How To Buy A Statement Rug: The LLG Guide
I have a thing for rugs, but I equate the researching and purchasing of rugs to the same stress involved in buying the ‘big coat’ for the winter season. Because it’s such an investment piece, it needs to be everything; durable, well-made, great value, transformative, statement, BEAUTIFUL and most importantly, work with everything you have. I know that finding THE rug of your dreams can be very difficult, especially when (the vast majority of us) need all the above on a budget, so I have devised an LLG how-to-buy-a-statement-rug-guide, as well as a shopping list of some of my favourites.
Perfect relationship between the size of the rug and the furniture positioning. Image via Elle Decoration, rug by Patricia Urquiola for CC-Tapis.
As stressful as this purchase can be, rugs are one of my favourite accessories because they act as the anchors of a room, pulling everything together, and they offer another excuse to add an additional layer of pattern, colour and personality. In fact, I often start the scheming process with a rug. I view them as large scale artwork; personal and subjective, but art that also has to be hardworking, hardwearing and practical.
When the rug rivals the art: ‘Festival’ by Paul Smith for The Rug Company
I love working on designs where the homeowners already own THE rug, which is often an inherited piece, passed down through the generations, steeped with history and stories. A preloved rug, with such heritage and chronicle adds something priceless to a room, and for me, like anything second-hand, has the accidental advantage of dispelling any feelings of preciousness. Spilling or splashing food or drink onto a second-hand rug doesn’t feel quite as stomach-wrenching as dropping spaghetti bolognese on a pricey piece that you’ve bought yourself, as it just adds to the already present patina.
Working a scheme around a pre-existing, traditional rug. Read more about this project here.
Purchasing a beautiful statement rug can be a great starting point for a space, a base of which to pick out highlights, and initiate the mood and feeling of the room. An Aztec design could help evoke a laissez faire, ‘undone’ boho feel, and could also lend itself to a British eclectic, well-travelled vibe. Whereas a burgundy Persian style, for example would work fabulously in a grand space with damask wallpaper and rich, heavy curtains, Chatsworth House style. But, conversely, would work wonderfully as a stand-out piece, juxtaposed in a minimal-modern setting.
As I’m currently in the market for a living room rug, (well I need a few actually) I’m reminding myself of the tips I’ve learned over the years, hoping that this might help you too.
Buy the largest you can afford
This is the standard, obvious tip. The larger the rug, the more elegant and luxurious it will look. Avoid the ‘rug island’ where possible, meaning the small rug ‘floating’ in the centre of the room, disconnected from any furniture sitting on it. We’re aiming for elements of furniture, or at least the front two sofa (or bed) legs to be positioned on the rug, as well as the coffee table, and maybe an occasional chair. And don’t forget when measuring up to allow clearance for door openings.
Absolutely no chance of the ‘rug island’ in this bohemian space, image via Decorist
Think about your layout
As mentioned, my layout preference is the two front sofa and chair(s) legs positioned on the rug so that there’s a bit of tension between the items, rather than all legs being fully aboard, OR some pieces fully on and some half and half. I also like an angled chair where possible to break formality, but this would depend on the room’s overall layout. The image below shows this balance perfectly.
Miami pink rug by The Rug Company, image via Living Etc
Size & Direction matters
The larger the rug, the more colour and pattern you will see, so the more luxurious it will look, giving your room an air of grandeur. In terms of width, allow an additional 20cm of rug each side of the sofa to avoid it looking cut off, or too small. Run the longest length of the rug against the length of your sofa, dining table, or largest piece of furniture in the room. But in the bedroom, change the direction so that it runs across the width of the bed, so the shortest length.
We can’t talk about rugs without talking about Wendy Morrison, designer of the most divine pieces, running alongside the longest edge of the dining table.
Traffic
Buy the best material you can afford and the most practical for the room. Wool, jute, cotton and hemp are some of the natural materials that feel so good underfoot, but the man-made materials including polypropylene and acrylic are such good value for money, stain resistant and colour fast. High traffic areas benefit from a low pile, as well as highly patterned pieces that hide all manner of sins (the spag bol being a favourite.) For lower traffic areas like the bedside or guest bedroom, shaggy, plush, velvet style rugs are a luxe option, like the berber in the image below.
Notice the layout: the rug direction runs alongside the shortest side of the bed, showing at least 20cm of spare rug on each bedside, This not only looks more luxurious but also gives your feet a treat in the morning.
Measure up
Before clicking ‘purchase’ double and triple check the size by mapping it out with masking tape on the floor - you wouldn’t believe what the size actually translates to in your room until you do this, and it’s a REAL pain to return a rug (I never have, but I have returned a mattress, which I imagine is a similar nightmare.)
Shades of dirt
The darker the main colour of the rug, or, if its very light, the more you’ll need to clean it. I once bought a black rug with a white Japanese blossom design - it was beautiful, but it drove me insane. You could see every speck of dust and dirt on the black AND the white areas, which meant I vacuumed it every other day. I don’t abide to vacuuming that often so I vowed never to buy a black (or white) rug again.
Not just for wooden floors and tiles
Rugs on wooden and tile floors look fantastic and despite what some experts say, I think they look just as fabulous on top of carpet - yes I said ON TOP of carpet. In my opinion, as long as the carpet underneath works with the rug on top then why the hell not?! Sophie Robinson proves that this can be done in a chic way. As the carpet underneath is a subdued neutral sisal, the bold floral rug sits proudly on top.
Image via Sophie Robinson
Expert Opinion
Some experts say not to run your carpet right the way up to a wall, but I see this very much of a personal choice. This this can look very eclectic & country style, which can look so good in a room full of antiques, heavy patterns and texture. Here’s a lesson from the bedroom interior of St Benedict Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Hastings, so why not take the rug edges right up to the walls when it looks this good?
St Benedict Victorian Bed & Breakfast, Hastings interior via Homes & Antiques magazine
Ultimately, each interior designer and stylist will have varying tips when purchasing items to finish your home. There really isn’t any right or wrong way, this is just a guide that I’ve put together based on the LLG aesthetic, one that’s developed over the years. Now time for my favourites with links below for ease of purchasing.
LLG Rug Rundown 1: A bold twist to your trads.
Shopping List
Linking you to some of my favourite statement rugs out there right now:
Key Shadow - The Rug Company
Distressed Traditional Rug - Multi - La Redoute
Chinese Garden of Virtue Rug - Wendy Morrison
Heriz Design Rug - iRugs
Classic Aubusson Rug - iRugs
Thistle gold rug - Vivienne Westwood - The Rug Company
Pink Carved Linear Rug - Asda
LLG Rug Rundown 2: Joyful, abstract & bold
Shopping List
Jiraya Berber-Style Rug - La Redoute
Ivica Kids Cotton Rug - La Reduote
Inaluxe Hey Ho Lets Go IX14 100% Wool Rug - Beige/Multi - La Redoute
Inaluxe Jazz rug - La Redoute
Witton Bright rug - Jonathan Sounders - The Rug Company
Habitat Handmade Oriental Inca Rug - Habitat at Argos
Take a look at the John Lewis Rug Buying Guide here which is really useful when it comes to understanding materials, and how they work in different areas in the home, as well as rug construction.
For help with your interior project, whether that be purchasing a rug or designing the full room, get in touch here to book in a consultation.
Cover Image via @jduncancampbell showing the Key Shadow rug from The Rug Company in situ.
