GETTING IT RIGHT WITH RUGS

Decorative rugs and runners have found a renewed status in the arena of thoughtful design for both the home and commercial environment. In an era of open plan living, they are an effective way to define spaces and create pathways with an artistic and aesthetic appeal. With the increasing use of hard floors such as stone, concrete, tiles and wood, rugs can also be an effective way to soften a room’s acoustics, while also introducing texture, mood, colour and personality.

The following information will provide you with some useful guidelines and advice to help you find the perfect rug.

SIZE MATTERS

 LET’S MEASURE UP

Think about your space. Are you using a rug to fill a whole room, to define the seating or dining area within a larger room, or to add colour and texture to a bedroom or hallway? Once you’ve decided, measure the space, including in your notes the maximum and minimum dimensions.

 BEDROOMS

For a cohesive look, place a large rug under the bed remembering that only pattern or colour at the outer part of the rug will be visible. If you prefer a more layered, eclectic look, use smaller rugs on either side and/or at the foot of the bed.

Helpful tip: Promote rest and relaxation in the bedroom by choosing rugs with calming colours and subtle

 DINING ROOMS

If you’re placing a rug under a dining table, it should be wide enough that the chairs are completely on the rug even when guests are not only seated, but also when they are getting into or out of their seat. This usually means allowing an extra 60-80cm each side of the table.

Helpful tip: A rug can be an effective way to define the dining area in an open plan space

 LIVING SPACES

If you’re placing a rug in a small room and using it to cover most of the floor space, as an alternative to fitted carpet, make sure you leave a reasonable gap (at least 20-30cm) between the rug and the walls on all sides. If you’re using a rug in a seating area, there are a few options. A large rug with all the furniture sitting on it will make your room feel more expansive. If your rug (or your budget) doesn’t stretch that far, just put the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug to anchor the space. A floating rug can also work as long as it’s in proportion to the furniture.

 RUNNERS

When measuring for a hall runner, don’t forget to factor in door clearance and any furniture you need to accommodate. Think too, about how much floor you wish to have showing at either side of your runner.

Many homes open directly into a hallway, so it’s important this area sets the mood. If the architecture is formal, perhaps a runner with a traditional design will work. If it’s more contemporary, you could go for something bolder. A hallway is often an isolated space, so decorate it in a way that will put a smile on your face.

There are runners in just about every style and colour you can imagine. Head out to a showroom and have a little fun. You are, after all, buying art for your floor.

Please note that these guides are suggestions only. There is no hard and fast rule and everyone’s home is different. While measurements and placement should be considered, the most important factor in buying a rug is the look and feel of its colours, design and texture. If you love the rug and it feels good in the space, then perhaps it’s meant to be.

Helpful tip: For a 1m wide hall, we suggest a runner that is 75-80cm wide

Helpful tip: Smaller rugs draw the space in and make it cosy, while a larger choice will make the space seem smaller. 

CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

Rugs are a great way to introduce colour, warmth and texture into your home. A rug will also soften the room’s acoustics and add a level of comfort that allows for a more enjoyable use of the space. Choose a style to suit your lifestyle as well as your home. Think about how much traffic the rug will need to handle, whether you’ll be eating on it, and whether you have kids and pets using the space. Whether your taste leans towards traditional or contemporary, Colorscope by Cadrys ultimate goal is to provide a rug that will bring a smile to your face, and enhance your home.

 FLATWEAVE RUGS

Ranging in style from traditional Kilims to Dhurries in modern looks featuring patterns, stripes and chevrons, these rugs have no pile because of the way they are woven on the loom. They are often more affordable than pile rugs and are a great way to update a room. We recommend using a rug pad or underlay to keep them in place.

Kilims are flat woven rugs which may be made from a variety of materials including wool, cotton and hemp. Styles originate in Persia, Turkey and the Balkans, with many featuring tribal motifs.

Kilims have become a much sought after rug for decorating homes of every style. Their casual charm work perfectly with Australia’s laid back lifestyle and climate. They provide accents of colour and personality, imparting looks that vary from vintage bohemian to a modern eclectic. Their angular sharp-etched designs emphasize the geometry of the weave and are keenly desired by collectors, designers, and rug lovers alike.

 PILE RUGS

Pile rugs may be handmade (often described as hand knotted or hand tufted) or machine made. The pile material can vary and include various grades of pure wool, pure silk, viscose, jute, or in machine woven rugs, synthetic fibres like polypropylene or acrylic. Generally a hand knotted rug made of wool will be the most durable. Pile heights can vary from tightly woven low pile, loop piles, short cut piles, to thick loose shaggy styles.

 NATURAL FIBRE RUGS

Flat woven from natural fibres such as jute, sisal, coir or seagrass, these rugs add a casual feel. They are generally durable but require regular vacuuming to stop dirt from penetrating the fibres. They don’t like getting wet, so steam cleaning is out and spills should be dealt with immediately.

 CARING FOR YOUR RUG

Care instructions vary for each different type of rug, but here are some general tips for flat weave, pile and natural fibre rugs.

• Your rug may arrive folded or rolled, and will take a short while to flatten out. Some rugs may also shed for a few weeks – this is normal and should ease up after vacuuming.
• Vacuum regularly to pick up small particles of dust and dirt.
• If your rug is in a sunny spot or receives a lot of foot traffic, rotate it regularly to ensure even wear.
• Treat spills or stains as soon as possible. Don’t rub! Blot the stain with a dry cloth or towel first to soak up excess moisture. When in doubt, call an expert.
• Rug underlays are a great way to keep a rug in place as well as preventing the rug from slipping. They will protect your floor from coarse natural fibres and make your rug feel even softer underfoot.

 GLOSSARY

Hand-knotted: This refers to a process where the yarn is looped around the warps to form a pile. It is very labour intensive, as a single rug will include many thousands of knots. A high density of knots equates to a high quality and more durable rug.

Hand-tufted: Hand-tufted rugs are created using a tool which punches the yarn into a canvas to create the pile. The pile is then glued in place. It is a less time intensive and less skilled process, so hand-tufted rugs are often more affordable than hand-knotted rugs.

Warp and weft: These are the threads which make up the basis of a woven rug, with the warp referring to the longitudinal threads (that can become the fringes) and the weft being the lateral threads