Sign in or sign up
Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
A rug can instantly elevate a space. “Rugs can visually unify a space, bringing everything together and making a room feel complete,” says Bunnings buyer Alice Philp-Taylor.
Rugs do more than just look good, too. Apart from their insulating power and feet-warming appeal, rugs can make rooms less noisy, they protect floors from damage, and they can provide solutions to decorating challenges. For example, rugs in neutral shades and natural textures are easy to work with, making them ideal for a coastal bolthole, a traditionally styled home or a crisp contemporary space.
We’re sharing advice on how to choose the right rug for every room.
The first rule of rugs: bigger is better (in most cases). A generous area rug makes a room feel more spacious; in a large, open-plan area, it can also help to frame different zones.
If you can’t find a rug large enough for your living area, a good tip is to buy two of the same rug and lay them side-by-side.
Layering is another great way to cover a larger area: use several neutral designs in different textures for an eye-catching result. Natural jute and wool styles lend themselves beautifully to layering. They’re easy to match and create a relaxed coastal look.
“You’ll find everything from flatweave herringbone patterns to chunky ribbed styles,” says Alice.
If you’re looking for a great all-rounder, you can’t go past Bunnings’ popular, easy-care polypropylene rugs, which are available in a fabulous range of colours and patterns.
Placing a rug under a table helps to define a dining zone within a larger space, and a polypropylene rug is a great, hardwearing choice.
“Affordable and on-trend, these designs offer lots of decorating possibilities and they wear well, making them a great choice for pretty much every room of the home,” says Alice. “Even better, they are machine washable, or simply hose them off and dry outdoors.”
Tip: Make sure the rug is big enough to contain the chairs, even when they’re pulled out from the table. Consider the texture, too. A flat-weave rug is less likely to tangle around chair legs than a shag-pile rug. Plus, it will be easier to clean up any dropped crumbs.
Rugs are the ideal way to create a ‘room’ or ‘zone’ in an open-plan home. Tufted styles take texture to the next level, while staying within a neutral palette. Use tufted rugs under an occasional table or a comfy armchair. Alternatively, they can add warmth and comfort to a throughfare or a transition zone.
Tip: It’s a good idea to use rug grippers or tape to keep rugs from slipping, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways.
Boucle rugs bring a layer of bobbly comfort, which is particularly welcome in a cosier space like a bedroom. “Add in some cushions and your room is transformed,” says Alice.
When choosing a rug for the bedroom, as in any other room, a large rug is an easy way to boost the comfort factor. Aim to have at least the bottom two-thirds of the bed on the rug (more if you can), plus room on either side so you have a soft landing when you step out of bed in the morning.
Where comfort is a top priority, such as the bedroom, an ideal choice is a softer, plusher rug – for example, a jewel-toned velvet rug.
“They have a deeper pile and a cushiony, luxurious feel underfoot,” says Alice. “There are five lovely rich colours to make a room feel cosier and more cocooning – exactly what you want on a cold winter night.”
Shaggy rugs also offer toe-curling comfort. These are a tactile, playful option that create a delightful feeling underfoot in a bedroom, playroom or family zone.
Children’s bedrooms are places where you can use a full palette of colour and patterns. Our range of bright, soft character rugs are the perfect base for creating a comfy zone for imaginative play.
A quick-drying and easy-to-clean hallway runner provides the ideal buffer in a transition zone from outdoors to inside, protecting floors from wet or dirty shoes and feet. A machine-washable polypropylene rug is a brilliant solution for these heavy-traffic areas.
Complete your room with our colourful range of cushions and throws.
Photo Credit: Alex Reinders
