.

“If you wish to add warmth and texture to your space, select something which is perhaps a neutral with a subtle pattern or a plain texture.”

Below are some issues to consider when choosing a rug.

Picture: Designer Rugs


SIZE

Jenny Jones, of Jenny Jones Rugs in Claremont, said size should be considered ahead of design, colour and composition.

“The correct size rug will enhance the room and bring everything together,” she said.

“Go for the biggest size that fits your budget because it will unify the room and define the space you want to cover. A rug that is too small will bring the eye in and make your room look smaller.”

For Mr Palmer, the bigger the rug, the bigger the impact. “A great rule of thumb is if it’s big enough to fill the room, it’s the right size,” he said.

“Aim to see some of your floor around the perimeter of the room but provide enough rug for your furniture to sit on it like an island, tying all of the separate elements together.”

Ms Jones said rooms looked best if all of the furniture was on the rug. “A room will look bigger and more connected if all of the furniture legs are planted firmly on the rug,” she said.

“For a dining room, the rug should be in proportion to the table. It should also be long and wide enough so there is sufficient space to pull out a chair and sit down without the back legs coming off.”

Clarke Ryan, of The Rug Studio in Leederville, said size was important when considering a rug to go under a bed. “You need to allow for the rug to be big enough to show on both sides and the end of the bed,” he said.


SHAPE

Mr Robinson said rectangular rugs were the most desired shape, though round designs were gaining popularity. “They are perfect for a reading nook in the corner of a room, under your round dining table or even in your living room,” he said.

Mr Palmer agreed. “Having a round rug is also useful for entrances, bedrooms or reading areas,” he said. “They create a neat base for individual or smaller furniture items.”

Picture: Freedom


MATERIALS

Mr Ryan said rug materials should suit the purpose of the room. “If it is a children’s playroom or lounge room, you could choose something hard-wearing and durable, such as a hand-knotted, flat weave,” he said.

“A rug similar in description is perfect for a dining room because it is a messy area. For a main bedroom or guest room, you may choose something more plush, for softness underfoot.”

The type of look you want to achieve will also help determine the most appropriate material, according to Mr Robinson.

“We find flat-weave rugs are popular, in neutrals and colour options, because they add a durable and classic style to a room,” he said. “Chunky textured rugs are popular. They allow freedom with colour and fabric selections for furniture.”

Mr Klimoski said wool was the best natural material to go for in terms of maintenance and comfort. “Wool is durable and easy to clean. We recommend people stay clear of synthetic rugs because dirt is attracted by the static it produces.”

Material matters


  • Solution-dyed nylon — inexpensive and very durable


  • Wool — durable and high quality


  • Viscose — silk-like and inexpensive, to give a sheen and shine


  • Silk — an expensive way to add luxury sheen to a rug


  • Sisal — chunky coarse weave for a textural look


  • Hemp — chunky coarse weave for a textural look


  • Felted wool — chunky coarse weave for a textural look with the softness and durability of wool

Source: Darren Palmer