What to Consider before Buying a Rug Online or Instore

Buying Rugs Online or In-Store: The Complete ScatterMats Guide

Buying a rug online or from a rug shop should be exciting — not overwhelming. With so many styles, colours, materials, and construction types available today, it can be hard to know where to start. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what you’re buying and choose the perfect floor rug or runner for your home.

How Rugs Affect Space, Function & Mood

Rugs do more than decorate — they can anchor furniture groupings, define zones in open-plan spaces, soften hard floors, and add comfort and insulation.

  • Light-coloured rugs make rooms feel more spacious and open.

  • Dark-coloured rugs create warmth, intimacy, and a cosy feel.

  • Patterned rugs add personality and can hide marks in high-traffic spaces.

  • Textured rugs add depth and tactile comfort.

Area rugs can instantly transform a room without renovations. They can be used as a focal point or simply for comfort underfoot, making your home feel more inviting.

Key Benefits of Area Rugs

Area rugs offer more than style. They also:

  • Personalise a room with colour and character quickly

  • Hide stains or imperfections on flooring

  • Provide soft, safe play areas for children

  • Define zones within open-plan rooms

  • Add warmth and insulation, helping reduce energy costs

  • Can be moved or swapped out to refresh your space at any time

Understanding Rug Materials & Construction

Natural Fibre Rugs

Natural fibres come from animals or plants. They are usually more expensive and often handmade. Popular options include:

Wool Rugs

  • Soft, durable, naturally insulating, and stain-resistant

  • Machine-woven wool rugs have quality classifications (T3-T6)

  • Hand-tufted wool rugs are thicker and softer

  • Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, lounges

Jute & Hemp Rugs

  • Eco-friendly, durable, natural look

  • Suitable for lower-traffic spaces

  • Not ideal for spills or moisture

Cotton & Natural Weaves

  • Lightweight, breathable, easy to clean

  • Great for casual, relaxed spaces

Silk & Viscose

  • Luxurious look and sheen

  • Best for low-traffic or decorative areas

  • Require careful maintenance

Synthetic & Mixed-Fibre Rugs

Synthetic rugs are man-made, using fibres such as polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or acrylic.

  • Durable, stain- and fade-resistant, easy to clean

  • Ideal for kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic

  • Mixed-fibre rugs combine natural comfort with synthetic durability

Pile, Weave & Structure

  • Flat-weave rugs: Lightweight, reversible, great for high-traffic areas

  • Cut-pile / High-pile rugs: Soft, plush, excellent for bedrooms and lounges

  • Choosing the right pile impacts comfort, maintenance, and longevity

Polypropylene Rugs: Standard vs Heat-Set

Standard Polypropylene (BCF)

  • Bulk Continuous Filament fibre, budget-friendly

  • Flattens easily, harder to vacuum

  • Best in low-traffic areas or decorative use

Heat-Set Polypropylene

  • Yarn is heat-treated, twisted to retain shape

  • Anti-static, easy to clean, durable

  • High-density options last longer and perform better

  • Feels softer and looks premium

Other synthetic fibres:

  • Polyester: Excellent colour, fade and stain resistance; lower resilience in low-density, high-pile rugs

  • Acrylic: Soft, wool-like, affordable, may shed and require extra maintenance

Choosing the Right Size & Shape

Correct rug size helps define spaces, anchor furniture, and improve comfort.

Living Rooms:

  • Ideally, rugs should cover front legs of sofas/chairs, or all seating legs for a cohesive look

Dining Rooms:

  • Extend roughly 60–70 cm beyond the table to keep chairs on the rug when pulled out

Bedrooms:

  • Rug should extend beyond bedside tables or under runners for visual balance

Hallways / Entryways:

  • Runners or narrow rugs work best; flat-weave or durable synthetics are ideal

Shape Considerations:

  • Rectangular is most common

  • Round or custom shapes soften spaces and add visual interest

Practical Considerations

  • Lifestyle: Kids, pets, or high traffic? Prioritise durable, low-maintenance rugs

  • Comfort vs Durability: Wool and cotton are soft but require care; synthetics are practical

  • Rug Pads: Improve safety, protect flooring, and extend rug life

  • Maintenance: Vacuum regularly; blot spills immediately; professional clean as needed

  • Climate: Avoid moisture-prone fibres in humid areas; thick/warm rugs are better for cooler spaces

Avoid Common Mistakes

  • Choosing a rug that’s too small

  • Selecting based on appearance alone, ignoring traffic, care, or lifestyle

  • Skipping a rug pad

  • Ignoring fibre type, pile, density, or weave for durability and comfort

  • Not measuring furniture layout and door clearance

Rug-Buying Checklist

Before buying, ask yourself:

  1. What is the room’s purpose?

  2. What traffic and wear will the rug get?

  3. Which fibre material suits your needs?

  4. What pile type / weave makes sense?

  5. What size and shape anchors the space correctly?

  6. Will you use a rug pad?

  7. Are you okay with the care/maintenance requirements?

  8. Do you want a rug that lasts many years or a budget-friendly, replaceable option?

  9. Does the rug’s colour, pattern, and texture complement your décor?