From Coastal to Bohemian: How to Select the Perfect Rug for Your Interior Style

Defining your interior design style can be helpful when sourcing everything from hard finishes to art, décor, and, of course, rugs. If you’re unsure of what your “style” is, collating images or even descriptive words can help create a visual library or moodboard.

If you use Pinterest or other social platforms, take a look closely at the images you’re drawn to. Can you see any similarities? Is there a similar colour, texture, or vibe that flows between them? Maybe it’s a warm, neutral palette you keep coming back to. Or perhaps there’s a relaxed feeling, or cosy, minimal or layered look that captures your attention.

Pull your images together and create a moodboard so you can refer back to it time and time again. It helps you when you’re trying to make decisions and selections at home and avoids purchases that you regret.

Some common styles include: contemporary, classic, coastal, and bohemian- which will be the focus here. You might find you don’t fit into one style completely, such as liking more traditional interiors but living near the coast. Or maybe you live in a contemporary home but are drawn to rustic designs. This is where your moodboards will come in handy, serving as a guide to help you stay on track with your visual goals while building a space that is true to your taste and style. Pinterest and magazines are a great way to build confidence and see how people can successfully blend styles.

A fibre style refers to what the rug is constructed from. Common fibre styles include wool, jute, sisal, polypropylene or a blend of synthetic and natural fibres. Each fibre has unique benefits and plays into specific visual styles.

Coastal Style Rugs: Best Fibres for Relaxed, Beach‑Inspired Interiors

Rugs in beachside homes should be hard-wearing to reflect the environment they’re exposed to. Think: sandy feet and indoor-outdoor living. Materials like jute and sisal work well here to also bring a sense of relaxed and laid-back elegance. They are a good starting point to build both a neutral and colourful palette. Outdoor rugs are also worth exploring. 

Bohemian Rugs: Texture, Layers and Creative Freedom

The look in these spaces is often fun, layered and eclectic. In terms of bohemian rugs, there’s more of a focus on the texture, pile height (shaggy) and colours rather than the fire itself. Both wool and synthetic options are available in shag designs. With this said, flat weave styles can also work- why not even layer a few?

Classic Interior Rugs: Timeless Fibres and Traditional Elegance

Classic interiors can be both intricate and pared back and there are rugs to suit either style. If you find you’re drawn to a pared-back, chic look, keeping the rug simple is key. A beautiful wool or polypropylene rug will be elegant, while a Turkish or Persian style will complement an intricate interior. These are available in a range of fibre styles, both natural and synthetic (but would have traditionally been found in natural fibres like wool and silk).

Modern Rugs for Living Room Spaces: Durable and Stylish Fibre Choices

The world is your oyster here. Modern is an all-encompassing word, and finding what sort of “modern”you are drawn to is key. Synthetic fibres are a real winner in busy family homes, with ease of cleaning and durability key considerations. See our Modern Rug collection. 

Pattern can feel a bit overwhelming, especially in the Australian home, where we’re often drawn to a cleaner aesthetic. Pattern is worth considering, as it can add so much to a room’s overall look and feel.

Coastal interiors: Simple stripes are an excellent option for coastal-style rugs. They add visual interest without taking over the scheme.

Bohemian interiors- Pattern in a bohemian interior can add that extra layer of zest! Traditional rug patterns work, as well as geometric shapes. In short, consider the unexpected!

Classic interiors- Simple patterns like stripes can work again here, or even subtle patterns like a border or hem detail. Traditional designs are right at home in a classic, layered home, too.

Modern interiors- If your idea of modern leans towards a more minimal aesthetic, then sticking to a simple pattern makes sense. Pattern can also come in the form of the weave itself, not necessarily a bold pattern. If modern to you means fun and daring, then there are so many options to choose from, and not a rule in sight! Whether you’re looking for a rug for your bedroom or a modern rug for living room settings, there’s an option for you and your home.

Rug size is a key consideration. Check out the helpful guide for more detailed information about placement and size, but essentially, you should always err on the larger size option. A rug can look ill-considered if it’s too small. Try to allow for the rug to be larger than the biggest item of furniture it is against or under for a cohesive look with interior style rugs. To learn more about rug placement and size, check out our Rug Guide.

Yes, choosing a rug is not as simple as it may seem! Colour and texture also matter.

Colourful rugs vs neutral– Consider the visual role you want your rug to play. Is it going to be the key feature, or do you want it to sit back and complement everything else? Colourful rugs will no doubt draw attention to themselves, bringing the eye down, while a neutral rug can support the rest of the interior by adding texture and warmth.

Colour psychology- It’s also worth noting that each colour adds an emotion to your home. Red and oranges are energetic, while blues and greens are more calming. What do you want to achieve?

Shag pile, flat weave and everything in-between- The more plush the rug pile, the more comfortable it will be underfoot. This is, however, a specific look and can be more difficult to maintain within a busy family home (hello crumbs!). Hand-knotted rugs have beautiful visual and physical texture, and a flat weave is perhaps not as comfortable underfoot, but easy to shake out and vacuum.

How to choose a colour- If you feel nervous about selecting a rug colour, here are a few ideas. Try to find something in the space already to draw from, perhaps this is an artwork hue or an undertone from the nearby stone bench top or upholstery fabric. If you want to create a calm space, choose a colour from the same colour family as your existing colours, such as a lighter blue rug to complement your navy sofa. It’s worth noting the size of the room and natural light levels. A dark rug in a dark room can create a smaller-feeling space.

Selecting the perfect rug is about far more than filling an empty patch of floor; it’s about enhancing comfort, reinforcing your design vision and expressing personality. Whether you’re drawn to coastal style rugs, expressive bohemian rugs, or sleek modern rugs for living room spaces, understanding your interior style and practical needs will help you confidently choose from the wide world of rugs for interior design and find one that truly belongs in your home.

We have a Flooring Xtra rug collection to suit every style! Visit our Rug Store to view the range.

How to stop rugs from moving on wooden floor

Rugs are beautiful additions to any room but if not secured they can become a slip or trip hazard. There are a few ways to deal with this. You can either anchor the rug to the floor with furniture to restrict movement or use a non-slip pad between the floor and the rug.

How to clean a rug

Rugs are like any type of flooring and require regular maintenance so they look great for longer. Each rug is different and care should be taken to ensure the correct methods are followed. Read our Rug Care Guide to learn more.

What is a pet-friendly rug?

A pet-friendly rug is a must in a home with dogs and cats! Look for attributes such as washable features, anti-stain qualities and non-loop pile fibres (for pet paws to get caught in).

Where is there a rug store near me?

The Flooring Xtra rug store means you can choose a rug online and have it sent directly to you! With so many options to select from and free delivery, it’s a great way to shop.