Rugs: A quick buyer’s guide with 25+ modern styling ideas (Shop now!)

In India, most households and offices use rugs to beautify their interiors. A rug holds the furniture in place and serves as the focal point in the room. Not only does it add warmth and comfort to your space, but it is also essential for any living room to feel cohesive. There are various types of rugs available online with some specifically designed for outdoor decks, gardens, living rooms, stairs, etc. Moreover, their way of manufacturing and material also makes them stand out beautifully from each other. DIY, machine-made, hand-knotted, and hooked rugs are some of the most popular types used in India. These rugs range from simple and modern to classic and designer pieces available in different sizes. 

In this article, we have provided a selection guide to help you pick the perfect rug to decorate your space. Also, we have provided a wide range of stunning buying options and decor ideas for your convenience. 

 

 

How to choose the right rug? 

 

Determine the size and shape 

The first thing you should consider when it comes to choosing the right rug for your room is the available floor space. Make sure that there is enough floor visible between the wall and the rug, but it isn’t too little. Following are a few guidelines you can adhere to for different rooms of the house:

 

Living room

While picking rugs for the living room, make sure that the front legs of the sofa and the adjoining armchairs are on the rug if your sofa is placed against the wall. In a spacious living room with a floating seating area, the rug should contain all furniture, including front and back sofa legs, with plenty of space around it. Typical rug sizes for the living room area are 4×6, 8×10, and 9×12. 

 

Bedroom

If you are choosing rugs for large rooms, opt for the wide ones that fit the entire area beneath the bed and night tables. In smaller rooms, the carpet should cover approximately one-third of the bed’s base. Otherwise, you can place small 4×6 area rugs on either side of the bed. 

 

Dining room

Firstly, refer to the size of the dining table. The rug should be at least 24 inches long on both sides, whether it is circular or rectangular in shape so that even a pushed-back chair can fit inside its confines. 

 

Also see: Carpets: Decoding cozy interiors with 41+ fab design ideas (Buy now!)

 

Kitchen

An 8×10, a 9×12, or a square/round rug that fills the room but leaves some space between the rug and cabinetry will likely be the right size to fill a large kitchen. If you want to draw attention to your sink or stove, opt for a rug size of 3×5 or 4×6 instead of a large area rug. 

 

Outdoors

Before thinking about different outdoor rug sizes, measure your layout. For instance, if your outdoor porch or deck includes extra furniture, consider putting a 3×5, 4×6, or 5×7 area rug under your glider, bench, or reclining chairs. Make use of synthetic fibre rugs for your outdoor deck as they keep dust at bay.

 

Pick a style 

When it comes to style, the selection is entirely dependent on the overall design goal and the application area. It’s up to you whether you want a bold statement or something more subtle. If you decide to go with a patterned carpet, you have many possibilities ranging from free-form contemporary to traditional. Otherwise, you can keep it simple with fewer patterns. 

 

Choose a material 

Rugs can be made of a variety of materials, such as natural fabrics, plant-based materials, synthetic materials, etc. With each material, the characteristics and the look vary and so does the price. For example, plant-based rugs are cheaper and provide an easy, casual aesthetic. 

 

Think about indoor-outdoor options 

Choosing an indoor-outdoor rug made of synthetic materials like solution-dyed acrylic, polypropylene, or PET (polyethene terephthalate) may be a good idea if spills and stains from kids and pets are a concern. These materials are soft and appealing which makes them difficult to distinguish from other high-end materials. These rugs are stain-resistant and can handle moisture which makes them a perfect option for outdoor decks or porches.

 

Types of rugs 

 

Based on material 

 

Wool 

 

woolen rugs for living room, sofa, cushion, indoor planter, plants, white walls
Stunning red woolen carpet to amp up your living room decor

Image Source: Ryan Christodoulou on Unsplash

 

It is one of the most popular and long-lasting materials used for making rugs. Woolen rugs are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms or dining rooms because they are durable, yet soft and comfortable. They can be found in a variety of pile heights and designs. Sometimes, they are blended with other fabrics to reduce the price because a rug made entirely of wool can be expensive. 

 

Jute and bamboo 

 

jute carpet, colourful spots on carpet, placed in a hall, orange coloured chair placed on it , side lamp, rugs for living room, outdoor rugs for decks
Statement making jute carpets for your minimal room

Image Source: Designer rugs

 

Rugs made up of natural materials like jute and bamboo may give any interior a beach-like feel. These are excellent options for areas that need texture. Moreover, their availability at a cheap cost online justifies their high popularity and demand. You can add some creativity and make DIY rugs by coiling ropes and mimicking the appearance on a far more reasonable budget.

 

Cotton 

 

printed cotton carpet, installed in your home space, red, black and beige prints on carpet, outdoor rugs for decks
Classic printed cotton carpet to elevate your flooring

Image Source: Amrasha Bafna on Behance 

 

Cotton is a great choice of material for a high-traffic area like an entryway, kitchen, or bathroom. Although affordable, cotton rugs are warm and comfortable. Most of them are machine-washable for convenience and should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid colour fading. 

