Let's get cosy... get your rug size right

So how is it already October? I blinked and September was gone! It's always a crazy time with back to school, change of seasons, change of wardrobe and change of temperatures too. My subscribers had a sneak peek of the work I have been doing to bring you this month in my blog - drum roll please - it's a handy rug sizing guide! Do join my monthly newsletter too - you'll get interior hints and tips monthly that I hope are helpful to you in your home.

A majority of my clients ask for help about what size rug they should buy and what shape would work best. So here it is for you - the ultimate handy rug guide to ensure you are fully on point and cosy too! I have also tried to share some of the latest rug looks and styles in the images here with which are my go to shops to browse for rugs. Enjoy!

Photo credit: Top Row - all Ruggable, Second Row - Next, Rugs UK, Next

First off is shape. Choosing between round or rectangular rugs depends on the shape and layout of your space, the furniture arrangement, and the overall design aesthetic you want to achieve. And now there is a new contender in the mix with irregular rugs making headlines too. Here's a guide to help you decide when to use round rugs versus rectangular rugs and irregular rugs.

When to Use Round Rugs:

1. Highlighting a Central Feature:

   • Best For: Spaces with a central focal point like a round dining table, chandelier, or a specific piece of furniture like a round coffee table.

   • Why: Round rugs naturally draw attention to the centre, making them perfect for highlighting circular or central elements in a room.

2. Creating Intimacy in Smaller Spaces:

   • Best For: Smaller areas like reading nooks, entranceways, or cozy seating areas.

   • Why: The curved edges of a round rug can soften the look of a room, making it feel more intimate and inviting.

3. Balancing Angular Furniture:

   • Best For: Rooms with a lot of angular, boxy furniture.

   • Why: A round rug can provide contrast to the sharp lines, adding visual interest and balance to the space.

4. Enhancing the Flow of an Open-Plan Area:

   • Best For: Open-plan living areas or spaces where you want to create distinct zones.

   • Why: Round rugs can define a space without creating hard lines, maintaining a sense of flow and openness.

5. Working with Unusual Room Shapes:

   • Best For: Rooms with irregular or non-traditional shapes.

   • Why: Round rugs can complement the shape of the room, providing harmony where a rectangular rug might look out of place.

When to Use Rectangular Rugs:

1. Anchoring Large, Open Spaces:

   • Best For: Large living rooms, dining areas, or bedrooms.

   • Why: A rectangular rug can anchor furniture in a large space, helping to define the area and create a cohesive look.

2. Defining Specific Zones:

   • Best For: Open-plan layouts or multi-purpose rooms.

   • Why: Use a rectangular rug to delineate different zones, such as separating a living area from a dining area.

3. Complimenting Rectangular Furniture:

   • Best For: Rooms with rectangular or square furniture, like sofas, coffee tables, or dining tables.

   • Why: Rectangular rugs align with the shape of the furniture, creating a harmonious and structured look.

4. Maximizing Coverage in Narrow Spaces:

   • Best For: Hallways, kitchens, or any long, narrow spaces.

   • Why: A rectangular rug can help maximize coverage and guide the flow of foot traffic.

5. Enhancing Symmetry and Balance:

   • Best For: Rooms where you want to emphasize symmetry and order.

   • Why: Rectangular rugs are great for creating a balanced, structured feel, especially in more formal spaces.

Photo credit: Jane Clayton

When to Use Irregular Shaped Rugs:

Irregular-shaped rugs, like those with organic, freeform, or abstract designs, are gaining popularity for their ability to bring a unique and creative touch to interiors. Here’s when they work best:

1. Adding a Focal Point in a Modern Space:

   • Best For: Contemporary or eclectic rooms where you want to make a bold design statement.

   • Why: Irregular rugs naturally draw the eye and can serve as a striking focal point, especially in minimalist or modern interiors where other elements might be more subdued.

2. Enhancing Flow and Movement:

   • Best For: Spaces where you want to create a sense of movement or guide the flow of a room.

   • Why: The organic lines of an irregular rug can help soften the geometry of a space, creating a more dynamic and less rigid atmosphere. This works particularly well in open-plan areas or spaces with lots of angular furniture.

