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How to pick the right rug for your room

How to pick the right rug for your room

 

Although there's no "right" or "wrong" way to style your home, when you're buying an investment piece, like a rug, there are factors to consider that will save you time and money. Below, we'll walk you through how to find the right rug by weave, style, and function in seven easy steps.

Whether you're looking for a statement piece or calming neutral, this guide outlines the whole rug buying process so you'll feel confident picking a rug that complements your space.

 

Common styling mistakes

  • Chasing trends: Opting for a piece without considering how you want your room to look and feel in the long run can lead to regret.

  • Not measuring: Knowing the dimensions of your room is key to getting the right-sized rug. We suggest leaving anywhere between 12 to 24 inches of visible flooring around the perimeter for a balanced frame. 

  • Overlooking function: Choosing high-pile or hard-to-clean rugs for spill-prone spaces leads to frustration and faster wear and tear.

  • Forgetting texture: Don't be afraid to mix materials and finishes to prevent a room from feeling flat or one-dimensional.

  • Skipping rug pads: This fundamental base protects floors from scratches and reduces slipping, bunching, or fibers from wearing out. 

  • Clashing designs: Too many competing patterns or colors can make the space feel cluttered.

  • Ignoring lighting: The type of lighting in your space (natural, ambient, overhead, warm, or cool) plays a role in how color appears. Depending on factors like the time of day or the warmth of the bulbs you use, the colors of your rug and other interior finishes may look different.

Remember: Experimentation leads to discovery. It's okay to break "design rules" if something feels right for you and your space.

 

Tip #1) Define the mood

Before you begin decorating, ask yourself: How do I want to feel in this space? With the right rug, you can shape the mood of a room by making this large, focal piece work for you and the goals of your space.

Tschudi in Taupe, washable wool rug

For cozy rooms:

Choose plush or shag rugs with a thick pile you can sink into. Our plush, shag, and machine-washable rugs like Shell, Taylor, and Tschudi offer soft, dense surfaces that add warmth and comfort.

Halo in Moss, wool flatweave

For busy, tidy rooms:

Go with flatweave rugs, these low-profile rugs have a tight weave and surface which makes them easy to clean. 

  • If you want a flatweave that's cool to the touch we suggest going with a jute rug like Hart, or a mixed-fiber flatweave like our Bop, Novello, and Reveal collections.

  • Prefer a bit more warmth and texture? Try flatweaves in wool, cotton, or recycled polyester, like our Halo, Denim, and Sweatshirt rugs.

Remember, the best rug is one that feels right in your space. whether it's by bringing you joy through texture as you walk over it or calm when you see it in your room.

Tip #2) Select a color or palette   

Psychology of color

Color Psychology looks at the impact of colors on our mood and psyche. Although responses to shades vary by individual, it's helpful to consider how you want a space to feel so you can pick designs that align with the goals for your space.

Sweatshirt in Milk, easy care rug

Neutrals (beige, cream, grey, ivory):

Helen in Toast and Nettle, hand-knotted wool rugs

Earth Tones (terracotta, rust, olive):

Upclose look at Porta in Navy, washable rug

Cool Tones (grey, blue, purple):

Mori in Sakura, hand-knotted wool rug

Warm Tones (red, pink, yellow):

From light and airy neutrals to rich and vibrant rugs, we have hundreds of 5-star rated options for you to choose from.
Shop all rugs

 

Tip #3) How Lighting Affects Rug Color and Texture

Something to consider in addition to the mood and color palette of your room is lighting. Lighting impacts how your rug's colors and textures appear in a space. 

Star in Butter, washable rug under different lighting

  • Warm lighting (incandescent): enhances rich tones like terracotta, beige, and gold to create a cozy, inviting glow.

  • Cool lighting (LED or daylight): sharpens blues, grays, and ivory, which complements modern or minimalist decor. 

  • Natural light: evolves throughout the day, colors look cooler and crisp in the morning, balanced at midday, and warm and deep by sunset.

Consider the placement and number of windows in your room, as well as the color temperature of other light sources for a cohesive look that feels intentional and harmonious.

Tip #4) Patterns by interior design style 

Here are some common rug patterns to consider when choosing a rug based on your lifestyle and interior design style: 

Vintage Distressed Rug Siver

One-of-a-kind vintage Turkish rug

Authentic vintage rugs

  • For those who collect pieces with heritage and craft 

  • One-of-a-kind pieces handwoven between 30-100 years ago

  • Adds character, depth and warmth to a room
    Shop vintage rugs

 

Jeogi, washable flatweave

 

Geometric patterns & linework

  • Ideal for city apartments and open layouts 

  • Sleek, bold shapes complement modern furniture

  • Conversation pieces add visual interest to minimalist rooms 
    Shop modern rugs

 

Shell in Evergreen, washable rug

Textural or boho style

  • For families, pet owners, and those who value practicality 

  • Dynamic, cozy, and forgiving designs for high-traffic spaces

  • Earthy or distressed finishes and abstract patterns disguise wear
    Shop boho rugs 

Cora, washable hand-knotted wool rug

 Traditional floral rugs

  • Common in traditional and transitional spaces

  • Central medallions, florals, and intricate motifs 

  • Versatile design that works with vintage or modern furniture
    Shop traditional florals

 

#Tip 5) Measure your room 

Rug sizing, like most decor decisions, comes down to the proportions of your room and styling preference. Generally speaking: the larger the room, the larger a rug should be. 

