Choosing the right rug is like finding the perfect piece of art for your home. It’s more than just filling space – it’s about creating warmth, harmony, and personality. Picking or designing a rug for a scheme is the icing on the cake of any design, rugs ought to be considered in the entire room budget from the start and not treated as a ‘nice to have but not needed’ afterthought; like art. A well-chosen rug grounds a room, ties everything together, and adds texture in a way no other furnishing can. It can transform an entire space, giving it a sense of comfort, style, and balance that reflects who you are. But what if you can’t find the perfect rug that truly complements your vision? What if the rugs you see are just not quite right, falling short of what you imagine for your space?
That’s where bespoke design comes in. Why settle for a generic, mass-produced rug that countless others have when you can create one that’s uniquely yours? A custom rug designed specifically for your space allows you to bring your ideas to life in a way that no ready-made option can. It’s more than just a piece of decor; it’s a statement that reflects your style, your vision, and your personality – one that no one else can replicate. With a bespoke rug, you get a piece that not only complements your space but also becomes a true extension of your imagination, crafted just for you.
1. Consider Your Room’s Purpose and Flow
Before getting lost in colours and patterns, I always start by thinking about how the space functions. What’s the rug’s role and what is going on in the space, who is living here ; small children and dogs require a sensible durable material? Is it meant to define an open-plan living area, soften a bedroom, or bring a sense of luxury to a sitting room? Depending on the space and its function, you want to pick the right material, my advice always balances aestetics with practicality. Thankfully there are now a huge myriad of options of materials: recycled plastic bottles can be turned into the most deceptive soft rugs by designers like Jennifer Manners and many other brands have their versions of durable cleanable recycled material rugs.
Whether you opt for a bold ‘statement rug’ or an ‘understated textured’ piece of luxury depends on your taste and the overall design vision for your room. Every scheme has many ingredients and everything must be considered and balanced, from the architecture, furniture, art, function and colours. In a living room, a bold rug can anchor the space especially in an open-plan setting, where is striking pattern or rich textures can be appreciated and add depth and character. In a bedroom, comfort is paramount – there’s nothing better than stepping out of bed onto something soft and plush. Picking the perfect shade to complement the scheme turns a bedroom into a cosy tranquil retreat. In dining areas, durability meets elegance. The rug should frame the dining table generously to allow movement of chairs while being easy to maintain with a low pile to avoid crushing. And don’t forget your staircase which I wrote about recently ; the right stair runner can transform a purely functional feature into a design statement while also making steps safer. I always recommend durable materials that can handle foot traffic without sacrificing style.
2. The Art of Balance
A rug is a fantastic way to introduce colour into a space. And with bespoke rugs, the possibilities are endless – you can commission a rug which is like a work of art to be the perfect match for your home. Tieing the rug to the architecture, style of furniture and colours can create a calm, cohesive atmosphere, while opting for a contrasting hue brings energy and vibrancy. It all comes down to the mood you want to set. Soft taupes, greys, and creams are timeless and versatile, effortlessly blending into any design scheme. But if you want to make a statement, deep teals, burnt oranges, or mustard yellows can instantly transform a space, adding warmth and personality in a way that few other elements can.
We work with many rug brands regularly , to mention a few who have helped us bring our visions to life in recent years such a the Rug Company, Luke Irwin, Toulemonde Boachard and Ferreira de Sa.
3. The Power of Patterns
The right pattern can completely change the feel of a room. True it can be overwhelming when you start browsing, so be clear about your briefing for the space and keep that in mind when you look through websites of the brands I mention above. Then remember you can pick any design and have it custom coloured and sized to suit your needs; if you are prepared to wait. That should be on top of your mind as well – when you have a deadline for your project make sure to allow 16 – 20 weeks for a bespoke rug depending where they are made. If you go bespoke you have the freedom to create something that’s totally unique to you. Geometric patterns bring a structured, modern edge and work beautifully to define seating areas, while floral and organic designs add a softer, more inviting feel – perfect for a classic or eclectic space. If you want to introduce an artistic touch, abstract designs are a great way to incorporate colour and movement, making your rug feel like a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
If you go bespoke you will work with the pom colours of the yarns (silk, wool or mohair) and all brands have those pom boxes in their showroom, so ensure to bring samples of your other materials with you so you can create a coherent design, bring your fabrics, images of artworks, wood veneer, wallpaper, chandelier glass and tile or marble samples.
