all rugged up

There are three things you will be looking for in your new rug: the right look, the right size and the right price. So, before you start shopping, think about where you’re going to be putting the rug and how big it needs to be.

Is it going into a room that is little used or is it destined for a high-traffic area? Rugs under the dining table, in front of the fire and in the lounge should be of a better quality, as they will get more use. Another tip is to use a wool rug in front of the fire, as spots left by sparks will be less obvious.

If you have concrete or wooden floors you will need rugs with texture and depth. Choose a really dense wool rug, a heavy felted rug, or a synthetic rug with underlay, for maximum comfort and warmth.

Which brings us to another basic choice: rugs predominantly come in wool or synthetic. And it’s worth remembering that a good quality synthetic rug can be better than a cheap wool one. It won't fluff or pill, and a top-quality synthetic one will also have memory in its pile, meaning it bounces back into shape.

On the other hand, good wool rugs also offer great quality, although they can be more pricey.

A rug can be an essential colour anchor in any room – multi-coloured rugs can tie together an eclectic selection of furniture and wall shades, while a monochromatic rug can make a bold or subtle statement. Your living room rug should fit all the way under the sofa and poke out the back. This helps balance the room and ensures the rug is actually in the places you need it.

“Wool rugs are much like woollen jerseys,” says Shirley Wijma of Source Mondial. “A cheap one will pill badly and lose its shape quickly, but an expensive one will ugly out before it wears out. The best hand-knotted rug will last forever.”

Wool rugs are available in a range of textures and colours, and can be dyed to match any colour swatch, making them an ideal complement to wall colours or fabric.

If you want a custom rug manufactured, it’s worth searching the Yellow Pages online, www.yellowpages.co.nz.

With wall colours still fairly neutral just now, popular rug shades include strong reds and oranges, says Shirley. “Aqua and turquoise are favourites too, but remember mixed colours are the most forgiving.”

Remember, too, that you always have the option of having a rug custom made. That way, you can choose the perfect colours, pattern, size and shape, all created in good quality yarn, and it may not be as expensive as you think. There are lots of listings in the Yellow Pages to investigate if this seems a good way to go.

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