Hello readers!

This week we've moved away from our style-led approach, a quick pit stop from the Trend and Get the Look pieces that we’ve treated you to in recent times. Yes, in a shock development we’ve come over all sensible, delving into practical considerations when buying from the new and improved UK Flooring Direct rug stable.

Join us over the next two weeks as we explore pile, durability, material, texture… in short, all things ‘rug’ that we’ve yet to cover on our journey so far. This time we tackle size and shape, practical issues that continue to see surprising levels of neglect.

It’s amazing how size and shape are overlooked during the rug purchase process, homeowners too often choosing between ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘large’ without measuring around existing fixtures and fittings to decide upon the space they want covered.

In our view, this has to change! UK Flooring Direct is on hand to help with its standard sizes, shown in the table below with an idea of where they are used best:

We are seeing a big resurgence in the area rug, larger choices that cover the majority of floor space found within a room. These rugs can be seen as flooring in themselves, making every bit as much a statement as carpet and often bringing extra colour and style flexibility. Consider 200 x 290cm options, then, if you’d like to achieve the design impact of a stunning carpet, but without the need for a tricky installation.

This being said, avoid the larger rug sizes if space is at a premium. In the same way that a small rug will be swallowed up by a vast room, a large rug will not work hand in hand with a snugger location.

Working your rug around a statement piece of furniture? Make sure that there is enough space between the end of the furniture and the edge of the rug, as we wouldn’t want your underfoot pride and joy to be hidden! If you are worried about this, it is worth opting for a bordered option, in order to pull design interest away from the centre of the rug.



If you’re after a stylish runner, then you’ve come to the right place. The UK Flooring Direct beauties found above, the exquisitely intricate County and bold straight lines of Plantation Pacific, will look great in narrower spaces. In fact, the runner size can be found dotted across the UK Flooring Direct portfolio, so again it’s time to get on that ‘quick view’ facility and do some homework!

If your hallway or staircase requires some added zing this design season, this is most certainly the bandwagon to jump upon, just remember to leave sufficient space around your runner so that it avoids the appearance of a badly fitted carpet. Not chic, by anyone’s standards. These runners are also great for covering up drafty floorboards during winter; elegant and practical, what’s not to like?

Aside from sizing, shape is an important issue if your rug is to have the desired effect on the living space in question. Providing circular, oval and half moon designs across a number of its collections, UK Flooring Direct ensures that all bases are covered. We’ve been talking as if rug choice is an exact science, but sometimes a break away from the traditional rectangle is all that will do.

It looks like we’ve managed to sidestep the glitz and glam of aesthetics, for a change!

If you are looking for a healthy dose of trend-led inspiration, however, then rest assured there is plenty to be found in our jam-packed archive, from Nautical and Industrial looks to the vivacious Pantone Colour of the Year. These titillating trend pieces are enough to keep even the seasoned interiors expert guessing, so well worth a browse if you’re stuck for ideas.

Join us next week as we continue our mini series on practical considerations in the realm of rugs, with Part 2 exploring materials and pile weights available in one of the most versatile product ranges around.

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