Top Ten Tips Before Buying a Floor Rug

Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Floor Rug or Hallway Runner

Choosing a floor rug or hallway runner doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With thousands of designs, fibres, and sizes available, knowing where to start is the hardest part. Based on over 40 years of helping customers in-store and online—combined with current advice from leading rug retailers across Australia—here are the Top 10 Tips that make finding the perfect rug or runner simple, practical, and stress-free.

1. Start With the Purpose and Location

Every great rug choice begins with a clear understanding of where the rug will go and what you need it to do.
Is it grounding a lounge room? Sitting under a dining table? Adding comfort to a bedroom? Protecting your hallway floor?
Your room type and purpose will influence size, shape, colour, and material.

2. Choose the Right Size Using a Visual Test

Size is the number one factor that makes or breaks a rug’s look.
Instead of guessing, layout a bed sheet, towels, or masking tape to mark the rug area. Adjust until the size feels balanced.

General tips customers love:

  • Leave around 40cm between the edge of a lounge and the rug.

  • For dining tables, the rug should extend far enough so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.

  • Hallways need longer runners than people think—measure the full walkway.

Getting size right makes even inexpensive rugs look premium.

3. Pick a Style That Suits Your Décor

Your home’s décor will help guide whether you choose:

  • Modern / contemporary

  • Traditional / Persian-inspired

  • Boho or textured styles

  • Plain or shag pile rugs

A simple rule:
If your furniture or curtains have busy patterns, go for a simpler rug.
If your décor is minimal, a patterned rug can add visual interest.

4. Select a Colour That Works With the Room

Colour is one of the biggest visual decisions.

Use these guidelines:

  • Light rugs make a room feel larger and brighter.

  • Dark or rich colours add warmth and cosiness.

  • Neutral rooms benefit from a contrasting rug.

  • If you have a feature wall, choose a rug that includes at least one similar tone.

Undecorated space? Choose your rug first—it’s easier to match décor to the rug than the other way around.

5. Coordinate Rugs in Open-Plan Spaces

If you can see more than one rug from the same area, aim for visual harmony:

  • Matching designs work best.

  • Same design in different colours can work beautifully.

  • Different piles (like shag + traditional) can work if the colours complement each other.

Good coordination helps keep the space looking organised rather than cluttered.

6. Choose Materials and Pile Based on Your Lifestyle

Different fibres and pile types perform differently depending on your home. Consider foot traffic, pets, kids, and how much maintenance you want to do, for more information click here Choosing the Right Rug for Your Home.

Popular choices include:

Polypropylene / Polyester:
Affordable, durable, and naturally stain-resistant — ideal for busy family homes.
It’s important to note that there is a significant difference between standard polypropylene fibres and heat-set polypropylene.
Heat-set fibres are softer, far easier to maintain, shed less, and generally wear better, making them a superior choice for long-term use.

Wool:
Naturally warm, resilient, and long-lasting. The premium fibre quality gives wool rugs excellent performance over time.

Flat-Weave / Low Pile:
Great for dining rooms, hallways, and high-traffic zones where easy cleaning and minimal trip hazards matter.

Shag Rugs:
Plush and luxurious with a deep pile but require more maintenance. Best suited to low-traffic rooms like bedrooms.

Outdoor Rugs:
Weather-treated, durable, and easy to hose down — perfect for patios, verandas, or entryways.

Remember:
Rug durability is influenced by more than just the fibre type — pile density plays a major role, working alongside fibre quality to determine how well a rug will stand up to everyday wear. Rather than getting caught up in technical density numbers, focus on the fibre (including whether it is heat-set), pile style, and practical durability to choose the right rug for your lifestyle.

7. Make Sure the Rug Suits Your Floor Type

The surface under your rug affects how it behaves.

Underlays improve safety, prevent slipping, and help extend the life of your rug.

8. Consider Cleaning and Maintenance Before Buying

Check how easy the rug is to maintain:

  • Does it vacuum easily?

  • Is the fibre naturally stain-resistant?

  • Is it suitable for pets or kids?

  • Does the pile trap dirt?

High-quality rugs normally perform better and clean more easily. Always read the cleaning instructions or ask your rug retailer for guidance.

9. Research Before Shopping Online or In-Store

Browsing online helps you compare colours, sizes, and designs before visiting a store.
Just remember:

  • Colours may vary between screens.

  • Check if the retailer is in Australia.

  • Look for real photos and accurate descriptions.

Pre-shopping saves time and helps narrow down your favourites before you buy.

10. Verify Store Credibility Before Purchasing Online

To avoid unreliable sellers, confirm the store:

  • Is Australian owned and operated

  • Has a physical showroom or warehouse

  • Offers clear shipping and return policies

  • Has working phone and email contacts

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

Final Tip

Bring measurements, photos, and décor samples when shopping in-store.
If shopping online, double-check measurements and ask questions—good rug retailers are always happy to help.