The Real Rug Company Guide to choosing the perfect rug.

A well chosen rug can transform a dull or unwelcoming room in to an exciting and friendly space.

Here are some things to think about when choosing:

SIZE - click here for our handy size guide

COLOUR - Light coloured rugs will make a room feel more spacious, while deeper colours will makea room feel more cozy.

TRAFFIC - If your rug is to go in the bedroom or somewhere in the house where only barefoot people go, then the wonderful feeling of a thick flokati or shag rug is unbeatable. If your rug will receive heavy traffic, it is better to go for a heavily patterned one which will require less maintenance.

SETTING - In general if you have patterned wallpaper and furnishings then a plainer rug will look better. If you have plain walls and furniture than a more patterned and colourful rug might be better.

SPACES - Rugs are a brilliant way of dividing up a room, and defining areas. For example: dining , sofa (coffee table) , work desk , could all be in the same room, and three well chosen rugs will define these areas and make the space feel more organised and useful.

FIBRE - Choose wool. It is the best fibre for rugs. Pure wool will not stain (unless you are boiling the stain in).. it wears well and gets softer and better with time. No artificial fibres come close. Silk is nice for rugs with less traffic as the designs can be stunning, but in general choose wool.

SHAPE - Usually a rectangular rug is good , but it is worth considering round rugs - especially if you have a round coffee table or a square (rather than rectangular) space where you want a rug