What Kinds of Rugs Are Popular Right Now?

If you need a décor refresh and feel overwhelmed by all the choices, you might be asking yourself: What kinds of rugs are popular right now?

Changing your rugs can make a significant difference to the look and feel of your room, but whether you’re doing a complete renovation or just want to zhuzh up your aesthetics, finding the perfect fit for your space can be difficult.

Our experts have put together this guide on the trendiest area rugs this year, and why they work for your interiors.

What are area rugs and why are they so popular?

An area rug, which can be placed directly onto your flooring, is a carpet that occupies a portion of your space rather than spreading from wall to wall.

They are lightweight, can be moved from room to room if needed and you can take them with you if you’re selling up and moving. Available in a myriad of textures, patterns, materials, sizes and colours, area rugs are one of the most popular flooring accessories available and offer a wealth of advantages that go far beyond design.

Most commonly round, square or rectangular, they also come in irregular, organic shapes and can be custom-made to fit your specific requirements.

To find out more about this, contact our FCI London interiors team – we work closely with Knot & Loop to produce beautiful custom creations, giving you limitless options to suit your space.

Why are rugs a good idea in interior design?

Rugs can be a game changer when it comes to the look and feel of your room. You can either use them to complement your décor or allow them to stand out and add an extra style element to your aesthetics. But no matter what you choose, they will ensure that your space looks fashionable, cosy and uniquely personal.

They are also highly functional and add a practical element that has many benefits. Here are 7 reasons to love them.

1. They complete a room

All rooms should be designed from ceiling to floor, ensuring that your colour palette and theme are well-considered and cohesive. Forgetting to add in something underfoot is a rookie mistake because at the end of the day a beautiful rug will make all the difference to your overall aesthetic, helping to determine the room’s focal point and tying your furnishings together beautifully.

2. They create visual pathways

By using rugs in dead areas like hallways or passages you can create a visual conduit that will direct your attention to adjoining spaces. In these instances, you have the leeway to find something fun when selecting colours and patterns, but make sure you also take into account the overall design of any connecting rooms.

3. They add comfort

Hard flooring options may be attractive, but they can be cold and uncomfortable to walk on, especially if you have bare feet. A high-quality rug will bring a cosy element to your space, allowing you to feel warm and at ease no matter the weather.

4. They help section open-concept floor plans

Area rugs enable you to section off larger spaces without the need for bulky furniture. This allows you to celebrate the room's natural flow while creating specific zones, which will preserve a feeling of openness and calm.

5. They break the monotony of wall-to-wall flooring

While your floors may be lovely, having too many rooms in the same colour or style may lessen the impact of your home's overall design. Rugs help to break up the tedium and add visual interest through texture and colour.

6. They absorb sound

The fact that area rugs absorb sound from footfall and noisy furniture is one of their most significant benefits. Strategically placed, they muffle high-traffic areas making them ideal for apartment living, nurseries and busy lifestyles.

7. They provide an element of safety

If you have a young family, rugs provide a safe space in which children can play, shielding them from accidents or getting hurt.

What materials are rugs made from?

When shopping for rugs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different types, many of which come with a hefty price tag. Before you start, do some research and decide on your budget, style and where you’re going to place it.

You will also need to consider factors like cleaning instructions and longevity, which are influenced by the type of material used. Here are some of the most common options:

• Wool rugs: These are usually woven, tufted, knotted or loomed by hand, making them both expensive and exceptionally worthwhile. They are durable, washable and perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Silk rugs: Are thin, delicate, extremely soft and have a beautiful sheen, but are difficult to maintain, damage easily and are extremely costly. Cotton rugs: If you’re looking for something affordable, lightweight, easy to maintain and hypoallergenic, these tick all the boxes. However, they can fade easily and don’t last as long as other options.
• Jute, sisal and bamboo rugs: Made from natural materials, these are eco-friendly, give any interior a beachy feel and are excellent if you’re looking for something textural or layered. They are durable, low maintenance and often weatherproofed.
• Sheepskin, leather and hide rugs: Either whole or made from braided strips, these can be easily cleaned but are prone to shedding and curling up on the edges. They are great for small areas, oddly shaped rooms and lavish layering.
• Faux fur rugs: For those who don’t subscribe to using natural hides, these are the perfect solution and provide a luxurious aesthetic without the ethical dilemma. However, they are difficult to clean and shed easily.
• Synthetic rugs: Many rugs are made from materials like nylon, polypropylene, viscose and polyester. They have a velvety feel, are great for high-traffic areas and are budget-friendly, fade-resistant, durable and easy to look after. To help you make your final decision, here are some tips on choosing a rug to reflect you and your tastes.

4 Must-have rug trends for your home

To help you with your search, our top designers have put together this list of the four most popular area rug trends for home interiors:

1. Layering: If you want to create an artistic aesthetic, place a small rug on top of a larger one in a complementary shade. Layering can help define your living space, add texture, bring in pops of colour and create visual interest, especially if you’re working with a large area.

2. Old-world charm: Unique, hand-crafted and full of charisma, vintage rugs add a touch of class to any aesthetic. Not only are they exquisitely made, but they come in various sizes, have intricate designs, don’t shed, are sustainable and tell wonderful stories, making them a must-have signature piece.

3. Shag rugs: Yes, this “blast from the past” is back! Modern shag rugs offer a fresh twist on an old trend, giving you the ultimate in opulence when it comes to bedside comfort for bare feet.

4. Framed rugs: If you have a rug that you can’t stop looking at, turn it into a work of art by having it framed. It’s a fun, unique idea that will preserve your favourite piece and allow it to be on display for all to see.

In conclusion

Accessorising your home with rugs will completely change the look and feel of your space and tie your furnishings together seamlessly.

If you’re on the lookout for something spectacular, get in touch with us today or pop into our showroom for some inspiration. We have a vast range of bespoke rugs to choose from, so browse our collection and let us help you pick out the perfect piece.

For custom rug inspiration, take a look at our Coulins project, a residential home where our design team created two completely custom rugs for a very happy client.