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Inspiration & Tips/Care advice & Guides/Rug guide – How to choose the right rug
Levels wool rug Stripes beige from NJRD is a luxurious rug for the living in our guide to choosing the right rug.

Finding the right rug for your home: Tips for rugs for the living room, bedroom and dining room

Do you need help choosing the right rug? Our rug guide will help you with care advice and how to choose the right size and placement of your new rug in your bedroom, living room or dining area to create the perfect balance in your home!
Updated on 19 February 2025
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1. Rugs for the living room: combine cosiness and style

The living room is often the centre of a home, a place to relax and socialise. The right rug can make the room feel bigger, define different areas and create the right atmosphere. 

Tips for choosing a rug for the living room: 

  • Size: Ideally the rug should be large enough to extend under the entire seating area, if this is not possible make sure you are able to comfortably place the front legs of your seating furniture on the rug.
  • Material: Natural materials such as wool or cotton are durable, easy to care for and most importantly they are soft and easy to sink your feet into.
  • Colours: Subtle patterns and neutral colours blend harmoniously into any room, while statement rugs with eye-catching designs can help highlight accent features.  

2. Choosing a rug for the bedroom: comfort for the first steps in the morning

Cosiness is the top priority in the bedroom. Something soft and comfortable to sink your feet into first thing in the morning will set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Tips for choosing a rug for the bedroom: 

  • Size: In the bedroom you have two main options when it comes to the size of the rug. Go bigger than you think. A large rug that extends all the way under the bed and the bedside tables will increase the cosy feeling. Alternatively you could choose something slightly smaller that meets the bedside tables at the top of the bed. Regardless which size you go for remember to make sure the rug extends on all sides of the bed evenly for a sense of harmony.
  • Material: High-pile rugs or variants made of wool offer extra comfort.
  • Colours: Soft, calming colours such as beige, grey or pastel shades underline the relaxing atmosphere in the bedroom. 

@hemmahosfalk

3. Choosing a rug for the dining room: practical and stylish at the same time

In the dining area, the rug not only needs to look good, but it should also be functional. It should be easy to clean and hard-wearing to withstand the challenges of everyday life. 

Tips for choosing a rug for your dining room: 

  • Size: A dining room rug should be large enough for all the chairs to still stand on the rug even when they are pushed back.
  • Material: A flat woven wool rug is a great choice of material for a dining room rug, alternatively synthetic materials are ideal as they are easy to clean.
  • Colours: Patterns or mottled designs can work well in the dining room as they conceal any stains and ensure a long-lasting, attractive appearance. 

4. The right shape and placement 

The shape of the rug should be based on the furniture and the size of the room. A rectangular rug fits well under groups of sofas or dining tables, a round or oval rug can be hard to place, but in the right situation they can provide an interesting focal point in a room. Long, narrow rugs, known as runners, are suitable for narrow corridors and hallways, or you could even place on either side of the bed. 

An illustration of how to place furniture around your rug in the living room in our guide to choosing the right rug.

5. Bringing in colour and patterns 

The choice of colour should be based on the existing furnishings. Natural tones such as beige, grey or earth tones are timeless and go with almost any style, whereas bold colours and patterns can create a focal point and bring excitement to a room. 

6. Care tips - how to keep your rug looking its best

Choosing the right material not only affects the look of your rug, but also how you care for it. Here you will find an overview of the most common types of rugs and tips on how to care for it: 

Wool:  

Wool rugs are incredibly durable, dirt-repellent and ideal for living and dining rooms.

  • Wool rugs usually do not need to be washed, but should be vacuumed regularly at least once a week to maintain quality. 
  • Vacuum both on top and under your carpet to prevent dirt from causing wear and tear on the floor and the underside of the rug. 
  • Remove easy stains with a damp cloth with lukewarm water and a little bile or mild soap, otherwise professional washing is recommended. 
  • Avoid dry cleaning that will dry out the fibres in the carpet. 

 

Viscose rugs: 

Viscose rugs are soft and feel luxurious, making them ideal for the living room or bedroom, but they can sensitive.

  • Viscose rugs do not withstand liquid spills well - use textile impregnation to protect the rugs from all types of stains and liquids. 
  • Professional washing is recommended but do not dry clean 
  • Vacuum your rug as needed and "comb" without a brush to get rid of excess lint 
  • Never fold your rug to store it, as viscose rugs get permanent folds. 
  • Remember that heavy furniture can leave traces on the carpet
  • Do not fold or dry clean 

Deep-pile & rya rugs 

These carpets create a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

  • Vacuum regularly in the direction of the fringe to reduce wear.
  • Rotate the carpet so that the fringe wears evenly.
  • Remove stains immediately and do not leave the carpet damp for a long time.
  • Vacuum regularly under your carpet to prevent dirt from getting under the carpet, which can cause wear and tear on both carpet and floor.

 

Jute rugs 

Perfect for hallways or dining areas as they are hard-wearing and less sensitive to stains.

  • Vacuum at regular intervals on both sides to avoid wear and tear on the floor if dirt or gravel has ended up under the rug. 
  • Jute rugs are sensitive to water - vacuum, shake and air the rug regularly to keep it clean. 
  • Rotate the rug for even wear.
  • Did you know that jute mats are biodegradable and can be recycled! 

Plastic rugs 

Ideal for kitchens or entrance areas as they are dirt-repellent and durable. 

  • Vacuum your plastic rug regularly on both sides to reduce wear on the floor and rug. 
  • Plastic mats are machine washable. 
  • Remove stains with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. 
  • Do not tumble dry or spin your rug. 

 

Cotton & rag rugs 

Hard-wearing and often machine washable - perfect for the kitchen or hallway. 

  • NOTE: cotton and rag rugs shrink easily after washing - therefore choose a slightly larger size. 
  • Remove easy stains with a damp cloth with lukewarm water and a little bile or mild soap. 
  • Avoid dry cleaning as this dries out the fibres in the carpet - use a professional wash service or hand wash your rug if it cannot withstand machine washing.

The perfect rug for your home 

Choosing the right rug depends on a number of factors: room function, material, size and style. By considering these elements carefully, you can find a rug that not only fits your space but also elevates it. Whether you're looking for a cosy foundation for your living room or a statement piece for your hallway, the right rug can transform a space with both style and function. 

 

Photos: Angeliqa Daldorph Nielsen, Elof Martinsson, Classic Collection, @hemmahosfalk, Muuto, Layered, Northern, Blomus, Brita Sweden

Anja Wahnig
Author

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