How to Choose the Right Rug for Every Room

Just like any other piece of furniture, a rug should suit both the size and layout of your space. Since each room serves a different purpose, your rug needs to complement both its function and existing furnishings.

Start by identifying the basic layout of your room—this helps narrow down your options and ensures your rug works seamlessly with your interior design.

Living Room

Whether your space is small or large, the rug should suit your furniture arrangement.

Choose a rug large enough to fit the coffee table
At minimum, front legs of sofas and chairs should rest on the rug
In spacious rooms, opt for a rug large enough to fit all seating legs completely
The rug should help define and anchor the seating area while adding comfort underfoot

Dining Room

The rug should frame the dining table and chairs, both visually and functionally.

Add at least 2 feet on all sides of the table for chair movement
Match the rug shape to the table for best results:
Rectangular rug for rectangular tables
Circular or square rugs can work if proportions are right

Bedroom

Even with carpet or hardwood flooring, a rug can add warmth and visual balance.

Place a rectangular rug two-thirds down from the head of the bed
The rug should extend past the foot of the bed, not all the way under
Helps separate the sleeping area from the rest of the room

Fabric Types

Although many rugs are commonly made from pure wool, the type of yarn used in the weaving process influences not just the design or pattern, but also the colour, texture, and overall feel of the rug.

Wool: Known for its durability, wool is a versatile fibre that can be processed in various ways to achieve either a luxuriously soft finish or a more textured, coarse surface. Its resilience makes it an excellent choice for busy family homes.

Cotton: Soft yet strong, cotton enables detailed, tightly woven patterns, making it ideal for intricate designs. It also pairs well with other fibres, offering a cost-effective and versatile option.

Jute: With its warm, golden tones, jute has a natural, rustic look, especially when handwoven in thick strands. Its fibrous texture reflects its toughness, and when blended with cotton, it can create bold contrasts in colour and design.

Hemp: Hemp’s coarse texture is balanced by its light, sandy colouring, which shines in traditional weave styles. Typically backed with cotton for added structure, hemp rugs are a durable and earthy addition to any space.

Hides: Less commonly used, natural hide rugs feature patchwork leather that develops a rich patina over time, offering a unique and timeless aesthetic.

Caring For Your Rug

Turn regularly to help prevent uneven fading
Vacuum regularly to avoid shedding
Use a low-suction vacuum setting for tufted rugs to prevent pile loss
If you have an upright vacuum cleaner, use the brush tool rather than a regular brush

Beat loop pile rugs gently rather than vacuuming

Rug Construction

Producing and dyeing the yarn is only the beginning — the true artistry of a rug lies in its construction. Across centuries, cultures around the world have developed distinct rug-making techniques, many of which are still evident in our collection today. Alongside pieces crafted using the latest innovations, you'll also find traditional styles that celebrate time-honoured craftsmanship. At Heal’s, many of our rugs are handmade, showcasing the skill and care that goes into every single thread.

Machine-Made: Designed for consistency and efficiency, machine-made rugs — including machine-woven varieties — offer high-quality craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. Using advanced looms, these rugs can replicate intricate designs with precision, from traditional motifs to contemporary patterns. While typically faster to produce than handmade rugs, they still deliver impressive detail, durability, and a wide variety of textures and finishes depending on the fibres used.

Hand Tufted: Soft and comfortable underfoot, tufted rugs are made by punching yarn through a stretched canvas before applying a fabric backing to secure the pile. This method creates a smooth, plush surface that’s ideal for showcasing bold designs — from organic shapes and painterly strokes to vivid, contrasting colours. Tufted rugs are not only visually striking but also durable and long-lasting.

Woven: Made by hand or on traditional looms, woven rugs often use cotton blends that enhance both durability and affordability. The precision of the weaving process makes them ideal for clean, geometric patterns. A tighter weave allows for detailed designs and colour variation, while thicker threads can add texture and visual interest to the surface.