What to look for when buying a rug

When buying a rug, there are six important choices: the function, the style, the size and shape, the material, the pile height and the maintenance of a rug. These factors determine whether the rug is practical for your household and fits beautifully with your interior.

Since choosing is often difficult, we've worked through these six steps concretely for you. This way you'll know exactly what to look for and make your choice with confidence when buying a rug.

Step 1: Determine the function

You don't buy a rug every day. So first ask yourself: what should it do for you? For some, it's about extra comfort or better acoustics; for others, it's a style statement that completes the interior. A rug can also optically bring furniture together or add contrast.

At Volero, we notice that many people choose a rug as the foundation of their interior. It influences colour choices, materials and furniture layout. At the same time, the practical side also matters: a rug that dampens sound or retains warmth can be just as important as the design. Once the function is clear, choosing size, material and shape becomes much easier.

Step 2: Determine your rug style

The last, but certainly not least important step, is determining your style. This helps you navigate the huge range of rugs on offer. Are you a fan of a particular style and want to carry it throughout? Take a step back and look carefully at your interior. Are there dominant colours, themes or accessories? Adapt your rug choice to these and create a harmonious whole. Or are you someone who likes different styles? Mixing and matching is of course allowed. Remember, nothing is compulsory and everything is possible!

Step 3: Choose rug material

Which material you choose is an important step when selecting a rug. Whether that's for a living room rug, bedroom or dining room. Not only because it affects how the room looks, but also comfort and maintenance. The first consideration you can make is between natural rugs or rugs made from synthetic fibres.

Jute rugs and wool rugs are the most popular natural materials. Their natural charm and visible texture is reason enough for many people to choose a natural rug. For those looking for a low-maintenance and budget-friendly option, a synthetic rug made of polypropylene or polyester is an excellent choice.

Step 4: Choose the right pile height

After choosing the material, the next question often follows: do you choose a high-pile or low-pile rug? A high-pile rug feels soft and luxurious, but requires more maintenance and is less practical in rooms where there's lots of eating or playing. A low-pile rug looks sleeker, stays in place better when chairs are moved and is easier to clean, though it's less voluminous.

At Volero, we see that the choice of pile height is often underestimated, yet it actually greatly affects daily use. It's not about better or worse, but about what suits your household and interior style. Still experiencing choice stress? In our blog you can read everything about choosing a high-pile or low-pile rug.

Step 5: Determine your rug's shape

A rug's shape determines how the room looks and feels. The rectangular rug is by far the most popular choice and the standard for living rooms. That's because you cover a lot of area and the straight lines match sofas and dining tables nicely. A round rug makes a space softer and invites connection. Perfect under a round table or in a square room where you want to break up the corners. And then there's this moment's trend: an organic rug. Their flowing, asymmetrical shapes have quickly become hugely popular and give strictly designed interiors an airy, playful twist.

So choosing shape isn't just a matter of taste, but also of effect. Those looking for calm and unity often choose rectangular. Those wanting contrast or softness opt for round or organic. This way you use the rug to deliberately steer the atmosphere in your interior.

Step 6: Choose the right rug size

A rug's size determines how much calm and cohesion your interior gets. The right size ensures furniture forms one unit and the room stays balanced.

• Rug in the seating area A rug wider than the sofa immediately brings cohesion. 160 × 230 cm → compact seating area 200 × 290 cm → standard arrangement (most popular size) 240 × 340 cm or larger → spacious living room
• Rug under the dining table Always add 60–70 cm extra around the table. This way, even pulled-out chairs stay completely on the rug. Table 90 × 200 cm → rug ± 190 × 300 cm Round table Ø 120 cm → rug Ø 240 cm
• Rug in the bedroom A rug extending 70–100 cm around the bed gives a luxury, hotel-like feel. Bed 160 × 200 cm → rug 200 × 300 cm Bed 180 × 200 cm → rug 240 × 340 cm

Most popular choice: in living rooms, a 200 × 290 cm rug is the most purchased size. This size is large enough to fully place the sofa, coffee table and armchairs on the rug.

Need personal help? Visit our showrooms in Amsterdam or Lekkerkerk!

Browsing online is convenient, but sometimes you want to see rugs in person. In our showrooms in Amsterdam and Lekkerkerk, you can see colours and materials, compare different styles side by side and get personal advice from our stylists. They'll think along with you, so you make your choice with confidence for your perfect rug.

How to choose a rug? | Advice by Volero – the rug webshop of the Netherlands