Home: How to choose rugs for wooden and tiled floors
Maximalism is trending with a shift to heavily patterned rugs like the William Morris style soft washable Sylvan from Kukoon to make a statement in a room.
Bitter temperatures always highlight how wooden and tiled floors impact cosiness, and now is the time to start looking for softness underfoot before it’s October again and we’re starting the descent back into winter.
With endless choice from rugs to wall-to-wall carpet, where you put them is just one consideration, so you don’t regret buying a 70s revival shagpile only to unravel under the footfall of children and pets. “There’s a place for the shagpile in the right context,” says Emma Lee, interior designer at Emma Lee Design. “A fluffy soft landing for your feet when you get out of bed in the morning is a luxury. Shag pile in the wrong setting, however, will channel Austin Powers if you’re not careful about the furniture it’s paired with and the overall look of the room.”
So, deciding on an appropriate pile level is a priority when we take ourselves shopping, according to Emma.
Given the versatility of a rug, if you tire of it in the living room, it might find a new lease of life in a bedroom, but there are some practical things to think about before purchase, according to Diana McFerran, product manager at rug retailer Kukoon. “A too-small rug can make your room feel disjointed, while a too-big one might overwhelm,” she says. “Your rug should be large enough that at least the front legs of your furniture rest on it. For a more luxurious and comfortable feel, choose a rug big enough for all furniture legs to sit on.”
Thinking about the practical use of the space is another important point for Diana. “If you have kids or pets, then spills, crumbs, and the occasional muddy paw print are part of the deal,” she says. “A low-pile, stain-resistant, or washable rug is your secret weapon for keeping things stylish and stress-free. If you’re looking for extra comfort and love bare feet living, then a plush, high-pile shaggy rug will give you softness and warmth underfoot.”
Bearing in mind changing trends and what is an expensive purchase, Diana has advice on how to make your rug work for you. “Ask, what's my style story? Your rug should complement, not compete with, the rest of your décor,” she says. “Have a bold, patterned sofa? Go for a neutral rug. Love minimalism? A patterned rug can add personality. If you have introduced texture and colour through cushions, artwork, and throws, then a muted, textured rug will create balance.”
With colour and pattern back in fashion, Diana is also seeing fringing, scalloped edges and characterful, textured designs emerging. “Maximalism is having a moment with unusual colour combinations and pattern clashing,” she says. “Bold geometric shapes, checkerboards, and oversized florals straight from the ‘70s are bringing a retro revival to our interiors. Persian and Oriental rugs are getting a contemporary refresh with rich tones like deep plum, petrol blue, and emerald green.”
For anyone who thinks carpet is out of fashion, our quest for comfort and even sound-proofing makes it an attractive option and a novel shopping experience for those used to wooden floors.
Emma O’Mahony, interior architect and sales manager at carpet retailer Matt Britton, has advice for shoppers. “It's important to consider who will be using the space and how it fits into daily life,” she says. “Is it a family home with young children or pets, requiring something durable and stain-resistant? Is it a more formal living area that doesn’t see as much foot traffic?”
While we don’t want to revisit Granny’s Wilton swirling patterns, Emma encourages injecting some personality into our choices. “Whether through a bold stair runner, a textured weave, or a rich colour choice, the right carpet can transform a space and make it feel truly unique,” she says. “When it comes to colour trends, warm neutrals such as beige, taupe, and mocha are gaining popularity.
"Pattern is another key trend, particularly in stair runners and rugs. Herringbone, subtle geometrics, and tonal textures add visual interest while maintaining a timeless appeal.”