 

Silk 

 

bold and designer silk carpet, luxurious room decor, centre table placed in the centre with a flower vase on it
Decorate your room with a bold and designer silk carpet that exudes luxury

Image Source: Designer rugs

 

This fabric adds a lustrous shine to a rug which makes it different from other materials. Silk rugs are extremely delicate and can be challenging to maintain, hence they are used in low-traffic areas. They are an expensive choice as they are associated with luxury. 

 

Synthetic fibre 

 

synthetic carpet, placed in hall for interior decor, traditional recliner chair placed on carpet, planter placed on floor, rugs for living room, outdoor rugs for decks
Soft and comfortable carpet made up of synthetic fibre

Image Source: Amazon Media

 

These rugs are often made entirely of polyester or from a combination of nylon and other synthetic fibres. The popularity of synthetic carpets has increased since they have advanced significantly and are difficult to distinguish from the ones made of natural fibres. Moreover, these rugs are the best options if you want to place them outdoors on your decks or porches.

 

Hair-on-hide  

 

modern country chic style room, unshaped hair on hide carpet, planter beside the sofa, warm wall light
Add beauty to your modern country-style room with hair-on-hide carpet

Image Souce: Ecowhides.com on Pinterest

 

Hair-on-hide rugs are composed of cut hide pieces sewn together to form a geometric design or are full-sized animal hides with an organic, uneven shape. Their smooth, short-pile texture gives the room a contemporary and rustic feel. These pieces work well in confined spaces, oddly shaped rooms, and lavish layering. 

 

Based on weaving 

 

Hand-knotted 

 

traditional hand knotted rugs for living room, DIY, white sofa, cushions, stool placed near sofa, plant placed on sofa
Hand knotted carpet adds traditional aesthetics to your room

Image Source: Paynes gray on Pinterest

 

Knotted rugs are manufactured with a unique type of loom that forms a design out of materials like silk, cotton, wool, and many more. Their value rises as they age. They are aesthetically pleasing and resilient; in fact, many knotted rugs are handcrafted. 

 

Flatweave or Kilim or Dhurrie 

 

beautiful dhurrie carpet with beige and black colour combination, ottoman placed on the carpet, a chair and study table beside, planter, rugs for living room
Enhance your room’s decor with a flatweave carpet

Image Source: Overstock on Pinterest

 

Flatweave rugs are woven on looms. These are very delicate and thin due to their manufacturing style. Moreover, these are reversible and allow you to use either side as required. Most of the time, the design patterns of flatweave carpets are the same on both sides.  

 

Handloom 

 

grey and white coloured handloom carpet, placed in a hall, grey coloured sofa, a classic chair, planter besides sofa
Elevate your living room interiors by adding beautiful handloom carpets

Image Source: Shopify

 

One of the most economical types, handloom rugs are easy to clean and maintain. Traditionally, handloom carpets are made by hand on a vertical loom with a mounted warp. They typically have a low to medium pile with a canvas backing. 

 

Machine-made 

 

beige coloured machine made carpet, placed in a hall, glass centre table placed on carpet, off-white sofa
Design your living room floor with gorgeous machine-made carpets

Image Source: Paynes gray on Pinterest

 

Compared to handcrafted or DIY rugs, machine-made ones are manufactured quickly. They are a blend of wool and other materials like polyester, art silk, acrylic as well as synthetic fibres. Additionally, these are more affordable than hand-knotted carpets because they need less time and effort to manufacture. They have a lifespan of 20 years or less, depending entirely on the type of fabric used. 

 

Hooked or DIY rugs

 

beautiful hand woven carpet, placed in a hall, white coloured planter placed in corner
Beautify your home interiors by adding hooked or DIY rugs to your floor

Image Source: Handmakers

 

Hooked rugs have a little rustic appearance that preserves their flaws and natural bumps since they are manufactured by weaving yarn threads together with a crochet hook. They can last up to 10 years but are very delicate and have a shorter lifespan than other carpets. You can also try your hands at crocheting to make your own unique DIY rugs at home. The secret of making  DIY rugs is to wrap your scraps of cloth tightly using sturdy twine. 

 

Based on rooms 

 

Living room 

 

luxurious hall, chandelier, beige coloured carpet, chairs and a centre table placed on it, fire place, book shelf
Add comfort and beauty to your luxurious living room with a classic carpet

Image Source: Spacejoy on Unsplash

 

When you select rugs for the living room, opt for materials that complement your personal style and the room’s decor. Simply put, it depends on how and what you want them to be in relation to the walls, furniture, and upholstery. There are numerous options you can choose from depending on your budget. 

 

Bedroom 

 

pastel pink bedroom, beautiful 4x6 area rug on a side of the bed, kids room decor, false ceiling and wall lights
Pretty pink kids room with a 4×6 area carpet

Image Source: Mennahh Akram Azez on Behance

 

The bedroom is unquestionably the most relaxing area in the house and a rug placed under the bed can add to the cosy vibe. You can pick a vibrantly printed carpet that would serve as the focal point of your space, contrasting with the design of your bedroom. Also, a pastel-coloured rug would be a better choice for a warm appearance. You can get a smaller 4×6 area rug for the kids’ rooms because they are more likely to misplace it. 

