From a chic apartment in New York City to a charming rental in Austin or a breezy home in San Diego, the right rug can completely elevate your space. No matter your location or living situation, a well-chosen rug can transform a space, adding warmth, texture, and personality.
However, with countless options available, selecting the right rug can feel overwhelming. From size and material to pattern and placement, here’s everything you need to know about choosing and styling the perfect rug for your home.
Image courtesy of Eastern Oriental Rugs
How to choose the right rug for a room: Key factors to consider
Finding the perfect rug goes beyond just picking a design you like. To ensure your selection fits seamlessly into your home, consider these essential factors before making a decision.
1. Consider the room’s purpose
Before selecting a rug, think about the purpose of the room. “A rug isn’t just a decorative piece — it’s the foundation of a space. When selecting a handmade, one-of-a-kind rug, start by considering the room’s size and function,” Mert Yilmaz with Rug N Carpet shares.
“Larger rugs help define open spaces, while smaller ones add character to intimate areas. The uniqueness of handmade rugs means no two are exactly alike, so embrace their individuality to bring warmth and authenticity to your home. Opt for natural materials like wool for durability and timeless appeal, and don’t be afraid to let the rug be the statement piece that ties everything together.”
Image courtesy of BY Design and Viz
2. Choose the right size
Size matters when it comes to rugs. “When selecting a rug, it’s best to start with the sizing, it needs to anchor the furniture, and it shouldn’t be too small or too big,” Beril Yilmaz, interior designer and architect with BY Design And Viz explains. “This is a common mistake, and the rug should extend under the key furniture pieces. Choosing the right material is also very important. For high-traffic areas, it’s better to use durable and stain-resistant materials to protect the rug.”
Size is extremely crucial in creating a balanced look. Avoiding common sizing mistakes ensures your rug not only complements your space but also enhances its overall flow and cohesion.
“Selecting the right rug is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about fitting your lifestyle, enhancing comfort, and promoting a healthier home environment. Start by choosing a rug large enough to anchor your furniture — typically, your seating area should comfortably sit on the rug or at least have the front legs on it,” explains Nathaniel with Eastern Oriental Rugs. “Natural fibers like wool or cotton are not only durable for high-traffic zones or households with pets and kids, but they also contribute positively to indoor air quality. Don’t shy away from layering rugs to add texture and visual interest, and always use a rug pad to maintain shape and safety.”
A carefully selected rug plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your space. Choosing the right size can be tricky, and getting it wrong may result in a cluttered appearance.
“Rugs are one of the easiest ways to give your space an instant facelift — especially if you are working with limited furniture. When choosing the perfect rug, one of the most common design missteps comes to size: too small, and the space feels disconnected; too large, and it may not transition well to your next home,” Krista Weisman, designer and owner of Intentional Design Company.
“A classic 8×10 is a versatile choice — it works beautifully in most living rooms with the front legs of your sofa and chairs on it, or under a bed to add cozy texture and warmth beneath simple linens. For high-traffic areas or homes with pets and roommates, opt for low-pile or washable rugs—they’re practical, durable, and easy to maintain. When it comes to trends, skip the investment in trendy furniture and let your rug do the talking. Rather than chasing furniture trends, keep your core pieces timeless and bring color, pattern, and personality into your space —without the long-term commitment.”
Image courtesy of Intentional Design Company
3. Select a material that fits your lifestyle
Rug materials impact durability, maintenance, and feel. Wool is soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant, making it a great choice for living spaces. Cotton rugs are lightweight and easy to clean, perfect for casual spaces. Jute or sisal adds texture and an organic feel but can be rough underfoot. Synthetic fibers are budget-friendly and easy to maintain, ideal for high-traffic areas.
“In the realm of interior design, rugs serve as the foundation for creating inviting and comfortable spaces. However, maintaining the cleanliness of rugs can often be a daunting task. Enter washable rugs – the perfect solution for busy households and high-traffic areas,” Francesca with Easy Tot explains. “What really distinguishes machine washable rugs from traditional rugs is not quite the material, but rather the fact that washable rugs will actually fit inside a washing machine.”
“Lorena Canals’ washable rugs, designed in Spain and made in India, are constructed via a patented manufacturing method that is based on selecting a flexible base fabric which is composed of an open weave that allows the passage of the wool threads via traditional “tufting”. This is the secret behind Lorena Canal’s washable rugs line,” Francesca concludes.
Image courtesy of Deirdre Dyson
4. Find a pattern and color that complements your décor
Rugs can be a statement piece or blend seamlessly into your décor. Fine artist Deirdre Dyson has been creating timeless and contemporary carpet designs over a period spanning two and a half decades, and she encourages readers to make a statement.
“Color choice is very subjective, and if you want to create an eye-catching talking point for your room go for a bold design with brighter colors. If your tastes are less dramatic you may want to go for neutral palettes or just a pop of colour which blends with your furniture and walls. You could also think about colour-graded carpets which work well if you are not keen on strong design. Offering a complete bespoke design service Deirdre’s inventive, hand-knotted carpet designs can be made to order from a palette of over 5,000 colours. Her new 2025 collection ‘Light Play’, focusing on color in its purest form, is available to view at deirdredyson.com.”
Image courtesy of Hunter & Nomad Pty Ltd
5. Layering for depth and interest
Layering rugs adds depth and warmth to a space. “Choosing the perfect rug starts with scale – ensure your rug is large enough to anchor your space, allowing at least the front legs of your furniture to rest on it,” Annemarie Willemen-Diephuis, founder and creative director with Hunter & Nomad Pty Ltd, echoes the sentiments of the tips above.
”For high-traffic areas, opt for durable, washable materials like cotton for easy upkeep. When it comes to color and pattern, let your rug set the tone – bold designs can become the statement piece, while neutral tones tie everything together effortlessly. Layering rugs is a great way to add texture and warmth, especially in open-plan spaces. Ultimately, a well-chosen rug should balance style and practicality, making your home feel both beautiful and livable.”
A larger, neutral rug can serve as a base, with a smaller, patterned rug placed on top for added visual interest.
Image courtesy of Studio Aem
6. Proper rug placement
Styling a rug correctly enhances its impact. In the living room, center the rug under the coffee table and ensure furniture legs are placed on or near the edges. For the bedroom, a large rug should be placed under the bed, or smaller rugs can be positioned on either side. In terms of a dining room, the rug should be proportionate to the table and allow for easy movement of chairs.
Sizing up can assist in guaranteeing perfect placement and visual proportions. “When selecting a rug for your space, it’s important to choose one that’s generous in size, ideally covering the entire area under your furniture. A rug that is too small can make the room feel incomplete or awkward, so take the time to carefully measure it to ensure it fits perfectly,” Alexandra with Studio Aem details.
Image courtesy of Easy Tot
7. Care and maintenance
To keep your rug looking fresh, vacuum regularly to prevent dust and dirt buildup. “Rugs not only add warmth and texture but also help ground the space, making it feel cohesive and complete,” Alexandra continues, “so to ensure durability and comfort, opt for natural fibers and materials, which offer long-lasting softness underfoot.”
Bringing it all together with the right rug
Choosing the right rug involves balancing style, functionality, and comfort. Whether you prefer a timeless neutral design or a bold statement piece, the right rug ties a room together and makes your space complete. With proper styling and care, your rug will remain a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come.
