Setting up your home is a painstaking task. It is a process that seems to go on forever with no end in sight. From the construction phase where you take the time choosing paint colours, endless tile selections, fixtures, and other major elements that make up a house– the checklist tends to be overwhelming and it requires a lot of thorough study before a space is considered complete. A home after all is a reflection of one’s personality, serving as a window to one’s character creatively brought about by the combination of furniture, decor, and architectural elements.

Decor and accessories bring life to any space; it is an assortment of curated items that adds a personalised touch and without these, a space would only appear like any other showroom with no sense of individuality.

One furnishing element that easily completes the look of a space is rugs. It provides partial coverage to the floor surface without having to resort to carpets that stretch from one end to the other. Rugs provide a focus on certain areas and it accents them in a way that is stylish and full of character, with a variety of designs one could choose from.

Choosing the Right Rug

So why are rugs important? Aside from the aesthetic aspect of rugs with its myriad of colours and vibrant patterns, it also serves the acoustics of the room as it absorbs the extra noise that is otherwise bothersome. Additionally, it is also a visual element that signifies a shift in function– a transition that demarcates one area from the other which makes for a functional and appealing piece for any interior space.

1. Purpose

The first step in choosing a rug is determining its purpose. Why do you want to add a rug in the first place? Some people opt for rugs in certain rooms to make the space more child-friendly, since it provides some sort of cushion the little ones can play on. It is also placed in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entryways.

Design and photo by Anthology Creative Studio via https://www.anthologycreatives.com/

Design and photo by @homeonharbor via: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXhiW7ONkK8/?utm_medium=share_sheet

2. Beauty in contrast

The rich, tactile texture of rugs beautifully stands out against the smooth finish of the existing flooring material. The contrast between two surfaces creates a visual feast that sparks interest, compared to spaces that utilizes only limited materials which appear monotonous and dull over time. There’s a palpable sense of interaction between two contradicting materials that is just breathtaking to look at.

3. Choosing rugs based on their material

There are rugs of different materials and colours. The wide variety of designs could be really intimidating, especially when one is not in tune with design and its principles. For starters, here are a few rug choices that may suit your space:

3.1 Jute and Sisal

Jute and Sisal are natural plant fibers that exude an organic yet modern look. The natural, earthy brown colour easily blends in with a variety of design styles that looks effortless and stylish. However, while both are natural fibers and look almost identical, these two materials actually differ when it comes to durability and texture.

Design and photo by White Lane Decor via: https://www.whitelanedecor.com/index.php/2017/joyful-summer-home-tour/

Photo by Dave Wheeler via:

https://www.homestolove.com.au/how-to-position-and-style-a-rug-perfectly-5134

Out of the two, Sisal is a step higher as far as durability is concerned. Since sisal comes from the Agave plant that is stiff and coarse in nature, it is perfect to place in high-traffic areas such as hallways and entry areas. Jute on the other hand is made from the softest natural fiber, making it soft and comfortable to the touch which is very much suited for bedrooms and living areas.

3.2 Wool

Wool is known to be resilient and is able to withstand years of wear and tear. It is a traditional choice for rugs not only because of its visual appeal, but also because of its properties: it is soft by nature, easy to maintain, and it naturally repels dirt and stains due to its lanolin component– all the while being environmentally-friendly.

Rug by Rugs USA via:

https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-b01-braided/Off-White/200CB01-9012.html

Rug by Miss Amara, design by @thefrenchfolk via: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfGg1yUOWnc/

3.3 Patterned vs plain

As if choosing the material is not enough, another predicament one might find himself in is whether to go for plain or patterned rugs. It’s a whole new world in itself that offers endless design possibilities. The best way to address this is by determining the style of your home. Rugs are not to be treated as an isolated piece; it should correspond with the other elements in your home and it should be able to exude the atmosphere you’re working towards in the first place.

Patterned rugs bear a repetition of elements, while plain rugs present a solid front with little to no design that brings clean and easy aesthetics. Either way, both create a balance in any space and it helps to establish the desired mood of your home.

Photo via: https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/550072541996384867/

Design by Amber Interiors via: https://shoppe.amberinteriordesign.com/products/collins-coi-02-ivory-ivory-area-rug?variant=40539724447928

3.4 Synthetic rugs

Cost wise, synthetic rugs are more affordable versus rugs that are made from natural materials. And sometimes, it offers even more design options that people opt for these synthetic rugs instead. Nevermind its lack of natural materials, synthetic rugs serve as good alternatives and it is also best for people who have allergies to certain natural materials. In the end, it all boils down to choosing the rug that is not just perfect for your home, but also caters to your lifestyle.