Rugs are a key investment that can make a major impact in any interior space.

When positioned and placed properly, a rug creates cohesion, adds softness, and makes a space look finished. Without one, it often looks like something is missing.

But how do you pick the right one? Should you go big or small? What material is best?

Below, find some of the common mistakes people make when buying a rug and how to get it right.

Mistake #1: Selecting a pattern or colour that overwhelms your space

While a rug is a great way to inject colour and texture into any room, you need to first think about what will provide a good base for your existing furnishings and art.

Take stock of how the room looks; what colour is your sofa? Do you have white walls? Any key pieces of art? You’ll quickly identify the key colours in your palette, and then you can decide if you want the rug to be the statement piece, or merely a supporting character.

If your space leans more modern, perhaps play it safe with a solid colour like the Eden by Armadillo for a luxurious touch, while something with a subtle pattern is a great flourish added to an eclectic interior.

But if you’re a maximalist at heart, colour drenching or picking a bold pattern like The Den Dhurrie from Fenton & Fenton can instantly add in some much-needed personality.

Mistake #2: Picking a rug that’s too small

We know rugs are expensive, so it can be tempting to try to save some money by going for a smaller size. But this is the quickest way to make a space look awkward and unrefined.

In addition to considering the dimensions of your room, it’s important to think about what purpose the rug is serving. For example, in open-plan living zones, a large rug can help provide clarity within the layout, delineating the dining space from the sitting area.

Even in a smaller room like a bedroom or study, going for an oversized rug will reduce the appearance of scattered furniture and exposed flooring, making the room feel more expansive and less cluttered.

Some suggest leaving a border of around 20cm-45cm around the rug, but the best way to decide on the dimensions is simply by testing it out first. Every room is different, so try marking an outline with painter’s tape to see what actually works for your space.

Mistake #3: Picking a rug on how it feels, not for functionality

This one seems obvious; however sometimes focusing on the styling means you can forget about the practical stuff. At the end of the day, the rug you choose needs to be durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain — which all depends on your lifestyle.

For high-traffic areas like a living room, dining room, or hallway, a wool rug is often considered the gold standard thanks to its plush feel and natural stain-resistance.

But for households with young kids or pets, you might want to invest in something a little more robust, like a jute, sisal or seagrass. These natural fibres feel coarser underfoot, which is why they are great for a busy beach house, or a hallway runner.

Another element to consider is texture. A fluffy, looped, or high-pile rug might feel amazing on your feet in the bedroom, but it’s going to be a nightmare to balance your dining chairs on. Stick to low pile or flat weave styles like Cult’s Tres Vegetal Rug for functionality in these shared spaces.

Mistake #4: Forgetting an underlayer

An underlayer is essential to prevent slipping, protect your floors, and add cushioning.

Whether you are placing a single rug on a hard floor or layering multiple rugs, a proper pad or underlay is the best way to prevent rugs from shifting, bunching, and creating trip hazards. It’s great for safety and also helps extend the life of your rug!

Visit The Design Directory for more expert advice, and discover our top picks in flooring, furniture, lighting, tiles, tapware and more!