 

Kitchen 

 

4x6 area rug, placed in kitchen, modern kitchen design, cabinets, outdoor rugs
Design your modern kitchen with a patterned or DIY rug

Image Source: Beazy on Unsplash

 

There are different types of non-fibre-based rugs available, especially for kitchens. They are cushioned and have a pleasant touch with an even mat-like texture. Additionally, they provide the padding your feet require after standing for extended periods. Although adding them to the kitchen is a great design choice, be sure you have enough patience to wipe up any daily spills. 

 

Dining area 

 

elegant white carpet under the dining table, wooden furniture, white chair, flower setting on table
Enhance your dining area with an elegant white carpet

Image Source: Plushrugs on Pinterest

 

Compared to the kitchen, this is a safer location for a rug. An expensive carpet in the dining room enhances the style quotient and exudes luxury. Additionally, this delicate installation can pull a room together and complements your home decor 

 

Bathrooms 

 

orange coloured printed carpet for bathroom, all white bathroom with a biophilic touch, planters, mirror
Add carpets to your spacious bathroom design for a cohesive look

Image Source: Etsy

 

Small bathrooms shouldn’t have rugs, but you can put one in spacious bathrooms in the dry area to keep your feet clean. Keep smaller, thinner rugs close to the entrance of the bathroom door, or just outside the shower or bathtub, to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. A 4×6 area rug is ideal for most bathrooms. 

 

Hallways and staircase 

 

bold and royal carpet for your staircase, blue coloured carpet, classic blue and white colour combination, wall decoration with show piece and wallpaper
Make your staircase showy with some royal and beautiful carpets

Image Source: Ideal home on Pinterest

 

You might think covering the entire staircase with rugs is a bit of the top attempt, but designers believe placing a thick one just at the bottom of the stairs is a great idea. A good carpet is also a terrific element to draw attention to any accessory-free area. For a long hallway connected to the staircase, a rug running down the centre of the space, also known as a runner rug, can serve as additional decoration. This provides protection and also adds value to your home’s decor. 

 

Shop for beautiful rugs to make your interiors visually appealing 

 

Wooden Street Ivory Soft Shaggy Carpet-6×4 feet

all white living room, white shaggy 6x4 area rug, small wooden table placed on it, indoor planter besides

B U Y  H E R E 

 

West Elm Watermark Premium Viscose

living room decor, round blue coloured rug, chairs with sleek legs placed on it, hanging light above the rug, outdoor rugs for decks

B U Y  H E R E 

 

BoConcept Juliet Rugs

classic dining area decor, beige coloured carpet, chairs with sleek wooden leg placed on it, wooden dining table, outdoor rugs for decks

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Overstock Outdoor Rugs For Decks – Safavieh

round rugs with royal prints, reclining chair placed on it, blue coloured carpet with prints, outdoor rugs for decks

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Pepperfry Red Cotton Screen Printed Hand Woven 6 x 4 Feet Dhurrie

beautiful living room decor, cotton red coloured printed rug in the centrre, furniture placeed on it, sunlight entering into house from the central window, indoor planter

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Ikea Stockholm

kitchen design, wooden laminated cabinets, dining area in the centre, striped rug, hanging light above the table

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Obeetee Carpets Gulabi Hand Knotted Woolen and Cotton

gorgeous pink coloured hand knotted carpet, placed in a living room, storage cabinet, lamp and flower vase placed on cabinet

B U Y  H E R E 

 

My Trident Classic Area Rugs 4X6 FT

4x6 area rug, placed in a bedroom, black and beige coloured carpet

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Hatsu Loops

beige coloured room, beige coloured carpet in the centre, wooden flooring, glass door, photo frames hanging on wall, table placed near the carpet, out door rugs for decks

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Jaipur Rugs Inde Rose

royal carpet, chair placed on it, pastel coloured carpet, outdoor rugs for decks

B U Y  H E R E 

 

Conclusion 

Rugs are an excellent option for interior decoration. They are available in many different styles, colours, patterns, and aesthetics. Moreover, they can instantly add life to your room, making the atmosphere cosy. However, finding the ideal one might be a difficult task. You can choose the best type of rug for your floors by taking factors like comfort, durability, texture, maintenance, etc. into consideration. 

Since there are numerous varieties available ranging from hand-tufted rugs for the living room and DIY rugs for the bedroom to outdoor rugs for decks, analyze each style so that you know what to look for while choosing one. Also, if you are planning to invest in any style of rug, you can choose lovely designs from various options available depending on your budget. You can also choose the best rug from our top buying options listed above based on your personal sense of style to enhance your floors. 

 

*The featured image used in this article is from Treelight Design

 

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Mukul Jain

Mukul Jain is a home-improvement enthusiast. He has an active interest in solutions meant to ease the way we live in our homes, work in our offices and relax in outdoor built-up spaces. Talk to him for a few minutes and you can’t miss his passion for building and home-improvement products. He believes that sound product knowledge coupled with good aesthetic sense is the key to quality built-up spaces. Mukul comes from a rich background of core building materials ecosystem, consulting and now, for many years – in writing and editorial roles.

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