SIZE AND SCALE

Consider the size and scale of the room for which you're choosing a rug. While many rugs come in standard sizes, taking much of the guesswork out for you, you'll still need to think about how much of the room you're trying to cover.

▶ Size refers to the absolute measurement of your rug. Most rugs are rectangular so the length and width measurements will vary at a ratio of approximately three to four or four to five..

▶ Round rugs are measured by their diameter, which is the length of the rug from end-to-end and through the centre of any point. There's only one measurement figure for diameter, so keep that in mind when shopping for a round rug.

▶ Scale refers to how your rug fits against the size or absolute measurements of your room itself. For instance, a bedroom that is 3 metres x 4 metres might look great with a rug about half that size or two-thirds that size.

DESIGN AND MATERIAL

When it comes to your rug's design, anything goes. There's no guide for personal taste, but you may find how to choose a rug is easier when you know a bit more about design trends.

▶ For an organic look, choose a rug made of jute or seagrass. These earthy materials are derived from natural fibres and are usually woven for an interesting texture.

▶ If you choose a wool rug, you can pick from a wide variety of loomed designs, including trellises, floral or geometric styles or medallions. Your colour selection is practically unlimited in this regard.

▶ Solid or minimalist two-tone rugs are often popular when the focus is on texture. Enjoy the feel of genuine hides, faux fur and other feel-good material.

MATCHING YOUR RUG

How you match your rug to your furniture matters to the mood of a room. Choose a rug that enhances what's special about your furniture. The best part of how to choose a rug is that when you feel the space needs a refresh, you can always swap the rug out for a new one. It's quick and easy change that makes a major impact.