4. Texture – The Secret Ingredient
It is easy to forget how much texture impacts a room’s feel, but I find it makes all the difference. A bespoke rug isn’t just about the right colours and patterns – it’s also about how it feels underfoot. If you’re after a sense of luxury, plush, high-pile wool or silk blends create that soft, sumptuous feel that’s ideal for bedrooms and reading nooks. For more practical, high-traffic areas, a flatweave or low-pile rug is easy to maintain and incredibly durable. And if you want something with extra depth and character, mixing textures – like raised patterns or subtle fringing – can add just the right amount of intrigue without overwhelming the room.
Layering is a clever way to add more depth, interest and also cover up old tired floors that you cant afford to replace. Opt for a very large nearly full size plain rug such as a sisal or a large thin wool rug; we often work with the Unnatural Flooring company . Then add a smaller thicker textured and coloured piece. Depending on your style and period of the property, it might be appropriate to source vintage rugs at auction or fairs, which I have used in my eclectic projects to add a real depth of tradition and history to a space.
5. Getting the Size Right
Sizing your rug appropriately is important and one of the biggest benefits of going bespoke is that you can get the perfect dimensions for your space. A large rug that sits under all key furniture pieces helps create a unified, balanced look, while placing just the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug gives the space a more relaxed, inviting feel. And sometimes, a smaller accent rug can be just as impactful – whether it’s in an entryway, beside a bed, or under a favourite reading chair, a carefully chosen rug can add a pop of colour and texture exactly where it’s needed. If you are designing yourself always carry a tape measure and some masking tape with you so you can stick down the corners in your room and know the standard sizes of ready made in stock pieces are typically 170×240, then 2×3, 2,5×3,5 and maybe 3x4m. Bespoke commissions can be made to any shape and size.
6. Make It Personal
A bespoke rug is more than just a floor covering – it’s a reflection of your personality and style. Whether it’s an intricate border, a colour palette inspired by a favourite painting, or a unique pattern that no one else has, this is your chance to create something truly special. I spend hours obsessing over rugs, finding the perfect colour schemes, and ensuring that every detail aligns with my clients’ vision. For me, it’s not just about designing a rug – it’s about crafting a piece that feels like home, one that tells a story and enhances the space in the most personal way. The below design was commissioned with Ferreira de Sa, who make rugs in Portugal. I changed all the colors in the design to complement the large bespoke sofa fabric from Metaphores – you can see the full story of Peak View on our portfolio page.
And when you invest in a quality handmade rug, you’re not just adding beauty to your home – you’re also supporting skilled artisans who bring centuries of craftsmanship to every piece. Jaipur Rugs, and many other brands profess a commitment to working directly with artisans – 85% of whom are women -this has empowered entire communities while keeping the tradition of handwoven rugs alive. Please spend some time to research companies who support local communities so you can feel good about how your rug has been made .
7. Be Careful with Underfloor Heating
When incorporating a bespoke rug into a space with underfloor heating, especially over wooden flooring, it’s essential to consider how the rug’s characteristics might influence both the heating system’s efficiency and the integrity of the flooring. Placing a rug over underfloor heating can potentially trap heat, leading to “hot spots” that may cause the wooden floor to overheat and warp. To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to select rugs that are thin and made from natural fibres, such as wool or jute, as they allow better heat transfer. Additionally, ensuring that the rug has a low thermal resistance (tog rating) can help maintain the efficiency of the underfloor heating system. By carefully choosing the appropriate rug, you can enjoy both the aesthetic and comfort benefits without compromising your underfloor heating or wooden flooring.
Just like the perfect pair of shoes for an outfit, the right rug pulls a room together. But more importantly, it should feel just as good as it looks – after all, you’ll be walking on it every day!
Stay inspired, stay sophisticated
Love, Claudia
With sincere thanks to the team at Ben Whistler studio for hosting us for the photo shoot.
