How to include rugs in your design schemes

by Ana McCreath

Flooring is an intrinsic part of interior design and must not be neglected. If not given attention floors can seem bland spaces and can make the scheme look incomplete. One way to bring in interest is by using rugs to add colour, texture and design. There are plenty of choices from plains with borders to oriental, antique rugs or even custom-weave to needlepoints.

If you are designing from scratch, building your scheme around a rug could be the best opportunity to ensure that it will look right with the décor of the room. It is often more challenging to bring a rug in to a finished scheme, though this is not impossible. It helps to remember that quality oriental pieces are one-offs and sometimes there may need to be a compromise on either size or design, so keep an open mind. Often adding a rug as a finishing touch might just be the thing needed to pull the look together.

Another thing to bear in mind is your lifestyle. Are there young children and pets to consider ? If so, it would be wise to opt for rugs that are easy to maintain and will hide signs of life and wear.

Although there are many pitfalls when purchasing rugs, here are some key points to remember.

Handmade rugs are available in varying qualities, and of course, it would be prudent to select the best quality that one can afford. You will also want to ensure that you are dealing with reputable dealers especially if you are looking for investment quality pieces. Researching and knowing more about the rug's origin will also help you decide with confidence. Lastly, reputable suppliers will issue a certificate of authenticity. This gives peace of mind on the purchase. You should also submit this to your home contents insurers for inclusion.

If you would like to see some examples of quality rugs within interior design schemes, visit our showroom’s reception rooms to see them in situ. We can also help you choose the perfect rug that will no doubt add a finishing touch to your room design.