Choosing the perfect rug may seem like a simple task... until you encounter hundreds of different materials, designs, sizes, and styles.
The reality is that a rug doesn't just decorate, it also defines the atmosphere of a room, enhances comfort, and completely changes the perception of the space.
Whether you live with children, have pets, are looking for practicality, or want a touch of design, here you will find a complete guide to choosing the perfect rug according to your lifestyle and your home.
The starting point: how to know what rug you need
Before thinking about colours or textures, consider how the space is used where the rug will go.
Placing one in the living room, where there is a lot of movement, is not the same as in the bedroom or under a dining table.
Analyse three key factors:
-
Use and traffic: Do you spend a lot of time in that room? Are there children or pets?
-
Light and orientation: Light tones expand, dark ones provide warmth.
-
Decorative style: The rug must harmonize with the furniture and not compete with it.
With this clear, we move on to the ideal rug types according to your lifestyle.
Rugs for homes with children: safety, comfort, and practicality
When there are children at home, the priority is a safe, soft, and easy-to-clean rug.
Opt for washable or water-resistant materials, such as cotton, polyester, or polypropylene.
-
Texture: Choose a rug with short or medium pile to prevent crumbs or dust from accumulating.
-
Colour: Neutral tones or soft patterns disguise stains.
-
Maintenance: If it is washable or made of synthetic fabric, even better.
💡 Atticgo Tip: Washable rugs are perfect for children's rooms, as you can put them directly into the washing machine and put them back the same day.
Rugs for homes with pets: durability without sacrificing style
If you live with dogs or cats, you need a durable, non-slip rug that doesn't trap hair.
Rugs made of synthetic fibres (such as polyester or polypropylene) are an excellent option: they are easy to clean and maintain their shape with use.
-
Avoid long-pile rugs, as pet hair gets easily tangled.
-
Choose flat-woven or braided fabrics, ideal for vacuuming and keeping clean.
-
Go for medium tones: Very light or very dark colours show dirt more easily.
💡 Atticgo Trick: If your pet often sleeps on the rug, place a non-slip base underneath to prevent it from moving when playing or running. You can also slightly weigh the rug down with some furniture, like the sofa or a side table.
How to choose the ideal rug according to the space
Every home has a different layout, and the rug must adapt to it to provide balance, comfort, and style.
More important than considering whether you live alone or with others is to understand the dimensions of the space and how the rug can visually transform it.
The essential thing here is to maintain harmony between design and functionality:
-
Soft textures: Opt for cotton, jute, or synthetic fibre rugs that provide warmth and visual comfort.
-
Contemporary designs: Geometric patterns, gradients, or minimalist designs are easily integrated into modern or Nordic environments.
-
Adequate proportions: In large spaces, a large rug helps anchor the furniture; in smaller rooms, medium or round formats provide dynamism without overwhelming.
💡 Atticgo Tip: If your rug tends to move, place it partially under the sofa or coffee table, or add a discreet non-slip pad. This will prevent shifting and reinforce the stability of the whole arrangement.
Rugs for people with allergies: hygiene and cleaner air
Rugs don't have to be the enemy of allergies. In fact, a suitable rug can trap dust and prevent it from dispersing into the air, provided it is cleaned correctly.
-
Choose cotton or hypoallergenic synthetic fibre rugs, which do not accumulate moisture or require chemical treatments.
-
Avoid very long-pile models or thick fabrics that retain particles.
-
Vacuum at least twice a week and ventilate the space frequently.
- Research which rugs are ideal for people with allergies.
💡 Atticgo Tip: If there are people with allergies at home, washable rugs or flat-woven rugs are the best option: they are easy to clean, accumulate less dust, and keep the environment healthier.
How to choose the perfect rug according to the material
The material defines the texture, comfort, and durability.
