Finding the right rug for a room is akin to placing the last piece of a puzzle. It helps anchor a space and tie all the furnishings together, and without one, it often feels like something is missing.
Whether your home is minimalistic, coastal, playful or classic, browse the list below of the best rugs from our Design Directory, along with some helpful tips on how to style them.
Painting by Enos Namatjira. Ikea coffee table. Armadillo rug. Ikea dining table and bench. Cherner chairs bought from Facebook Marketplace. Home of Josephine and Paul Luczak. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Even if you prefer a minimal aesthetic, a neutral rug is a great way to add some warmth to your space. After all, simple shouldn’t mean sterile.
Something elegant like the Sherpa Rug by Jenny Jones is made from looped Tibetan wool with subtle stripes of pure silk throughout, which has a soft feel underfoot.
The Nala by Armadillo would also make a great base for a living room featuring muted tones, adding some depth with its hand-knotted and monochrome design.
Inax Sugie Series tiles by Artedomus. Thursday Modular Sofa by Jardan. Otis Coffee Table by Jardan. Seagrass rug from Ochre and Silk. Japanese ceramic Mizuzashi vessel used as a vase from Edo Arts. Painting by Anthea Kemp. Box frame by Funktion Framing. Palmer bolster cushion by Jardan. Home of Belle Fearon and Jake Weston. Photo – Milly Mead. Editorial Styling – Sarah Hendriks.
Surround by Laminex Batten 300 panels painted Dulux White Polar Quarter, curtains created by Zenn Design, using Warwick Fabrics Burano Eggshell linen weave. Custom sofa created by Gordy with upholstery by Zenn Design using Warwick Fabricks Cheshire Paprika. Artwork from left to right, May Mayiwalku (May Wokka) Chapman, Lucy Roleff, Pan After x Alice Oehr Paper Plate. Cushions on sofa from Weave Home. Smooth side table by Nicole Lawrence. Cadiz rug from Weave Home. Lucy’s Family Beach Shack. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Photo – Courtesy of Tigmi.
Most of our favourite coastal homes embrace natural textures: think timber floors, rattan furniture, and a rug is the perfect finishing touch.
Inspired by parquetry floors, Tigmi’s Esparto Rug is crafted from abaca, known as one of the strongest natural fibres. Its woven pattern has a nostalgic look, similar to the seagrass flooring that often features in retro beach houses!
A jute rug like Lisbon by Weave is another coastal staple, combining soft wool with twisted jute to create an organic finish in its sandy ‘seasalt’ colourway that would look perfect in a holiday home’s living room, entryway, or even at the foot of a bed.
Wabi-Sabi rug by Jenny Jones Rugs. Wall in Dulux Henna Red. Styling – Bree Leech. Photo – Lisa Cohen
Brunswick Bed Base in Bush Walk; Duvet cover set in Keen As; Switcharoo Throw in Bush Scrub/Pink Sky from Koala. Tulu-Ru Chain rug from Loom. Artwork by Megan Grant. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
Photo – Courtesy of Jenny Jones.
Photo – Courtesy of Fenton & Fenton
In addition to art, rugs are arguably one of the best vehicles for introducing pattern and personality when it comes to interior design.
Go for a statement piece with the 7299 Old Yarn Rug from Loom’s collection of handcrafted rugs made using yarn unravelled from vintage rugs and kilims to create new colourful patchworks.
Or add some Grecian glamour with the Olympia Dhurrie by Fenton & Fenton. The interlocking ‘meandros’ motif appears on both sides of the rug’s reversible design, and its thin profile with no pile makes it perfect for high traffic areas, like hallways and living areas.
Sequence coffee table by Coco Flip. Striped vase by Amy Leeworthy. Agra rug in Artichoke by Armadillo. Custom couch designed by LH Design Hub and made by Ivanhoe Upholstery. Painting by Heath Wae. Woven artwork by Tais Rose Wae. ‘Feels Like Home’ floor lamp by Lana Launay. Home of Sally Tabart. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.
Artwork ‘Polyphony: Forest’ by Nina Sanadze from Daine Singer. Belt Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso from Hub. Side table/sculpture by Moda Piera. Armadillo Agra rug. Curtains by Life by Shades. Home of Jaime Vella. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli.
The main living room. Custom sofa by Mood Objects, in James Dunlop Textiles fabric. Coffee table sourced from Mooky Vintage. Custom tassel cushions. Fiore Burgundy Cushion by Bonnie and Neil. Cork Square Side Table Stripe Orange by Bonnie and Neil. Vintage shell basket purchased from Ma Supply Store. Wall paint colour Dulux Beige Royal Half. Ceiling paint colour Dulux Snowy Mountains Quarter. ‘Moonside Series – RoadKnight 3’ artwork by Tikada for MCM House. Home of Lee Farrell and Will Murray Brown. Photo – Eve Wilson. Editorial Styling – Annie Portelli + Sarah Hendriks.
South Yarra Apartment by Studio Ceravolo. Photo – Sean Fennesy.
Photo – Courtesy of King Living
Handmade rugs have an inherently luxurious feel, largely thanks to the artisanal craftsmanship it takes to create one. We love how the wool Agra Rug by Armadillo showcases the timeless elegance of the traditional hand-knotted technique in a deep-cut pile.
The Cashmere Rug by Tigmi is another classic option that would set the tone for sophisticated interiors in a home of any style — from modern to heritage. Available in four earthy hues, the rug blends cashmere and wool to create an extraordinary softness underfoot, finished with a handwoven trim detail.
Want to see more? Visit The Design Directory to discover our top picks in flooring, furniture, lighting, tiles, tapware and more!
