What are the different types of rugs?

The right rug can be the keystone of your room design; the unifying piece that ties together other design elements into a cohesive look. But with so many different rug types, sizes and rug materials, how do you choose the perfect one for your space? There’s plenty to consider, from understanding your personal style, the room’s function, to practical needs like durability and maintenance.

We’ve got you covered with this easy guide to help you find the perfect rug for your space.

What type of rug is the most popular?

From classic to contemporary styles, the most popular type of rug depends on your aesthetic, needs, and the space you're decorating. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular rug styles, colours, and materials, and explore how each one could work in your home.

Rug styles to suit your space

A stylish rug will complement (and often complete) the look and feel of your space. Understanding the different types of rugs can help you decide which one is most suited to your aesthetic. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

For modern and minimalist spaces, abstract patterns or bold geometric designs act as a feature piece.
For a timeless look, hand-loomed rugs with intricate and unique patterns are ideal in creating an elegant aesthetic.
For a natural design, fibres like jute or hemp elevate a naturalistic space.

What colour rugs are popular?

Neutral hues are often some of the most popular rug colours, as they act as a blank canvas to build your look upon. Creams, whites, greys and shades of beige work well with almost any decor style. You can also choose to evoke feelings of calm and serenity with earthy tones like soft blues, muted grey-greens, and the grounding warmth of terracotta. There's also a growing trend for vibrant colours that add drama and depth to your room design. Bold and deeply saturated jewel tones can give an air of glamour and sophistication. Think rich emerald greens, sapphire blues, canary yellow, ruby red, and amethyst purple reminiscent of the Art Deco era.

Finding the right size rug for your space

Choosing the right size rug is essential to defining the space and achieving your desired aesthetic. It’s not just about filling up the space, it’s about defining the areas within your room and making sure everything feels balanced.

To begin, measure your room. Think about how the rug will sit with your furniture, and whether you want the whole space filled or just a section. Too small, and the rug will seem out of place, too big and you may overwhelm the room. Here are a few easy tips to help you decide which rug size is best for your rooms:

Under a dining table: Your rug should extend about 60-80cm beyond the table on all sides to cater for the chairs. This creates a clean and cohesive look that complements your dining room’s centrepiece.
Under a bed: Aim for a border of at least 30cm around the edges of your bed, depending on the size of your bedroom. In smaller rooms, rugs can also be positioned to extend just at the sides or foot of the bed for a stylish touch.
Living rooms: If you have a larger living room, aim for a rug that can fit all of your furniture with a small border as this will help create a cohesive look. If you’re on the cosier side, place the rug under the front legs of your sofa and chairs to anchor the area.
Larger areas: Rugs assist in making distinct zones in bigger spaces. Try using a larger rug in the living area and a smaller one in the dining area to visually divide the zones, ultimately making the room feel more spacious.

The different rug material types

There are many different types of rug materials that can offer unique qualities, depending on what you’re looking for. The fabric will affect the rug texture, durability, and price, so it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each type. Here’s a closer look at the two main categories of rug materials: natural and synthetic fibres.

Natural rug fibres

Natural fibre rugs are a great choice for those looking to add an organic vibe to their space. Originating from renewable resources, they are soft and comfortable underfoot and have the ability to hold dye. With a wide range of design possibilities, these rugs are a popular choice for their texture, warmth, and timeless appeal. Here are a few popular rug fibres and their benefits:

Wool: Naturally flame retardant, warm in the winter, and keeps cool in the summer. It’s durable, holds colour well and resists most stains. Notably, wool rugs have the natural ability to shed lightly, ensuring that your rug keeps fresh for years to come.
Cotton: Soft and strong, cotton is great for its bright colours, low-maintenance, light weight and versatility. This makes it ideal for casual spaces or places where you want a cosy look and feel.
Jute: Eco-friendly, affordable and brings an organic, textured look to every space. It’s soft to the touch, and like all other natural items, requires a bit more care - so be sure to keep it out of the sun and clean it regularly.
Hemp: Strong, resistant to fading and wear, eco-friendly, with a lovely rustic appeal. This fibre also has a range of finishes (coarse to soft), so you can decide what your space needs.

Synthetic and semi-synthetic rug fibres

Man-made synthetic rugs are generally more affordable than natural fibres. Generally they are hard wearing, being engineered for durability, resistance to stains, moisture, and fading. They are a great budget-friendly option, and ideal for high-traffic areas and busy households. Some of the more popular synthetic fibres include:

Viscose: Known for its silky, smooth texture, this semi-synthetic material often used to add a subtle shimmer to rugs. It’s best used as a complement to other materials, and in low-traffic areas.

Acrylic: Super soft, acrylic is great for adding a splash of colour to your space, resistant to fading and lightweight. This fibre suits lower-traffic areas, like the bedroom or lounges, the best - enjoy softness and low-effort care.
Polypropylene pile: Available in BCF (recyclable) and heat-set, these affordable and durable options are great if you need a low-maintenance rug that stands up to spills and wear. This fibre can also be finished to mirror the look of more expensive natural fibres - so you can get the aesthetics you want, without the stressful price tags.
Polyester: Often found in shag rugs, polyester is soft, shiny and low-shed. Ideal if you love a plush-feel that is affordable.

Other things to consider when looking at rug types

Choosing the right rug is about more than just size, colour and material. It’s important to pick a style that fits your current interior design, while also taking into account your evolving tastes, and the overall use of the space. For instance:

A more neutral rug base can easily adapt to new decor, allowing you to switch things up without having to redo the entire rug-purchasing process.
If you have kids, pets, or heavy foot-traffic areas - then make sure you choose a rug that can withstand daily wear and tear.
And don’t forget maintenance - rugs that are easy to clean and care for will save you ample time down the road.
Consider a rug pad to keep it in place, protect your floors and extend its life.

Read more about choosing the perfect rug size, or the benefits of a bedroom rug head on over to our blog.

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