Rugs buying guide: the best and coolest rugs for your home
Looking for the coolest rugs or the best rugs that will sweep you off your feet? Good. Because we're nice, we've done the hard work for you and have put together the best rugs around, so you don't have to endlessly search for one that fits your needs. Whether you're after a cosy number for your bedroom or a statement piece for your lounge, we believe there are just 4 simple steps to master when buying a rug – follow those and you're laughing. Oooh, we're good to you.
What material should you go for?
With an array of the coolest rugs on offer, deciding on the right one can be tricky business. From hand-woven to hand-knotted, jute to cotton and wool galore, there’s a multitude of materials to choose from. Size, texture, and colour all play a part, and with so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t stress – we’ve got you covered with expert tips to make choosing the perfect rug simple.
Wool
Renowned for its longevity and natural resistance to wear, wool rugs make the best rugs for high traffic areas of the house, such as hallways and living rooms. Minimal cleaning required, bonus!
Cotton
Durable yet soft, a cotton rug is a fail-safe option, suitable for all areas of your home. Cotton allows for tightly woven designs, making a cotton rug the perfect place to start if a statement piece is what you're after.
Jute
Known for its delicate fabrication, jute rugs are the best rugs for the bedroom or home office. Place one at the end of your bed for maximum comfort.
Sisal
Strong, hardwearing and minimally designed, a sisal rug will slot perfectly into your living space or hallway. Opt for a large scale sisal rug to protect your flooring and tie the room together.
Viscose
If a luxe look is what you're after, then you might want to experiment with viscose. Boasting a high shine finish, viscose rugs are easy to hoover, making them ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Big or small?
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Are you wanting to fill the entire room with a statement piece, or simply define a specific area within the space for a cosy, curated feel? The size and placement of your rug can completely transform the look and flow of a room, so getting it right matters. A well-chosen rug can anchor your furniture, create visual balance, and even make a small space feel larger. Discover our floorplans designed to inspire you and help you nail the perfect layout the first time – because when it comes to the best rugs, precision is everything.
Living room
Spacious living spaces with floating seating areas go hand-in-hand with supersized rugs. Small living spaces however, do not. Opt for a compact rectangular rug to add a bit of comfort in a space-restricted living room.
Dining room
Ideally, you want to ensure that your dining furniture sits generously on top of the rug, even when chairs are pulled out. The shape of the rug you pick should be determined by whether you have a rectangular or circular dining table.
Hallway
Narrow, long and durable should be your hallway criteria. Opt for a runner with eye-catching appeal, as after all, this'll be the first thing your guests see when they enter your home. Make sure it's a good sight.
Bedroom
The world is your oyster when it comes to the coolest bedroom rugs. For smaller bedrooms, opt for 2 runners either side of the bed. For spacious bedrooms, choose a rug that's large enough to hold both the bed and bedside tables.
Those all important finishing touches
Now you've nailed the most important part and are smugly awaiting the arrival of the dreamiest, coolest rug, it's time to bag some seriously stylish finishing touches to give your room that chic overhaul it so deserves.
Cushions
"I have too many cushions", said no-one ever. Pick out one donimant colour from your rug and play matchy-matchywith your soft furnishings. Cushions will tie the whole look together.
Throws & blankets
As soft as some rugs may look, sadly you can't snuggle up in them – so that's where soft furnishings come into play. When shopping for throws, pick shades that match your rug and drape over your sofa to create one cohesive colour scheme.
Side tables
A side table is a living room must-have, so snap up a statement that'll match your chosen rug nicely. Top it off with a coffee table book and a candle (or two) and there you have it – a cosy space to enjoy after a long day of work.
Furniture
Now for the pieces that really pull your room together... a posh piece of furniture (minus the posh price tag). From cosy chairs to stools and stylish storage solutions – we've got it all.
Taking care of your rug (the boring bit)
We regret to inform you that, unlike cats, rugs aren’t actually self-cleaning. As much as we wish they were, even the best rugs need a little TLC to stay looking their best. The good news? Keeping your rug fresh doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow our no-fuss rug cleaning guide and incorporate these three simple steps into your regular cleaning routine to keep your rug vibrant, hygienic, and a true sparkly-clean showstopper in your space.
Wash it
Rugs should always be cleaned when flat, using a water-based shampoo. Blot spills with a clean towel, never rub. We repeat, never rub. Always allow your rug to dry fully before returning to the floor.
Vacuum it
Regular vacuuming of your rug is recommended. Simply flip your rug over, hoover the back, shake it out and return to the floor before hoovering the front thoroughly.
Brush it
For handwoven and hand-knotted pieces, regularly brush your rug to maintain its fibre lustre. Once a week should do the trick.
The best rugs for stairs
Choosing the best rugs for stairs means balancing style with safety. As one of the most high-traffic areas in the home, staircases require rugs that are durable, low-profile, and designed to stay firmly in place. Non-slip materials, textured backings, or the use of rug pads are essential to prevent shifting and reduce the risk of slips.
Runners are often considered the best rug option for stairs, offering consistent coverage while keeping step edges visible. Low-pile wool or tightly woven rugs work particularly well, as they provide comfort underfoot without adding bulk. When selected carefully, the best rugs for stairs enhance your staircase while delivering long-lasting performance and everyday practicality.
Convenient washable rugs
Washable rugs are a practical choice for busy homes with kids, pets, or both. Designed to handle everyday spills, muddy paws, and high traffic, these rugs make it easy to keep your space clean without compromising on style. When choosing pet friendly rugs, look for durable, low-pile materials that can be easily machine washed or spot cleaned.
Synthetic fibres like polyester and recycled blends are popular options for washable area rugs, as they’re lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to stains. Flatwoven designs also work well, helping to prevent dirt from getting trapped while making regular washing simple. With the right materials, washable and pet friendly rugs offer a stress-free solution for maintaining a fresh, family-friendly home.
Vintage & antique rugs
Vintage rugs and antique-style designs bring character, history, and individuality into a living space. Whether it’s an old-school rug passed down through generations or a one-of-a-kind charity shop find, these pieces often become instant conversation starters, adding depth and personality to your living room.
With their worn textures, intricate patterns, and timeless appeal, vintage-style rugs pair beautifully with both modern and traditional interiors. A well-chosen vintage rug can ground a room, tell a story, and create a sense of warmth that newer pieces simply can’t replicate.
Sustainable rugs
Sustainable rugs are an increasingly popular choice for those looking to decorate more consciously without sacrificing style. Made from materials such as recycled fibres, organic cotton, jute, or responsibly sourced wool, these rugs help reduce environmental impact while still offering durability and comfort. It's that comfort, infact, that makes them one of the best rug choices for bedrooms. Nice.
It's worth considering brands that prioritise ethical production and long-lasting design. Well-made sustainable rug options not only support responsible practices but also bring natural texture and timeless appeal into your home.
