A feature rug is not only a practical accessory for your home, but can also be the major focal point of a room, harmoniously bringing together style, colour, and texture in a way few other furnishings can. Whether you’re looking to soften a hard floor area, add warmth to a bedroom, or create a cosy reading nook, designing or selecting the right feature rug can elevate the entire atmosphere of any given space. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of different types of rugs, offer design ideas, and provide key considerations to keep in mind when creating your perfect feature rug.
Selecting the best rug material for you and your home
When it comes to selecting a feature rug, understanding the types of rug products available and their unique benefits can help you to make an informed choice. Different materials and weaves offer various aesthetic, practical, and tactile qualities.
Wool Rugs
Wool is a timeless and durable material for rugs, offering an excellent balance of comfort, longevity, and texture. Wool rugs are soft underfoot, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms where comfort is key. Additionally, wool is naturally stain-resistant and can absorb moisture, which makes it well-suited for high-traffic areas such as hallways and landings.
Wool is known for its high melting point, making it more practical for rugs situated in front of log burners and open fires or under dressing tables and ironing boards where hot appliances may come into contact with the rug. Man-made fibres such as polypropylene and polyester have much lower melting points that can cause the carpet pile to melt and harden if hot objects come into contact with them, whereas wool is much more likely to smoulder and retain its appearance until a much higher temperature.
Wool rugs (Particularly undyed wool) can have a very natural and calming appeal that can work well in both modern, contemporary and traditional settings.
Sisal Rugs & Other Natural Textiles
For a more organic and rustic vibe, sisal rugs are a great option. These natural fibre rugs are often used to create a more relaxed, earthy atmosphere. While they can be a bit rougher in texture compared to wool or other fibres, they are incredibly durable and environmentally friendly. Sisal rugs are perfect for spaces that blend with nature, especially against natural wood or stone floor coverings. The pile of a sisal carpet can spoil when left saturated with excessive moisture, so it is important to keep these rugs away from dog bowls, wet footwear and anywhere prone to spillages.
Synthetic Rugs (Nylon, Polyester, etc.)
Synthetic rugs made from materials like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene are stain-resistant, soft to the touch and easy to clean. While they may not have the same natural charm as fibres such as wool or sisal, synthetic rugs often come in a wide range of designs and colours, making them easy to integrate into any décor style.
Cheaper synthetic fibres such as polypropylene and polyester are less resilient than natural fibres in regards to their pile structure, and are therefore more likely to knit together and flatten over time. For this reason we recommend choosing a shorter pile synthetic rug or opting for higher quality man made fibres like nylon to reduce the impact of this and extend the lifespan of the rugs appearance.
For those seeking a luxurious and opulent look, soft touch nylon rugs are an excellent choice. Known for their rich, velvety finish, these rugs can add a sophisticated touch to a room. They are typically softer and more delicate than wool rugs, so they are best suited for areas with less foot traffic, such as a bedroom or dressing area. Their fine texture and sheen can make a stunning visual impact, especially in rooms with simple or neutral colour schemes.
Design Ideas for Feature Rugs
Once you’ve chosen the right type of rug, the next step is considering the design of your feature rug. The right design can set the tone for the entire room, so it’s essential to align the rug’s design with your overall aesthetic.
Bold Patterns and Colours
If you want your rug to be the star of the room, opt for bold patterns or vibrant colours. A striking herringbone weave or a brightly coloured stripe can immediately become the focal point of the space. Bold designs are particularly effective in rooms with minimal furniture or neutral tones, as they inject personality and energy into the room.
Consider using contrasting colours or incorporating an eclectic mix of patterns to create a dynamic look. For example, pairing a bright, modern rug with muted, Scandinavian-style furniture can create a striking contrast that adds interest and depth.
Subtle Textures
If you prefer a more understated approach, focus on textures rather than patterns. A solid-coloured rug in a thick weave, like a deep pile wool loop, can create a sense of warmth and cosiness without overwhelming the room’s design. Texture is also an excellent way to add dimension and a tactile experience underfoot.
Neutral or Earthy Tones
For a more calming and serene atmosphere, go for neutral tones like beige, taupe, or muted greys. These colours are perfect for creating a sophisticated, balanced look, especially when combined with a minimalist or natural décor. If you want to add warmth to a room, consider earthy shades like terracotta, mustard, or olive green. These colours can evoke a sense of nature and relaxation, perfect for a bedroom or living room.
Considerations for Designing a Feature Rug
While designing or selecting a feature rug, several factors should be considered to ensure it works seamlessly within your space.
Size and Placement
One of the most critical considerations when designing a feature rug is size. The rug should be proportionate to the room and its furniture. In a living room, for example, you may want a rug that’s large enough to fit under the main seating area, with the furniture placed on top of it. In dining rooms, a rug should extend at least 50 centimetres beyond the edge of the table to ensure comfort when pulling out chairs.
If you’re working with a smaller room, consider a smaller rug that doesn’t overwhelm the space. A smaller, strategically placed rug can still add character without making the room feel cramped. Conversely, larger rugs can make a room feel cosier and more cohesive, especially in open-concept spaces.
Colour and Existing Décor
When selecting or designing your rug, think about the colour palette and mood you want to create. A brightly coloured rug can energize a space, while soft tones can create a more peaceful, serene atmosphere. Ensure that the colours of the rug complement the existing décor, furniture, and walls. The rug should either match or contrast the other elements in the room to create a balanced, harmonious look.
Functionality
Don’t forget to consider the function of the rug in the space. For example, in high-traffic areas, opt for a rug that is durable and easy to clean. Wool, Sisal, or flatweave rugs are excellent choices for such spaces. In a bedroom or living room, where comfort is key, you may prioritize a rug that feels soft and plush underfoot, such as a deep pile wool or soft touch nylon rug.
Rug Edging
We can edge runners using a spool or yarn that is run through a whipping machine or by adding a separate taped edge that is sewn into place. Whipped edge rugs will always need to be sent off to a local whipping company for completion, so it is not possible to have your rug entirely designed and fabricated through one of our specialist rug partner's such as Crucial Trading. Whilst whipping is generally much cheaper than binding, it is less durable and is prone to pilling or fraying over time.
For a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish, we recommend a bound edge. There are various types of taping that can be used to bind the edge of a rug, including cotton, linen, leather and faux leather. In most cases people opt for cotton binding that usually comes in a range of styles such as herringbone, basket weave or stripes. Binding can add another layer of design to your rug and can create a striking contrast to the rug material when used correctly.
Rug Anchoring
Depending on the area and placement of your rug, you may wish to use an additional product to help hold the rug in place and to stop it from sliding across a hard floor covering. Rugs used in areas surrounded by furniture may not need this as the legs from a sofa, chair or bed can help to anchor a rug in place without the need for additional materials. Where you do find that your rug is moving around we recommend a non-slip underlay such as rug creep which will hold the rug in place without damaging the rug or the floor beneath it. We stock and sell this in our Wetherby showroom.
Conclusion
Designing the perfect feature rug is an exciting opportunity to infuse your personality and style into a room. By selecting the right material, considering the rug’s design and placement, and ensuring it complements your existing décor, you can create a stunning piece that ties your space together. Whether you choose a bold, statement-making rug or something more subtle, the right feature rug has the power to transform a room and make it feel both inviting and unique. For more information about our rug making services, you can visit our 'Custom made rugs' page of the website
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