How to choose a rug

"Carpets' designs (colour, pattern, material, tactility) influence the way a room is perceived. For example, they affect:

• acoustics
• proportions, sense of space
• comfort (ambience, functionality)

My tips for choosing a carpet include the following:

Ideal size

The size of a carpet determines the proportions in a space - how a room is perceived. A rug will act like a frame around a group of furniture and let the space appear either generous or small. In an open space, a carpet may indicate a room within the room and you will not feel "lost" in a large space.

The size of a carpet, aimed for the dining table, should be so large that the chairs, when pulled out, still rest on the carpet. Since, sliding the legs over the edge every day will shorten a rugs life significantly. Most carpets are only available in a few standard sizes, but since the size is of importance, holm° works with producers, that will make special sizes for our clients. Hence, we can always find a long-term solution.

Distinctive design

This is where personal taste enters. However, we find, that patterns and colours in general are easily integrated and long-lived in interior design - especially when applied to rugs.

Does a room feel boring or busy? A specifically selected carpet will help!

Suitable material

• Wool incorporates many benefits: it's easy to keep clean, since it absorbs and emits humidity and hence, doesn't become statically charged. Consequently, wool doesn't attract dirt and dust, which contributes to its durability. Wool also insulates against cold and humidity and will recover quickly from pressure marks. If not, a quick rub with your finger will help. And last but not least, wool is hardly inflammable and is therefore often selected for public spaces but also in private rooms a wool rug will not be damaged by a spark from the fire place.
• Cotton is soft to the touch with a clean appearance. It's easily dyed and is therefore often used for patterns and striking colours. Cotton carpets are favoured by allergy sufferers, since they don't lose any fibres and are easily vacuumed. In addition, cotton is less expensive than wool.
• Paper cord is also not only loved by allergy sufferers. Dust will not stick to paper cord, a quick vacuum and it's history! Finally, allergy sufferers can profit from the benefits of having a carpet in their interiors. The neat appearance of a paper yarn carpet may lend an Asian touch to your interior.
• Viscose is a cellulose fibre, which enjoys an elegant, silk-like shimmer, but is much less expensive than silk. Since it's easily dyed, viscose rugs often boast a beautiful, luxuriously looking range of colours.

Adequate fabrication method 

• Tightly woven flat wave carpets are perfect for underneath dining tables, since chairs will slide easily and stains are more easily removed. They are also suitable for entrance areas and bedrooms where you especially look for as little dirt and dust as possible. In addition, they provide toy cars and Lego castles with a flat, supportive surface.
• Tufted rugs lend an immense amount of cosiness and contribute to pleasant acoustics. Further, tufted rugs can be made in many different sizes and shapes and are therefore very often selected for living areas.

I believe, that carpets play a much more significant role in interiors than some might think. A rug can instantly change the entire look of a room, something a new armchair or lamp cannot do."

Are you still having difficulties selecting the perfect carpet? Book one of our consultancy packages and let's find a long-term solution together.

Find inspiration in our carpet collection and learn more about how to best take care of your carpet, to be able to enjoy it for a long time to come.

Here is more information on some of our carpet producers:

ASPLUND
KASTHALL
KINNASAND
KVADRAT
OYYO
WOODNOTES