How to choose the perfect rug!

Buying a good rug is as important a decision as buying a sofa or art. Rugs (and carpets) pull a room together, divide spaces, and bring warmth, comfort and colour to a room. VISHA NELSON, founder of The Cinnamon Room, says buying a rug should be a carefully considered decision guided by some expert advice. Selecting the wrong rug can be an expensive mistake! So, here are some of her key points on how to choose the best rug for you!

What size?

The larger the better – especially if it’s a small space, as it can actually make the room appear bigger. If it’s too small, the rug can appear to be “floating” and will not ground the furniture that it’s trying to anchor.

How many do you need?

A large room calls for a couple of rugs to define and demark areas. Visha’s recent consults have included a huge bedroom in a black-and-white house; there, she used a large rectangular rug to frame and define the bed area, while a circular rug was used to create a stylish focal point and a chill-out reading area, complemented by a couple of Chesterton leather armchairs (pictured below).

With open-plan living becoming increasingly common, rugs can be used to separate a living area from a dining area.

What shape rug is best?

Square or rectangular rugs are usually easier to place, but round rugs offer an interesting alternative, introducing curves, movement and flow to an otherwise angular design scheme. Again, getting the dimensions right is crucial; it all depends on the configuration of your existing furniture. Visha and her team can help you with suggestions of how to best enhance your space with your various rug dimensions.

What colour rugs should you choose?

Visha’s favourite saying is “Neutral doesn’t need to be boring” – and her contemporary hide rugs are testament to that. The neutral shades of these hide carpets can have a touch of grey, or warmer natural tones, while the added hint of metallics in the chic metallic range create a memorable impact with a glamorous touch. The metallics also serve to lighten a darker room or area; they can help give dull flooring a lift and brighten up a neutral or more muted furniture scheme.

The Cinnamon Room’s more colourful hide rugs, from vibrant reds/blues and pinks to monochrome black-and-white statement designs create a powerful focal point and give your space that wow factor.

What else do you need to know about rugs from The Cinnamon Room?

These hide rugs are easy to maintain and can withstand even red wine stains – they’re also pet-friendly. Also, no hide rugs are the same as the natural tones of the hides always vary. Each rug is handmade by skilled artisans, and the combination of laser-etched designs and metallics that are applied vary in density.

The next step in how to choose a rug

Take a photograph of your room, and Visha and her team will then guide you through these key considerations. Even though she was a lawyer in her “previous life”, she has the eye of an interior stylist – not to mention a real knack for placement and colour, and obviously design. Visha is involved in every aspect of a rug’s design, too, and she handpicks each piece.

You have the option to take the rug home for a 24-hour trial to see it in situ in your home – that means you can take comfort that your final choice is going to be the right one. It’s so good to have someone who understands how important it is to make the right choice, whether it’s size, shape or shade you’re pondering over!

The Cinnamon Room also offers handwoven dhurrie rugs in vibrant hues, as well as a wide range of home décor accessories including cushions, side tables, lanterns, Singapore-inspired artworks and some unique lifestyle and gift ideas.

Visit thecinnamonroom.com or the cool boutique-style showroom in Holland Village (43 Jalan Merah Saga, #02-74) to view the full range.

This article is also in the September 2020 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!

Rebecca Bisset

Heading up Expat Living, Rebecca started off in photography and video. A bit of a nomad before Singapore, she likes to travel when she can but she finds looking at properties as exciting! One day she's going to build her own house...