- By Maree Peary, of styleandsoul.co.nz
Rugs are more than just decorative pieces. They’re essential elements that can transform your home in multiple ways.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up a dark room, improve your mood, or simply add a touch of warmth and style, here are some fantastic benefits of incorporating rugs into your home decor during colder months:
Light up a dark room: A brightly coloured or light-toned rug can instantly illuminate a dim space, making it feel more inviting and lively.
Change things up: Rugs offer an effortless and affordable way to refresh your decor. Simply changing the rug can bring a new look and feel to any room.
Improve your mood: Cosy, stylish rugs can uplift your spirits, providing a warm and comfortable atmosphere that encourages relaxation and happiness.
Hide unwanted stains: Rugs are perfect for concealing imperfections on your flooring, making them a practical choice for busy households.
Lower risk of injuries: Soft rugs provide a cushioned surface, reducing the risk of slips and falls, which is especially important in homes with children or elderly residents.
Snuggly comfort: Enjoy the plush, warm feel of a rug underfoot, which adds a layer of comfort to any room.
Easy to clean: Modern rugs are designed to be low maintenance, with many being easy to clean and care for.
Absorb noise: Rugs can help to dampen noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment in your home.
Warmth and style: Adding a rug introduces colour, texture, and warmth to any room, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Anchor and define: A rug can anchor a room, define its layout, and add layers to its decor, making it a fundamental piece in interior design.
Start with rug, build interior schemes from there
Rugs set the tone and foundation of your space.
Whether you choose a graphic, modern rug or a neutral one, they’re key pieces that “ground” your furniture and serve as the main building blocks to create a cohesive space.
Here’s how to choose the perfect rug:
Measure your space: To determine the right size rug. This ensures the rug fits perfectly and complements the room’s dimensions.
Style, weave, shape, fibres: Consider the style, weave, shape, and fibres of the rug.
Think about the sofa and wall colour, the size and shape of the room, and the atmosphere you want to create. For a harmonious, relaxing environment, a wool rug in a muted palette is ideal.
For a more dramatic feel, opt for deeper, richer tones and textures.
Placement and colour scheme: Weigh up where the rug will sit, what colours are in the rest of the room, and the arrangement of your furniture.
A dark rug can make a space feel more intimate, while a pale rug creates a lighter, airier vibe.
Types of rugs
Oriental, Persian, and Turkish Rugs: Perfect for formal rooms, offering timeless elegance.
Kilims and dhurries: Add texture and colour, suitable for a casual style.
Sustainable choices: Jute and bamboo rugs are eco-friendly and often handwoven by skilled artisans in India and Turkey.
Consider these questions:
Patterned, stripe, or solid colour?
Natural fibre or synthetic?
Suitable for wet areas or high-foot traffic?
Will it be partially covered by furniture?
How do you want it to feel underfoot?
Short or long pile, or plush like shagpile?
Material and durability
Choose materials based on the rug’s location and purpose.
Synthetic fibres are durable, while wool blends and natural fibres like sisal can withstand heavy use.
In New Zealand, consider high UV exposure if the rug is in a sunny spot to prevent fading.
Indoor and outdoor use
Rugs aren’t just for indoors. There are hard-wearing, durable exterior rugs available to add style to your outdoor areas, creating a seamless flow between your interior and exterior spaces.
