Whether you need to anchor your room or add that perfect finishing touch, a rug can significantly impact the feel and flow of any space. Rugs don’t just provide comfort underfoot; they can completely redefine your room's style. With endless options of sizes, colors, materials, and patterns, buying rugs online has made it easier to find the perfect one. However, the process can come with its own set of worries. You might wonder, "What if the rug is too small?" or "What if it's too big and makes my room feel cramped?" Another concern might be whether you’ve picked the right material for your lifestyle—especially if your home is full of pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic. These worries are completely normal, but don’t stress! We’ve got some simple tips and things to keep in mind so you can confidently buy rugs online ensuring you find the perfect rug to fit your space and lifestyle.
Buying Rugs Online: What to Know Before You Shop
Measure Your Space
Whether you're buying rugs online or in-store, measuring your space is crucial. Avoid the frustration of buying a rug that’s either too small or too large by taking a few minutes to accurately measure the room's length and width.
A simple rule of thumb for the perfect rug fit is to measure the room’s dimensions and then subtract 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) from each dimension to ensure the rug fits comfortably within the space and complements your furniture layout.
Leaving breathing room around your rug not only ensures it complements your furniture and layout but also helps create a balanced and inviting atmosphere in the room. Whether you're shopping for a living room rug, a bedroom rug, or a cozy area rug for any space, taking the time to measure your room properly ensures you'll choose the perfect size every time.
General Buying Rugs for All Rooms
Now that you know how to measure your space, here is some general guidelines for buying the right rug for different rooms.
Non-Slip Backing for Safety: For rooms with hard floors, always look for rugs with non-slip backing to prevent any accidents, especially in high-traffic areas like the living room or entryway.
Reversible Rugs for Longevity: Consider buying a reversible rug that can be flipped over when one side starts to wear out. This is a great way to extend the life of your rug and keep your space looking fresh.
Indoor/Outdoor Rugs for Versatility: If you're looking for something that can work both inside and outside, check out indoor/outdoor rugs. These are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean, making them perfect for patios or outdoor dining spaces.
Consider Size and Shape: Don’t forget about the shape and size when choosing the best rug. Make sure it fits the room without overwhelming the space. Round rugs work beautifully in circular spaces, while rectangular rugs are better suited for long rooms or underneath furniture sets.
Ready to find the perfect rug for your space? Browse our collection of area rugs for living rooms, bedrooms, and more.
Consider Traffic and Durability When Shopping for Rugs Online
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. When shopping for rugs for a kid’s room or any high-traffic area, look for materials that stand up to spills, accidents, and constant foot traffic.
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 Should You Choose?
When picking a rug, one important detail is the pile. The thickness and density of the fibers plays a big role in both the look and functionality of the rug in your space. So which one is right for your space? Low-pile vs high-pile.
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.
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Feel & Look: Low-pile rugs have short, sleek fibers, giving them a smooth and neat appearance. They’re great for modern, minimalist, or more structured spaces.
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Functionality:
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Easy to Clean: Low-pile rugs don’t trap dirt and debris as easily, making them easier to vacuum and maintain. Perfect for high-traffic areas!
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Ideal for Furniture: Because the fibers are short, furniture sits comfortably on top without getting caught or creating uneven surfaces.
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Great for Pet Owners: With pets, hair doesn’t get trapped in low-pile rugs, making it easier to clean up.
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Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, or any high-traffic area.
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.
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Feel & Look: High-pile rugs have longer, fluffier fibers that provide a luxurious, plush feeling underfoot. They're perfect for creating warmth and comfort in a space.
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Functionality:
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Soft & Cozy: These rugs offer incredible comfort and can create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. They’re a perfect choice for bedrooms or any space where comfort is key.
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Requires More Maintenance: High-pile rugs can trap dust, dirt, and debris, so they need regular vacuuming to keep them looking fresh. They might not be the best option for homes with kids or pets who are prone to messes.
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Adds Texture & Warmth: The longer fibers create a soft, cozy vibe, adding texture and warmth to your space.
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Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms with low foot traffic, or areas where you want to create a luxurious and cozy feel.
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.
Buying Rugs Online Made Simple
We know buying a rug can feel like a big decision, but with a little guidance, you’ll make the right choice! Whether you're looking for a rug to complete your living room, a durable option for a high-traffic hallway, or the perfect size for under the dining table, simply follow these steps:
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Measure your space: Get the right size to complement your layout.
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Consider foot traffic: Choose materials that match the amount of use the rug will get.
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Pick a style: Choose a color and texture that fits your home’s look.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’re on the right track to finding the perfect rug!
Why Buy Rugs Online from Woodka Interiors?
At Woodka Interiors, we make it simple and stress-free to buy rugs online. No more wandering through crowded aisles or guessing whether a rug will fit your space — with our online store, you can easily shop by size, shape, color, and material. We offer a wide variety of stylish, durable rugs that fit every room and lifestyle.
Best of all, you can shop our rugs from the comfort of your own home and enjoy hassle-free delivery. So why wait? Find the perfect rug for your space with ease today!