Start by measuring your space to get an accurate sense of your room's dimensions. We suggest going with a rug that leaves about a foot or two of visible flooring around the perimeter of the rug.

Keep in mind:

  • When rugs are too small, they feel disconnected from the room and furniture layout, and "float" in the space.

  • When rugs are too large, they can feel overwhelming, large rugs can become a tripping hazard when they curl up against baseboards or furnishings

  • When in doubt, test it: did you know we have a rendering tool that shows you how our rugs look in your space? Simply upload a photo of the room you're decorating or use one of the demo rooms to see it for yourself. This tool is located under the photo carousel of our product pages, just look for the "View in Your Room" button. 

Want more tips? Whether you're in between rug sizes or not sure where to start, our rug size guide has all the information you need to pick the right rug size.

 

Tip #6) Consider functionality 

Another factor to consider when buying a rug is the function of the room. 

Is this space where you're hosting guests or dining with others? Or is this a quiet study or bedroom that experiences less foot traffic? Depending on how you're planning to use your space, we've listed a few key rooms and the type of rug weave that works for best:

Tolliver SHB

Tolliver, handwoven jute doormat

Outdoor Spaces

Keep your home clean with outdoor mats that trap dirt and debris as guests walk in.

Shop outdoor & entryway rugs

 

Sum in Navy, handwoven jute rug

Entryway

Decorate busy areas, like entryways, with flatweaves hailed for their durability, tight weave, and low-profile design.

Shop jute rugs  

Stella in Blue, washable rug

Kitchen

Whether you're making a four-course meal or a snack, our washable rugs make kitchen cleanup a piece of cake.

Shop kitchen runners & rugs 


Taiyo, washable hand-knotted wool rug

Dining room

From pasta sauce splatters to wine spills, our washable flatweaves can handle it all. Plus, our low profile flatweave rugs let guests slide dining chairs with ease.

Shop washable & easy care rugs

Via in Mauve, washable rug

Living room

Five-star rated for a reason, take your favorite gathering place to the next level with our thickest and coziest washable area rugs. 

Shop washable & easy care rugs

One-of-a-kind Moroccan wool rug

Bedroom

At the end of the day nothing feels better than sinking into a supremely soft wool rug.

Shop wool rugs

Tip #7) Determine rug weave 

Here are some tips to consider when choosing your rug weave based on the mood and function of your room:

  • Flatweave rugs: Durable, low-profile, and easy to clean

  • Low-pile rugs: Subtle cushioning with easy maintenance

  • Medium-pile rugs: Balanced softness for most spaces

  • High-pile rugs: Plush and cozy rugs, perfect for lounging

  • Shag rugs: Thick and lush rugs with a cloud-soft texture

  • Washable rugs: Great for entryways, kitchens, and family homes

  • Solid designs: Enhance depth, color, and warmth

  • Patterned designs: Add texture and visual movement.

Choosing the right rug size, style, and color doesn't have to feel like guesswork. At Revival, every rug—from vintage heirlooms to washable everyday staples—is crafted with intention, authenticity, and ease in mind.

Explore our full collection and find the rug that feels right for your space.

Shop now

Frequently Asked Questions


What's the best rug size for my living room?
We recommend picking a rug that leaves between 12–24 inches of visible floor space around the edges.

What rug materials are easiest to clean?
Flatweave and washable rugs are the easiest to maintain—ideal for kitchens, hallways, and pet-friendly homes.

Which rug weave is most durable?
Flatweave, hand-knotted, and low-pile rugs are highly durable and best for high-traffic spaces.

What color rug makes a room look bigger?
Light neutrals like cream, beige, and gray reflect more light, making rooms appear larger and more open.

What if the rug I like doesn't fit perfectly?
 Layering can solve that—place a smaller rug over a larger neutral base.

Can I See How This Rug Looks in My Room?
Yes! Revival has a 3D rendering tool that lets you test different rugs in your room. Simply upload a photo of your space to preview our rugs by size, color, and pattern.

Can someone help me choose between rug colors or collections?
Yes, you can chat with our design experts for personalized rug recommendations Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM EST, excluding holidays.

For help designing multiple rooms or larger spaces, make a free design consultation by filling out this short form.