Understanding how to style rugs can completely change the look and feel of your home. This rug styling guide explores how different rug styles, materials and placement choices can transform your space, whether you’re refreshing a single room or styling an entire home.
How to style rugs to define space
Area rugs can be used to define space in a room. Large rugs are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting for creating moveable living spaces that are easy to update, especially in open-plan living.
Scale and placement play a key role in styling your space with an area rug. A well-sized modern rug can anchor furniture, create visual zones and improve the overall balance of a room. Here are some rug styling tips for defining space:
In living rooms, place the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug to visually connect seating areas
In open-plan homes, use different rugs to subtly separate dining, living and walkway zones
Choose oversized rugs for larger spaces to avoid furniture floating without structure
How to use different rug styles and materials to create flow
Smaller rugs can be used on their own as an accent piece in space-conscious settings, or you can layer multiple rugs together to create a warm and homely environment. Layering is one of the most effective rug styling ideas for adding depth and personality, especially in bedrooms, living rooms and relaxed family spaces.
We recommend achieving the layered look with rugs of a similar palette, with varying textures and materials to create interest and appeal. This approach works beautifully when combining:
Flatweave or natural rugs as a base
Textured wool rugs for warmth and comfort
Statement pieces to add contrast without overwhelming the space
This works especially well when incorporating non-traditional floor coverings such as cowhides and sheepskins.
How to choose the right rug material for your home
Understanding materials is an essential part of how to style rugs effectively. Each material brings a different look and feel:
Wool rugs — Soft, insulating and ideal for living rooms and bedrooms
Jute rugs — Natural, textural and perfect for coastal or relaxed interiors
Synthetic blends — Durable and practical for high-traffic areas
Cowhides and sheepskins — Ideal as accent layers or statement pieces
Rugs, cowhides and sheepskins can be used to complement your existing decor or as the foundation from which to draw inspiration for the entire room. You may choose one piece as the centre point of your home, or use rugs of different styles and materials throughout to create a flow of movement from one area to the next.
How to style hallways and transitional spaces
Hallways are often overlooked, but they’re key to creating continuity throughout the home. Long, narrow spaces benefit from runners that visually guide movement and connect rooms.
For tailored solutions, explore custom runners that allow you to match length, style and material to your layout, which are essential considerations in a complete rug styling guide.
Common rug styling mistakes to avoid
Even with the best intentions, a few common missteps can affect how your space looks and feels. Keeping these rug styling tips in mind can help you achieve a more balanced, cohesive result:
Choosing rugs that are too small for the space — Undersized rugs can make furniture feel disconnected. When in doubt, go larger to properly anchor the room.
Overloading a room with competing patterns — Mixing styles works best when colours are cohesive and patterns vary in scale rather than intensity.
Ignoring pile height in high-traffic areas — Thick piles may look luxurious but can flatten quickly in busy spaces like hallways.
Forgetting to anchor furniture on the rug — Ensuring at least the front legs of key furniture sit on the rug helps define zones and creates visual flow.
Final rug styling tips for a cohesive home
Repeat colours or textures across rooms to create visual flow
Mix styles thoughtfully, like pairing contemporary elements with natural rugs for contrast
Don’t be afraid to experiment with layering and scale
Explore rug styling with RugLove
With the right balance of placement, material and design, rugs can become the foundation of your interior styling. Use this area rug style guide as inspiration and discover how thoughtful rug choices can elevate your space one room at a time. From contemporary statements to natural textures, RugLove offers a curated range to suit every home.
