A rug is what makes a living room look finished. The most common mistake is buying one too small, so the furniture looks like it is floating. Start with size.
Size and placement
- All legs on: in a large room, the rug sits under every piece of furniture. The most generous look.
- Front legs on: the front legs of the sofa and chairs sit on the rug. Works in most rooms and is the safe choice.
- Floating: only the coffee table sits on the rug. Fine in small spaces, but go as wide as the sofa at least.
Leave a border of floor, about 30 to 45 cm, between the rug and the walls.
Material
- Wool: soft, hard-wearing and naturally resists dirt. Good for living rooms.
- Jute and other natural fibres: textured and casual, firmer underfoot.
- Cotton and flatweaves: lighter, easier to move and clean, good for busy homes.
Pile
Low pile is easy to clean and suits dining areas and homes with pets. Higher pile is softer but holds more dust.
Care
- Vacuum regularly without a beater bar on wool.
- Blot spills straight away; don't rub.
- Turn the rug every few months so it wears evenly.
- Use an underlay to stop slipping on hard floors.
Browse rugs and mats, including Weave and Eadie Lifestyle.
