Rugs Buying Guide

Rugs Buying Guide

A better way to choose

A rug is one of the simplest ways to make a room feel warmer, softer and more complete.

The right rug can bring furniture together, add comfort underfoot, soften hard flooring, introduce colour or texture, and help define different zones in an open-plan home. It can make a living room feel more inviting, a bedroom feel cosier, or a hallway feel more considered.

While colour, pattern and texture are often what catch your eye first, size matters just as much. A rug that is too small can make a space feel unfinished, while the right size can help the whole room feel balanced and connected.

Whether you are adding softness to a timber floor, refreshing a lounge, creating a cosy bedroom corner, or bringing more personality to a neutral space, our rug and mat range makes it easy to find a style that looks good and works beautifully in your home.

The BBB range at a glance

At Bed Bath & Beyond, you’ll find a wide range of rugs and mats to help add comfort, colour and texture throughout your home.

Our range includes larger rugs for living rooms and bedrooms, runners for hallways and narrow spaces, and smaller mats for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and everyday use.

You’ll find popular sizes such as 120x180cm, 160x230cm and 200x300cm, along with common runner sizes such as 80x300cm where suitable.

Choose from a variety of colours, textures, patterns and finishes across trusted ranges and brands, including Design Republique, Fieldcrest, Cove, Eden, Gracious Living, Solace and Marlo.

Whether you want a soft neutral rug to ground your lounge, a statement pattern to add interest, a vintage-inspired design, a floral style for a point of difference, or a practical mat for a high-use area, our range makes it easy to find the right piece for your space.

What to consider before buying

Choose the size first

In a living room, a rug should usually sit under at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs. If it floats in the middle of the room, it can make the space feel smaller.

Under a dining table, the rug should be large enough for chairs to remain on the rug when pulled out.

In a bedroom, a large rug under the lower two-thirds of the bed creates softness where your feet land in the morning.

For hallways and narrow spaces, a runner style such as 80x300cm can help add warmth, texture and a more finished look.

Think about traffic

Busy family areas need durable rugs that are easier to vacuum and less likely to trap crumbs. Lower-pile styles, darker tones and patterned designs can be practical choices for high-use spaces.

Printed polyester chenille rugs are also a great option for busy areas. Polyester chenille fibres are generally considered durable, as polyester helps resist wear better than traditional cotton chenille fibre. The texture feels soft while still being hard-wearing, holds colour well, fades less and can be a more affordable option.

Bedrooms can suit softer or higher-pile textures because they usually see lighter traffic. Hallways and entrances need runners or mats that sit flat and do not create a trip hazard.

Colour and pattern

A neutral rug can calm a busy room and create a base for changing cushions and throws.

A patterned rug is useful where there are children, pets or high traffic, as it can help disguise everyday marks.

A darker rug can ground a room, while a lighter rug can make a space feel more open.

Hand tufted pattern rugs are a great choice if you want a vintage feel, floral detail or a point of difference in your room.

Texture and comfort

Texture changes how a rug feels underfoot and how it looks in the room.

Wool rugs are a popular choice because they combine durability, comfort and a more premium look and feel when compared with some synthetic options. Wool is naturally durable, and the fibres can bounce back well from foot traffic when looked after properly.

Wool can have quite different textures depending on the weave, pile height and wool type.

Smooth, soft and velvety wool textures feel beautiful underfoot and are best for:

  • Bedrooms

  • Lounges

  • Cosy spaces

Chunky loop wool styles are best for:

  • Adding texture

  • Creating visual interest

  • Bringing warmth and depth to a space

Wool blends are usually more affordable than pure wool and can offer a practical, easy-care option for everyday homes.

Flatweave rugs are practical and often easier to move or clean. Plush rugs feel softer and more luxurious, especially in bedrooms and lounges. Natural-look textures can add warmth without overwhelming the room.

Quick guide

Customer need Good recommendation
Living room 160x230cm or 200x300cm depending on sofa size
Dining room Large enough for chairs to stay on the rug when pulled out
Bedroom Large rug under the bed or smaller rugs either side
Hallway Runner style, such as 80x300cm where suitable
High traffic Lower pile, patterned, darker-toned or printed polyester chenille option
Premium look and feel Wool rug or wool blend
Texture and interest Chunky loop wool or hand tufted patterned rug

Care and finishing tips

A little regular care will help your rug sit better, last longer and keep looking its best.

Start by choosing the right rug for the right space. Some rugs are designed for living rooms, bedrooms and low-traffic areas, while others are better suited to busy spaces such as hallways, entryways and family rooms.

Use a rug underlay where appropriate. A good underlay can help reduce slipping, add extra cushioning underfoot, protect hard flooring and help the rug sit more smoothly.

Once your rug is in place, give it time to settle. Some rugs may arrive rolled or folded and can take a few days to relax.

Vacuum your rug regularly according to the care label. For delicate, looped, shaggy or textured rugs, use the correct vacuum setting and avoid harsh brush bars where possible.

Rotate your rug every few months to help even out wear, foot traffic and sunlight exposure.

Clean spills as soon as possible. Blot gently with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing. Work from the outside of the spill toward the centre to help prevent spreading.

If your rug is in a sunny room, be mindful that direct sunlight can cause colours to fade over time. Using curtains or blinds during the brightest part of the day, or rotating the rug regularly, can help reduce uneven fading.

For larger rugs, delicate materials, heavy soiling or stubborn stains, professional cleaning is often the safest option.

When storing a rug, make sure it is clean and completely dry first. Roll it rather than folding it where possible, then wrap it in breathable fabric or protective covering. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Customer-friendly close

The easiest way to choose the right rug or mat is to think about how the space is used every day, then narrow your choice by size, shape, colour, texture and style.

A larger rug can help bring a living room together, a soft wool rug can add warmth to a bedroom, and a runner or smaller mat can make busy areas feel more finished.

Explore our full rug and mat range online or visit your local Bed Bath & Beyond store to see the colours, feel the textures and find the right piece for your home.

Previous
Back to Journal
Next