ScatterMats Guide: Choosing the Right Rug for Your Home
Selecting the perfect rug is more than choosing a pretty pattern, it's about size, fibre type, construction, and placement. This guide will help you find rugs and runners that suit your space, style, and lifestyle.
1. Rug Sizes: What Works Where
Rugs come in standard sizes, mostly rectangular, though round options and runners are also available. Use these sizes as a starting point and always measure your room and furniture first.
| Size | Recommended Use |
|---|---|
| 50×80 cm | Small mats for bathrooms, kitchens, or doorways |
| 80×150 cm | Larger mats for hallways or wider kitchens or entrances |
| 120×170 cm | Under coffee tables or office chairs in small spaces or foyers |
| 160×230 cm | Popular for living rooms or family areas with a wide selection of designs |
| 190×290 cm | For larger lounges or under small to medium dining tables to cover more floor space for chairs |
| 240×330 cm | Big areas like open-plan lounges; fewer style options or under big dining tables |
| 300×400 cm | Very large spaces, ideal under large full dining sets |
Pro tip: Rugs should complement your furniture. For sofas and chairs, place at least the front legs on the rug for a cohesive look; under dining tables, be sure to pull the chairs out, then measure for the rug.
2. Hallway Runners: Custom and Flexible
Hallway runners can come in finished lengths or continuous rolls that can be cut to suit your hallway.
- Widths: Typically 67–80 cm, with limited options up to 100–120 cm
- Lengths: Finished runners up to 5 m; continuous custom-made runner rolls up to 30 m
- Customisation: Some rolls can be overlocked in your preferred colour and coordinated with matching room rugs
Check our step-by-step guide to ordering hall runners (coming soon) for tips on measuring and cutting the perfect runner.
3. How Can I Tell If a Rug Is Good Quality?
Rug quality depends on fibre type, pile density and type, weaving, and construction. Machine-made rugs usually have a more even fibre distribution, helping them last longer, while hand-made rugs may have slight variations.
Although there is no official industry standard, fibre density is a helpful guide for durability. Rugs with more fibres per square metre typically hold their shape, resist flattening, and withstand heavy use better.
Rug Quality by Fibre Density
| Rug Quality | Approximate Fibre Density | Durability Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Very Low | ~250,000 fibres/m² | Best for decorative or low-traffic areas; may flatten quickly |
| Low–Medium | 250,000–400,000 fibres/m² | Suitable for light to moderate foot traffic |
| Medium–Good | 400,000–600,000 fibres/m² | Good balance of comfort and durability for living spaces |
| Good–High | 600,000–800,000 fibres/m² | Durable; ideal for family rooms or busy areas |
| High | 800,000–1,000,000 fibres/m² | Long-lasting; withstands heavy use with minimal flattening |
| Very High | 1,000,000–2,000,000 fibres/m² | Extremely resilient; perfect for high-traffic or premium investment rugs |
Tip: Consider density along with fibre type, pile height, and intended room usage to select a rug that lasts.
4. Rug Fibres and Their Uses
| Fibre | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Wool | Natural, durable, retains shape and colour | Can shed; higher price; needs regular care |
| Heat-Set Polypropylene | Hard-wearing, stain- and moisture-resistant | Synthetic feel; can be less soft than wool |
| Polyester | Vivid colours, soft, fade-resistant | Can flatten in high-traffic zones |
| Acrylic | Wool-like texture, soft | May shed or lose shape over time, flattens easily |
| Viscose / Rayon | Silky, decorative, lightweight | Best for low-traffic areas |
| Flat-Weave | Easy to clean, very durable | Less soft; not ideal for lounging |
| Shaggy | Comfortable, hides dirt | Requires occasional professional cleaning |
Tip: Match fibre choice to room activity, traffic, and your household cleaning routine.
5. Caring for Your Rug
- Vacuum regularly; avoid power bristle mode on shag rugs
- Schedule professional cleaning every 6–12 months for woven or delicate rugs
- Spot clean using ScatterMats Rug Guard Spot Cleaner, or a mild wool detergent or vinegar solution; test a hidden area first
- Protect your rug with products like ScatterMats Rug Guard Protector Spray
Tip: Always test a small, inconspicuous area first for colour-fastness before cleaning.
6. Storing Rugs
- Roll loosely, ideally face down, to protect patterns
- Cover with breathable fabric or plastic canvas for long-term storage
- Avoid folding or using as padding for other items
Tip: Don't store in a roof space due to extremes of temperature.
7. Quick Rug Shopping Checklist
- Measure your room and furniture layout
- Determine the rug's main purpose (comfort, aesthetics, traffic)
- Choose a size that balances space and furniture
- Select a fibre suitable for your lifestyle and room use
- Consider pile height and weave for comfort and durability
- Pick patterns and colours that complement your décor
- Decide if a non-slip rug pad is needed
- Check maintenance requirements for your chosen material
- Use painter's tape to outline the rug footprint before purchasing
FAQ
Q: Can rugs prevent slipping on hard floors?
A: Yes. Non-slip backing or a rug pad helps keep rugs secure in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Q: Which rugs suit high-traffic areas?
A: Flat-weave or low-pile rugs are best for dining rooms, offices, or busy households.
Q: Can shag rugs work in living areas?
A: Absolutely. They're soft and cosy and hide dirt, but occasional professional cleaning is recommended.
Q: How do I match a runner with a room-size rug?
A: Choose the same pattern or colour from a continuous roll and cut to your hallway length.