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In interior design, one accessory can tie-in all the furniture in a room together – the rug or carpet. A rug or carpet can immediately transform the overall look of a room by adding any dimension – from classy to contemporary and colour to comfort. But to create the right look and a refreshing ambience, you must select the most appropriate rug or carpet in the perfect colour, size, shape, texture, and budget. Here is how to choose the right rug for your home.

The difference between a rug and a carpet

A rug and carpet are essentially the same, the only real difference being the size. Usually, a rug is not more than 40 square feet or 6 feet in length. Also, a rug can be easily moved around, while a carpet may be affixed to the floor, stretching from wall to wall. In India, the two terms are often used interchangeably for floor coverings. Be it the hand-knotted silk carpet of Kashmir, the traditional woven carpet of Varanasi, or the silk-wool carpet from Jaipur, these handmade rugs have become a favourite designer tool for several top interior designers in India.

How to choose the right rug

Finding the perfect rug for a room is always a challenge. If you have ever wondered what to consider before buying a rug, here are a few basic things to keep in mind while shopping for living room rugs, bedroom rugs and other rugs: –

1. Size

1. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to buying the perfect rug. How to choose a rug size depends on the dimensions of the room. Ideally, the rug should contain the furniture or at least the front and back legs of the furniture while leaving sufficient space to move around it. In a large room, multiple rugs can also help to segregate or delineate one area from the other. For reference, some recommended rugs by room size are:
   Room size 14’ x 17’ – Rug size 12’ x 15’
   Room size 11’ x 14’ – Rug size 9’ x 12’
   Room size 10’ x 12’ – Rug size 8’ x 10’
   Room size 7’ x 10’ – Rug size 5’ x 8’
   Room size 5’ x 7’ – Rug size 3’ x 5′
   
   
2. Material
   Rugs are made from natural fibres like silk, wool, cotton, linen, jute, sisal, and synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene. Purpose, durability, maintenance, price, and factors like pet-friendly, stain-resistant indoor-outdoor will determine the rug material best suited to create a modern liveable space. For example, an expensive pure silk carpet can enhance a luxurious feel in a formal living room, while a woollen carpet can bring warmth to the bedroom. Area rugs for hardwood floors with rug pads can prevent scratches. Today, expensive handmade rugs, like a modern art form, are being passed down through generations.

3. Plain or Patterned
   Plain or patterned, the rug is a defining feature of the room. The size of a room determines whether to use a solid-colour rug or a rug with patterns. When choosing between a patterned or solid-colour rug, consider balance and how it will fit into the rest of the space. Here are some guidelines:

For a large room, use big and bold patterns, but for smaller rooms choose smaller repetitive patterns.

For a narrow room, select a striped carpet.

Avoid busy patterns if walls or furniture have bright colours.

If the room has textured walls or antique carved furniture, use solid colour rugs or rugs with subtle patterns.

4. Style
   There are three main styles of rugs – Traditional, Contemporary, and Bohemian. While traditional Persian and Oriental handmade rugs are expensive and often heirloom pieces, Contemporary mid-century, coastal, country, and farmhouse rugs are more for day-to-day use. Bohemian rugs like Kilims, Dhurries, and Ikat express a free-spirited aesthetic with an eclectic style. Identify the requirement of the room and aesthetic of choice and mix and match to find a unique balance.
   
   
5. Colours
   Don’t be inundated with questions like – should a rug be lighter or darker than a couch, which is the best carpet for living room, how to choose rug colour for bedroom? The colour of your area rug will set the tone for the entire room and help the eyes move to the right place. So, select a rug colour to complement or contrast the décor. Rooms with colour and patterns in the walls and ceiling can use a rug with neutral tones or a single colour. In interior design, muted colour rugs complement bright colour schemes and vice versa. Likewise, black and white rugs add a contemporary look to any room. Hand-knotted coloured rugs with an abrash (rainbow or spectrum) effect add character to a space.
   
   
6. Pile
   The “pile” of a rug denotes the density or thickness of the rug. Low-pile rugs or flat weaves are perfect in high-traffic areas such as entry foyers, hallways, and kitchens. High-pile rugs like Moroccan Rugs with taller, looser fibers are more suited for cozy bedrooms and living rooms.
   
   
7. Indoor-Outdoor
   Rugs look good not only in entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, but outdoors too. You can use a colourful outdoor rug on a balcony, deck, or porch to spruce up the outdoor space and make it look warm and homey. As long as the rug or carpet is weather-proof and durable, you don’t have to worry about it.

Carpets and rugs have become an essential part of home interiors in India. Now, that you know the basics for choosing the best carpet for your home, it is time to start looking for Jaipur rugs, original Kashmiri carpets and more. Also, think how to care for your carpet before investing in one. Adding a carpet or rug is the best way to recreate a tranquil ambience and luxurious surface.