Whether to anchor your room or add the perfect finishing touch, a rug can significantly impact how a space flows and feels. A rug can completely redefine the style of your room, and with endless options in sizes, colors, materials, and patterns, buy rugs online to make it easier to find the perfect one. But then, these common worries creep in—and trust me, we’ve all been there. You’re staring at all those options and thinking, “What if it’s too small? (hello, design disaster). What if it’s too big and my room feels overrun by it or even cramped?” And then there's the stress of wondering if you've picked the right material. Will it stand up to your busy family? What if it doesn’t feel quite right underfoot? These are all perfectly normal concerns, and you’re not alone. But before you start shopping, we’ve got a few basics to keep in mind that’ll ensure when you buying a rug online it leads you to the perfect fit every time.
Buying Rugs Online: What to Know Before You Shop
Measure Your Space
Whether you're buying rugs online or heading to a store, measuring your space first is essential. Skipping this step can lead to a rug that’s either too small or, even worse, too large for the space—both of which can be frustrating and costly. Taking just a few minutes to measure the length and width of the room can save you from making that mistake. A simple rule of thumb: measure the room’s dimensions and then reduce them by about 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) to find the perfect rug size. This gives your rug a little breathing room around the edges and ensures it complements your furniture and layout, helping bring the whole space together in a balanced way. So, whether you're shopping for a rug for the living room or a cozy bedroom rug, taking the time to measure will make sure you pick the right one every time.
General Sizing Tips:
Now that you know how to measure your space, let's dive into some general guidelines for choosing the right rug size in different rooms
Living Room: Make sure the rug fits under the front legs of your furniture. This helps anchor the space and ties everything together.
Dining Room: Your rug should be large enough that chairs stay on it, even when pulled out. It’s all about comfort (and not dragging the chair across your floor).
Bedroom: For a cozy feel, pick a rug for the bedroom that fits under the entire bed with some space around the edges. If the room is smaller, you could go with a bedroom rug that covers just the area around the bed or smaller area rugs on either side.
Consider the Traffic (Durability Matters)
You know your space better than anyone, and one thing is for sure: life gets messy. If your space is high-traffic, where the kids hang out and where pet lounges 90% of the time, or guests constantly coming over, you’ll want a rug that’s durable and easy to maintain.
High-Traffic Areas: Look for durable living room rugs or hallway rugs that are easy to maintain and built to last—perfect for high-traffic areas. Look for tough materials like polypropylene or wool. These are easy to clean and will stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use.
Low-Traffic Areas: If the rug is going in a quieter space like a bedroom like a bedroom or formal dining room, choose an area rug that’s softer and more delicate. But if you're shopping for a rug for a kid’s room, you’ll want something to stand up to accidents, spills, and the inevitable toy or snack messes.
Material (It’s About Comfort, Durability, and Cleaning)
The material of a rug plays a huge role in its overall look, feel, and function. Each type of fiber has unique characteristics, making some better for high-traffic spaces, while some rugs are best for low-use rooms.
Common Rug Materials:
Synthetic Fiber: (Polyester/ Polypropylene). This synthetic material is known for its resilience and ease of maintenance. It’s a solid choice for high-traffic zones, homes with pets, or kids, as it’s stain-resistant and can be easily cleaned.
- Pros: Affordable, low-maintenance, resistant to stains and fading.
- Cons: Lacks the luxurious feel of natural fibers.
Natural Fibers: (Wool/Jute/Sisal). Jute and sisal are natural fibers that offer a textured, earthy look. They're great for adding warmth and organic appeal to a room.
- Pros: Natural and sustainable, textured look that works well in neutral or organic-themed spaces.
- Cons: Can be difficult to clean, less soft underfoot, and may stain easily.
Low vs. High Pile Rugs
Which one is right for your space? When picking a rug, one important detail is the pile — the thickness and density of the fibers. It affects both the look and the performance of the rug in your space.
Low-Pile Rugs: Short, sleek fibers that are easy to clean, won’t trap dirt as much, and let your furniture sit comfortably on top without getting caught. Think of these as the no-fuss, functional option.
High-Pile Rugs: They're a dream underfoot but do require a bit more TLC — they can trap dirt, dust, and debris. For a bit more comfort and texture, this is your go-to, but you'll need to vacuum more often.
