Luxury Rugs. What does the word bring to mind? Definitely a super comfortable, appealing feel. It’s something that’s so important yet so easily overlooked. Even if not entirely left out, it isn’t always given the attention it deserves. Color and material are only two of the things to take into consideration. There’s so much more to think of: the size of the house, the type of the room, the sort of interior design, and so on—exactly what we will talk about today; come with us 🤍
The Role of Rugs in Luxury Design
Enhance Comfort
The obvious. Rugs add comfort to an otherwise bland space. They’re that missing piece you might not be able to put your finger on. That one thing that doesn’t come to mind immediately, but makes so much of a difference when added to an interior.
Imagine. A plush surface underfoot, embracing each footstep. Feels so elite. Bonus points if it’s made of a material, like cashmere or wool blend, designed particularly to enhance comfort. The choice also depends on the type of the room, though. The bedroom, for example, would do better with a softer material, while the office space would look amazing with a sleek, low-pile rug.
Define Spaces
Open-plan fellas, listen up. Rugs are an incredibly cool way to create zones seamlessly. You won’t need bulky additions, like a bookshelf (or wall dividers). Invest in the right rugs. Look up ways to lay them out creatively. See the magic.
Example:
- Plush area rug in the living room.
- Bright Rug in the play area.
- Flatweave Rug under the dining.
- Runner in the kitchen.
Nothing fancy here. Just choose the right material for each space, and colors that complement each other (and the overall color scheme). Size matters, too, of course. We’ll talk more about this later in the article.
Add Texture
A room without texture is like a dish without salt. It’s used to add that final touch to an interior. Rugs are a great way to introduce texture to a room—without overpowering the design. It’s minimal. It’s beautiful. It’s lovely. You can choose to tone up or tone down the texture (like shag rugs to make things dramatic vs. flatweave rugs to keep things minimal).
Set the Tone
Rugs aren’t just another decor element. Think of it. Why doesn’t the rug in your bedroom work for the kitchen? Because every material & design carries its own vibe, suited to specific areas. And just like that, a rug sets the tone of a room. The right choice can make a big difference in how the room comes together. You’d be surprised to know how incredibly a rug can shake things up!
Exploring Rug Materials
Natural Fibers
The most trending rug material… and why not? People have become so environmentally conscious. Every decision, every choice is based around the question, “How will it impact the environment?”. Exactly why we see natural fibers becoming a favorite—the most popular of which include…
Wool
Why it’s luxurious- Soft, insulating, durable
Best for- Living rooms, bedrooms
Silk Blends
Why it’s luxurious- Delicate sheen, ultra-soft texture
Best for- Formal areas (sitting rooms, dining spaces)
Jute & Sisal
Why it’s luxurious- Eco-friendly, organic, textured
Best for- High-traffic areas (hallways, entryways, living spaces)
Natural Hide
Why it’s luxurious- One-of-a-kind patterns, organic textures
Best for- Statement pieces in living rooms or bedrooms
Synthetic Fibers
Not the most eco-friendly option, but still loved by many homeowners. Rugs from synthetic fibers come in a ton of different designs—and materials, including…
Nylon
Why it’s luxurious- Durable, stain-resistant, soft
Best for- High-traffic areas (staircases, playrooms)
Polypropylene
Why it’s luxurious- Affordable, versatile, easy-to-maintain
Best for- Indoor-outdoor spaces, casual living areas, homes with pets
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rug
Choosing a rug is usually a spur-of-the-moment decision, not a planned or well-thought one. But that’s not how it should be. Like we’ve mentioned up there, rugs are a significant part of luxury interior design. The decision deserves as much attention as any other (like the color scheme or the furniture). Now, what needs to be considered? Here’s a quick overview.
Pile Height and Knot Count
The pile height is the length of fibers over the rug backing…
Low Pile (0.25 inches). Sleek, easy to clean, ideal for hallways & kitchens.
Medium Pile (0.25 to 0.5 inches). Soft, comfortable, perfect for bedrooms & living rooms.
High pile (over 0.5 inches). Luxurious, less suited to high-traffic areas, best for bedrooms.
The knot count measures the density of a rug—the more the knot count, the better the quality. You will find 4 common categories:
50 to 100 Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI)- Simple designs, larger patterns.
100 to 300 KPSI- Moderately intricate patterns.
300 to 600 KPSI- Fine, detailed designs.
600+ KPSI– Rare craftsmanship (often seen in silk rugs).
When designing a luxury interior, a high pile, 600+ KPSI, would be your best choice. Fine. Unique. Rare. It adds just the perfect hint of opulence.
Color (and Pattern)
A major decision. The color of the rug or carpet. It’s the first thing the eye lands on when you enter a room (considering the amount of space it takes up).
Now, no need to jump to decisions. Don’t base your choice on a color you like. Of course, there’s always room to showcase your personal preferences, but it’s better to align them with other factors, like:
- The size of the room. If the room is small, dark colors might be a bold choice that will close the space further.
- Lighting. Impacts how colors appear.
- Existing color scheme. Should the rug or carpet be a complementary or contrasting shade?
- Functionality. If a high-traffic area, darker colors are best to mask stains.
- Mood. Warm tones for a relaxing feel, cool shades for a relaxing aura.
Layering
A single rug isn’t enough. The secret to luxury is layering, with shapes, colors, and textures. Here’s a simple “recipe” to layer rugs (you can tweak it according to your style).
- Neutral rug for the bottom.
- Accent rugs for the middle.
- Sheepskin rugs for the top.
Idea to steal from:
Cowhide rug over neutral rug over jute rug
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Luxury
Luxurious rugs need luxurious cleaning—and by luxurious cleaning, we mean a good, regular maintenance schedule, nothing expensive.
Vacuum regularly. At least twice a week.
Spot clean spills immediately. Blot with a clean, damp cloth and mild detergent—never rub.
Rotate furniture (and rugs). At least every 6 months.
Hire professional cleaning. Once (or maybe twice) a year, depending on traffic.
Add quality rug pads with the right thickness.
Trim snags. Carefully snip loose threads with scissors—never pull them out.
Create a “no-shoes” policy to minimize dirt.
The Appeal of Custom Rugs
You find trending materials & colors—but where’s the uniqueness? It’s hidden in custom designs, tailored to your style (and needs). Create designs that…
- Suit your lifestyle
- Fit your space
- Incorporate unique textures
- Set apart your home from the rest
Make the Investment
Investing in luxurious rugs is a big decision, but not one that should scare you off. Look into the tips. Talk with a professional. And, most importantly, follow your heart 💜