Grounded in Beauty: Exploring Rug Options for Your Home

Written By Jenni Robin

There’s something quietly transformative about finding the right rug. It’s not just about colour or pattern, it’s about how a space feels when everything is anchored and softened. Rugs are the unsung heroes of interiors, art for the floor as Jenny Jones would put it. They zone, warm and they tell stories. When chosen with care, rugs can last a lifetime or more.

As always, I lean toward pieces that are made well and made to last. In a world of fast everything, there’s something deeply reassuring about investing in quality. Rugs are no exception. Whether it’s the fibre, the construction, or the provenance, I believe in choosing with intention.

Wool
Wool is my go-to. It’s naturally insulating, resilient, and renewable. It wears beautifully over time and has that lovely bounce underfoot that feels like home. For high-traffic areas, it’s hard to beat. And from a sustainability perspective, it ticks all the right boxes.

Merino Wool
Finer and softer than standard wool, Merino brings a quiet luxury to any space. It’s ideal for bedrooms or reading nooks, places where comfort is key. I love its warmth and subtle texture, especially when paired with natural timbers or linen upholstery. One of the most amazing rugs I have come across made of Merino Wool is from The Rug Est, view online here.

Tencel
Tencel is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, and it’s one of those fibres that surprises people. It has a silky sheen, a soft hand feel, and a gentle drape that works beautifully in low-traffic zones. It’s also biodegradable, which makes it a thoughtful choice for eco-conscious homes. However, it does tend to absord sills, so this fibre is not suitable for dining rooms or areas of high traffic, families or pets.

Wild Silk
Wild silk (or raw silk) is produced by silkworms, but unlike traditional silk, it has a more organic, earthy texture. It’s less polished, more soulful and I love it for that. It brings depth and character, especially in spaces that lean natural or textural.

Man-Made Fibres
Viscose, polypropylene, and polyester offer affordability and versatility. They’re useful in rental properties or family homes where spills are inevitable. But I tend to use them sparingly. They don’t wear as gracefully, and from a sustainability standpoint, they’re less compelling.

Craftsmanship Matters: Hand-Knotted vs Loomed vs Machine-Made
How a rug is made matters just as much as what it’s made from.

  • Hand Knotted: These are the heirloom pieces. Each knot is tied by hand, often over months. The higher the knot count per square inch, the finer the detail and the longer the lifespan. Yes, they’re an investment but one that pays off in beauty and durability.

  • Hand Loomed: A lovely middle ground. Loomed rugs are crafted on manual looms, often by skilled artisans. They’re quicker to produce than knotted rugs, which makes them more accessible, but they still carry a sense of soul and texture that machine made rugs can’t replicate.

  • Machine Made: Fast, affordable, and trend driven. These rugs serve a purpose, especially in spaces that change often. But they’re not built to last and that’s something I always consider when recommending pieces to clients.

Sizing for Impact
A well proportioned rug can zone a space, anchor furniture, and create flow. Here are a few guidelines I often share with my clients:

  • Bedrooms: Go for a rug that extends at least 600–750mm beyond the sides and foot of the bed. For a queen bed, a 2500x3500mm rug works beautifully. Alternatively, two runners on either side can add softness without overwhelming the space.

  • Dining Rooms: The rug should be large enough that chairs remain on it even when pulled out, add at least 600mm around the table.

  • Living Areas: Place all key furniture pieces such as the sofa, armchairs and coffee table on the rug, at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs should sit on the rug, the rest can be off. In Australian homes I usually say the larger 3000x4000mm sized rug often suits best.

My go-to rug destinations in Melbourne:

Each of these stores brings something special. I gravitate toward collections that feel considered, where the materials, the makers, and the message align.

So if you’re considering a rug refresh, start with the fibre, honour the craftsmanship, and choose pieces that feel like they belong. Rugs are the quiet storytellers of a home similar to artwork, and when chosen thoughtfully, they become part of its soul.

Your Vision Crafted.

Jenni

Jenni Robin
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