3. Complementing Organic Themes:

   • Best For: Rooms bringing the outdoors in.

   • Why: The fluid shapes of irregular rugs can mimic natural forms enhancing the room's connection to nature.

4. Filling Unusually Shaped Spaces:

   • Best For: Rooms or areas with unconventional shapes or layouts that don’t suit standard rectangular or round rugs.

   • Why: Irregular rugs can be custom-shaped or chosen to fit these unique spaces, helping to define the area without clashing with the room’s architecture.

5. Layering for Visual Interest:

   • Best For: Spaces where you’re layering multiple rugs for a textured, eclectic look.

   • Why: Irregular rugs can be layered over larger, more traditional rugs to add depth, contrast, and a playful touch to the room.

 When choosing a rug shape—whether it’s round, rectangular, or irregular—consider the function, furniture layout, and overall design style of your room. Each shape offers different benefits and can be used strategically to enhance your space in unique ways. Irregular-shaped rugs, in particular, are perfect for those who want to infuse their homes with a touch of creativity and individuality.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Ian Snow, French Connection Home, Sklum

Next up is all about finding the right size. Bigger is always better in my opinion for a sense of opulence but too large or too small can make or break your space. I recently had a client who hates change and was due to start a full side return extension. She was anxious about the whole process, all the decisions and the pressure of getting it right. So we started with a rug. They needed one for the living room and I sourced one that was larger than they had thought they needed and compared to the 3 previous rugs that had been returned, this one was a keeper. 'It felt right immediately' and that was the turning point and a belief in the process from there on in! See what power the right rug can have?!

So here are some infographics for you of sizing and placement by room:

For hallways and entrances measure the area and look for a rug that will fill the space and leave about 15-20 cm of space between the edge of the rug and the walls to create a balanced look. And if you have a galley or narrow kitchen you can apply the same rule and place a runner rug along the length of the kitchen, leaving a small gap between the edge of the rug and the cabinets - maybe consider washable rugs for this area as drips and spills are more likely.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Benuta, Dunelm, Ferm Living

The final piece of the puzzle is working out what colour and pattern will suit the space as well. So a quick list of pointers here for you to consider when choosing:

• What is your room's colour palette?

  If your room already has a dominant colour palette, you can either pick a rug that complements those colours or contrasts with them for added interest. For instance, a neutral room can benefit from a bold, colourful rug, while a vibrant space might need a more subtle, neutral rug. If you’re unsure which colour to pick, choose one that matches or complements accent pieces in your room, such as throw pillows, artwork, or curtains. This creates a cohesive look without overwhelming the space.

  
  

• What size is your room and how light or dark does it feel?

  Light-filled rooms often accommodate darker, bolder rug colours, while rooms with less natural light can benefit from lighter, brighter rug tones to reflect light and create a more open feel. In smaller rooms, lighter colours help open the space, while darker tones can make larger rooms feel cosier and more intimate.

  
  

• Are you a maximalist or minimalist with pattern?

  If your home is minimalist, opt for subtle patterns like monochrome or tone-on-tone designs. But for more eclectic or maximalist interiors, bold, busy patterns add vibrancy and depth. Aim to use brighter colours and bold patterns to inject energy into spaces like the living room, playroom, or kitchen.

  Softer tones like pastels and muted colours are great for bedrooms and lounges where relaxation is key and subtle patterns or solids create a calming effect.

  
  

  In terms of the scale of the pattern then rugs with a larger, bolder pattern can help define the space without overwhelming it. And smaller, repetitive patterns or intricate designs can add warmth and texture to expansive areas without making them feel too busy.

  
  

And one final practical tip - make sure the rug’s material is appropriate for the room’s function. For high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens, a washable hardwearing patterned rug can hide dirt (always a winner) and wear better than a solid colour. And a soft wool rug in a lounge or bedroom feels soft and cosy underfoot.

Photo Credits with thanks to: Next, Industville, Ruggable

And of course, if you ever need support or guidance, just give me a call. Have a great October and see you in November (dear lord it's nearly Christmas then!).