Flooring matters: Top 5 tips for buying a rug

Are you thinking about buying a rug for your home? Like many other home purchases, there are various issues to consider before you plump for the first rug you see. Here are five of our top tips and key issues to think about when you’re shopping for a rug.

1. Where and how will the rug be used?

A good starting point is to think about where and how the rug you plan to buy will be used. Its intended purpose could influence the type of rug you buy, as well as how much you spend on it.

For example, if you plan to put the rug on the floor in a children’s playroom or in a hallway where it’s going to get used and walked on frequently, then you’ll benefit from buying a rug that is durable, hard-wearing and can be cleaned easily. If it gets messy from general wear and tear, you don’t want to have to worry about having it dry cleaned each time.

2. Think about the size of the rug

Before you head off to a rug store, think about the size of the rug you intend to buy. Budget is of course an issue in terms of the size of the rug, as some rugs will cost more in larger sizes. But in practical terms it can sometimes be a false economy to buy a smaller rug if you want to use it to help zone or define a space.

For example, if you’re looking for a rug to go on a large open plan living / dining room floor, to help bring an interior scheme together and define a specific area, scrimping on rug size may prove ineffective. The rug might look nice on the floor, but if it doesn’t fully serve the intended purpose of defining the space, is it really a worthwhile buy?

3. Visit a specialist rug store

There are plenty of shops that sell rugs, but it’s well worth going to a specialist rug store.  Not only are they likely to have a good range of rugs available to view and touch, but a reputable store should have staff that are more knowledgeable about what types of rugs and materials could work best for your requirements.

4. Consider colour and design

Rug shops are typically brimming with different rug options and it can be overwhelming seeing them all. So it helps to think about the colour, style and design of the rug you’re looking for before you start shopping.

Are you after a rug in a contrasting colour to your décor, do you want something that is bold in design, or are you looking for a rug that will blend in well with your existing décor?

There are also some useful design tips and tricks related to colour choices that are worth bearing in mind. If you’re keen to make a room look bigger, then opt for a lighter colour rug, or if it’s warmth and cosiness that you’re keen to increase, consider choosing a deeper colour.

5. Safety issues

Finally, don’t forget to consider safety issues when buying a rug. Some rugs come with special  backings that help to ensure that it doesn’t slip when it’s walked on – these are very practical for area of high footfall, such as a hall or entrance porch.

Special pads are available to go under rugs to help them hold still on hard floors. Plus, they’ll help prolong the life of the rug too.

(Disclosure: This is a collaborative post)

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