The ultimate guide to finding your perfect rug

With the right choices, you can create a haven to unwind after a long day, curl up with a good book, or simply enjoy quality time at home. Rugs play a pivotal role in this transformation, bringing cohesion, style, and comfort to a space. Finding the ideal rug involves much more than aesthetics; it requires consideration of size, style and functionality tailored to your lifestyle. 

Ink & Brayer, spearheaded by New Zealand-based designer Bren Sutton, is an online business devoted to beautiful, curated home decor. Born out of a passion for surface pattern design, Ink & Brayer’s collection is made of meticulously chosen pieces specialising in designer rugs, from the beloved Marimekko Rugs to timeless, neutral pieces. With this, we chat with Bren about the art of finding your perfect rug through size, style and functionality and how the right rug can work to transform your space entirely. 

“There are many factors to consider when selecting a rug. I always appreciate when customers seek advice because they may not fully understand the implications of choosing the wrong fibre, construction, size or colour. I ask them about their lifestyle and the area where the rug will be placed. Often, I discover that the rug a customer has in mind isn’t suitable. In such cases, I can guide them towards options that better meet their needs and offer greater longevity,” Bren explains. 

With a wide variety of rugs available on the market today, finding the perfect one can be daunting. Start by evaluating your space—choosing the right size can significantly impact your interior design. Bren emphasises the importance of size in achieving a cohesive and unified look in a room, advocating for larger rugs. 

"Many of my customers initially opt for smaller rugs due to price considerations, but choosing the right size can dramatically improve a room's appearance. Larger rugs generally work better in unifying a space and should comfortably accommodate and complement furniture arrangements. Before purchasing, use tape measures, masking tape or string to visualise the rug's impact first-hand. Using two extendable measuring tapes allows for easy adjustments to experiment with different rug sizes, ensuring you find the right fit for your space. While bigger is often better, it's also important to leave some flooring visible."

“Rugs are perfect tools for defining zones within a room, ideally fitting comfortably under furniture to anchor the space. In open-plan areas, using multiple rugs can delineate different functional areas, enhancing both organisation and style.” 

“For dining areas, rugs should be large enough to accommodate pushed-back chairs without snagging, ensuring ease of movement. In bedrooms, rugs extending around the bed create a cosy, inviting atmosphere, completing the room with warmth and comfort."

The most enjoyable aspect of rug shopping is selecting the perfect style. Consider your home's decor and colour scheme to determine whether you want a complementary or contrasting piece. Could the room benefit from a statement rug, or do you prefer the focus elsewhere? Ink & Brayer’s collection of rugs is extensive, offering something for every taste. 

"Rugs are crucial design elements that significantly impact a room's ambience," explains Bren. "Whether you choose the rug first or last, finding the right balance of colour and texture is important. Consider different shapes, such as round rugs, to add personality. A round or curved rug can benefit more structured spaces, while a tactile, textured weave might enhance minimalist rooms. Consider the flooring type and colour for a cohesive design." 

Beyond aesthetics, the most crucial factors to consider are the rug's fibre composition and construction, which determine its functionality.

"Rugs come in various weaves, from tufted to flatweave, each with unique characteristics and suitable uses. Choosing the wrong material or weave for your space can result in premature replacement. Consider who will use the rug and how it will be used. Matching the rug to its environment and foot traffic level is essential."

"I always ask if customers have children or pets; if they do, I steer them away from more delicate rugs," says Bren. "Some handmade or loose-weave rugs, or those with viscose or bamboo silk content, may only be practical for specific settings. Consider whether the rug is primarily decorative or meant for practical comfort, ensuring it meets the specific needs of the space.” 

“Also, be mindful of care requirements. It must be easy to clean if it is on a main thoroughfare. Often, 100% wool is a practical choice. Many of my customers have homes with large sliding doors and windows, often north-facing to capture the sun. Rugs made of natural fibres can fade over time with such intense sun exposure, so it's essential to be mindful of this when choosing a colour. Selecting a light rug for these types of spaces may be wise. I often recommend UV film protection on the glass and sheer curtains to help protect a home’s soft furnishings. “ 

"Outdoor rugs are increasingly popular, yet there's often confusion about their proper use. Continuous exposure to the elements can accelerate the deterioration of outdoor rugs. Some are designed for dry areas that occasionally get wet, while others withstand constant moisture exposure. It's important to ask questions and read the care instructions. I advise customers that outdoor rugs perform best where water can drain through them, such as on a deck. Otherwise, they should be stored during cold, wet seasons when drying isn't easy.” 

"When selecting a rug, consider fibre durability, texture, feel, and maintenance requirements. Each natural fibre—like wool, silk, bamboo silk, jute, hemp, and viscose—offers unique qualities and care needs. Synthetic fibres such as recycled polyester and polypropylene are durable for outdoor areas. I recommend investing in MicroSeal protection for indoor rugs to enhance their resistance against stains and fading, especially those with viscose or bamboo silk content.

“Consulting a professional when investing in a rug is wise to avoid costly mistakes. I enjoy assisting customers to make informed decisions within their space and budget. I am always happy to chat by phone or email, and many of my customers share their building plans or photos of their space with me. In addition to the hundreds of rugs in my online store, I have samples of, and can supply, many more premium brands in various styles and price points. Custom-made rugs are also an option. Anything is possible!”

Although an online store, Ink & Brayer was built on a devotion to quality and customer service, Bren extends beyond shopping assistance; she relishes customer connection and diving into the process together.

Visit Ink & Brayer today and find your space's perfect finishing touch.