Functionality (It’s More Than Just Looks)
Yes, your rug should look good, but it should also be functional. Some rooms require more than just a rug that ties everything together.
Non-slip backing: If your rug is going on a hard floor, make sure it has a non-slip backing to prevent any accidents.
Outdoor Rugs: Indoor/outdoor rugs have become increasingly popular. Soft enough to provide a great balance of comfort for indoor living spaces while also being tough enough to endure outdoor conditions when looking for a rug for your outdoor patio.
Reversible Rugs: Want extra longevity? Consider a reversible rug that you can flip to give it a “new” look and extend its life. The more functional the area rug is for your lifestyle, the less you’ll worry about it over time.
Room-by-Room Guide: What to Look for When Shopping for Rugs Online
When shopping for rugs online, one of the biggest advantages is the ability to browse through hundreds of styles, materials, and sizes without leaving your couch. Let’s walk through the rooms, compare different options, and pick out the perfect rug for each one.
Living Room: You’ve picked your couch, coffee table, and maybe even your artwork but even the most stylish living room feels incomplete without a rug. A medium to high pile rug can anchor the room, grounding your furniture while adding texture, color, and the feeling of home. A bold statement, a geometric or abstract design can be eye-catching. But if you prefer a more subtle feel, a neutral color like soft beige or light gray will tie everything together nicely. Just make sure your rug is large enough to fit under at least the front legs of your furniture to keep the space balanced.
Bedroom: In the bedroom, you want a rug in calming hues like soft blues or muted greens is perfect for enhancing relaxation. A low to medium pile rug or even a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal if you want something a little more textured beneath your bed. It creates a cozy vibe and adds a touch of color, making the room feel like a peaceful retreat. Plus, if you have hard floors or a larger room, a rug will help cut down on noise, making the room feel quieter and more serene.
Dining Room: A rug under the dining table can transform your dining space. A flat-woven rug in a stylish design adds warmth and character while defining the area. Wool, cotton, and jute are great materials to consider for dining rooms—durable, easy to clean, and perfect for high-traffic areas. For design, consider a classic Persian rug, a bold patterned option, or a simple striped rug to keep things modern and fresh. It’s a practical way to bring color or texture to your dining room and make mealtime feel extra special.
Kitchen: Even in the busiest kitchen, a rug can be a practical addition. A washable, flat-weave rug 80cm(W)x 200cm(L) that’s stain-resistant and durable enough to handle spills and foot traffic in a fun design or a pop of color like a rug with a bold geometric print or a playful floral pattern can bring some personality and brighten the space. Place it in high-traffic spots like in front of the sink or stove, and make sure the rug has a non-slip backing for safety.
Outdoors: A rug can tie your outdoor space together and create a cozy, inviting vibe. A durable outdoor rug softens hard surfaces, making your patio or balcony feel like an extension of your home. For an outdoor living area, go for something with a pattern, like a striped rug or a tropical-inspired design, to complement the natural surroundings. It’s the perfect way to add style and comfort while enjoying the outdoors. Look for outdoor rugs made from weather-resistant materials, like recycled fibers or UV-resistant materials, so they last season after season.
Entryway: A great entrance rug is like a warm handshake, inviting, stylish, and just the right touch to make anyone feel welcome. For most entryways, a runner rug in a flat-weave design is the perfect fit for these narrow spaces. They also won’t add bulk or make the space feel crowded. For this high-traffic space, consider materials like polypropylene, jute, or other synthetic fabrics that effectively catch dirt, moisture, and debris from shoes. With the right rug, your entryway will always feel warm, welcoming, and clean from the very first step inside.
Need help sizing it up? Check out our rug size guide for all the details.
I know when buying a rug, it can sometimes feel like a big decision. Whether you’re buying a rug for your living room, a durable option for a high-traffic hallway, or the perfect size to fit under the dining table, all you need to do is follow these simple steps. Measure your space, consider foot traffic, and pick a color and material that suits your style. If you do that, you’ll be on the right track!
And to make it even easier, at Woodka Interiors you can buy rugs online for every room. No more wandering through crowded aisles or stressing over whether a rug will fit your space just right. We offer easy-to-use filters to help you find the perfect rug based on size, shape, color, and material, so you can confidently shop online for the rug that best suits your needs and style.