Each fibre has different properties, and choosing well can make the difference between a rug that lasts for years and one that wears out quickly.
|
Material |
Ideal for |
Characteristics |
|
Mixed Fibres |
Any room in the home |
Combine durability, lightness, and easy maintenance. |
|
Wool |
Living rooms and bedrooms |
Soft, insulating, natural, and durable. |
|
Cotton |
Children's rooms or summer |
Light, washable, and breathable. |
|
Jute or Sisal |
High-traffic areas or rustic style |
Durable, natural, and with texture. |
|
Polyester / Polypropylene |
Homes with pets or high traffic |
Easy to clean and more economical. |
|
Viscose |
Decorative spaces or low use |
Elegant shine, but requires care. |
💡
Atticgo Tip: If you don't know which to choose, opt for cotton or mixed fibre rugs. They are warm, durable, and much easier to maintain day-to-day than other natural materials.
How to choose the ideal rug size
The size of the rug must adapt to the furniture and the proportion of the space.
A rug that is too small can detract from the ambiance; one that is too large can make it look smaller.
Basic rules:
-
In the living room, the rug should cover the area under the sofas and extend about 20 cm beyond on each side.
-
In the dining room, it should be at least 60 cm wider than the table so that the chairs remain within it even when moved.
-
In the bedroom, extend it at least 50 cm beyond the edge of the bed.
💡 Visual trick: A large rug unifies spaces; a small one defines them.
How to choose the perfect design or style
The design of a rug can completely transform the atmosphere.
It will depend on whether you are looking for harmony or contrast with the rest of the decor.
-
Modern style: Geometric lines, grey, beige tones, or neutral combinations that provide visual balance.
-
Nordic style: Neutral colours, clean lines, and geometric patterns. Rugs with a soft texture and medium or high pile provide the typical feeling of warmth of this style.
-
Boho or Ethnic style: A mix of warm colours and irregular textures that create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
-
Classic style: Earth tones, floral drawings, or balanced symmetries that provide timeless elegance.
If your decor is sober, a patterned rug adds movement. If you already have many visual elements, opt for a plain or monochromatic rug to balance things out.
How to use rugs to separate areas
Rugs are a perfect tool for visually organising an open space.
Place a large rug under the sofa to mark the resting area, and a smaller one under the side table or next to the dining area to create contrast.
You can also use rugs of different shapes (rectangular, round, oval) to distinguish areas without the need for furniture or partitions.
💡 Atticgo Tip: If you use more than one rug in the same room, try to make them share a similar colour range or texture to maintain visual coherence.
Rugs for every season of the year
Rugs can also be adapted to the climate and the thermal sensation of the home.
Choosing the right model in each season helps maintain comfort and renew the decor effortlessly.
-
In winter, opt for shaggy or long-pile rugs, made from materials like polyester or polypropylene. They are soft, warm, and perfect for creating a cozy feeling during the cold months.
-
In summer, switch to models made of cotton, jute, or vinyl, which are cool, light, and breathable, ideal for keeping the ambiance clear and natural.
💡 Seasonal trick: Having two interchangeable rugs—one fluffy for winter and one light for summer—allows you to adapt your home to each season without the need for major decorative changes.
How to combine several rugs in one space
Combining several rugs may seem risky, but done correctly, it provides dynamism and personality.
Follow these three basic rules:
-
Same tone, different texture: Combine rugs from the same colour range but with different weaves.
-
Same style, different size: Create visual layers, for example, a jute base with a smaller wool rug on top.
-
Same material, different colours: Ideal for large or open-plan spaces.
This way, you can achieve a balanced composition without overwhelming the space.
The perfect rug does exist; you just need to know how to find it
Choosing the perfect rug is not just about aesthetics. It is a matter of balance between functionality, durability, and feeling.
A good rug not only dresses the floor but also makes the home warmer, absorbs noise, and provides visual well-being.
Take the time to analyse your needs, the materials that best suit your lifestyle, and the type of space you want to create.
When you find that rug that seems made for you, you will know: it will integrate into the environment effortlessly and transform it completely.
Find your ideal rug at Atticgo
At Atticgo we believe that the perfect rug is not the most expensive or the largest, but the one that fits you and the way you live in your home.
Whether you are looking for washable, handmade, or modern rugs, we have collections designed for every style and need.
Discover your favourite among our custom-sized
rugs and transform every room into a warmer, more functional, and personal space.



Leave a comment