Kristina Soljo / Are Media
As any interior designer will tell you, the simple placement of a rug can transform a space. A well-chosen rug anchors furniture, defines open-plan zones, and adds depth, colour, and interest.
The number one mistake buyers often make? Choosing the wrong-sized rug, particularly one that’s too small for the space. Nicole Skinner, furniture buyer at Mocka, notes that undersized rugs can make your room “feel discounted”. Hannah Middleton, head designer at Baya, agrees: “The most common mistake is going too small, which leaves the room feeling disjointed.”
Speaking to Your Home and Garden, Middleton explains that because the rug is the “foundation of a space, bringing warmth, balance, and flow”, its placement should ensure it “feels integral, not like an afterthought”.
Browse our edit of rugs below to refresh and add cohesion to your room, along with expert advice on choosing the best colour, style and size for your space.
Some of the best rugs in NZ, according to Your Home and Garden
- The best wool rug for adding visual interest (here’s why)
- The best rectangle jute rug (here’s why)
- The best neutral-coloured rug (here’s why)
- The best outdoor rug (here’s why)
Kendal Floor Rug
from $383.60 at Freedom
The best wool rug for adding visual interest
Crafted from pure wool with a plush underfoot, this earthy-hued rug looks as good in a retro mid-century setting as it does in a contemporary space.
Sizes:
- 160 x 230cm
- 200 x 300cm
- 250 x 350cm
Colour: Olive green/taupe
Material: Wool
KOO Indus Jute Rug
from $120 at Spotlight
The best rectangle jute rug
A classic foundation piece, this rectangle jute rug brings the outdoors in. Pair with wood or rattan furniture, or coastal linen seating, to enhance its natural look.
Sizes:
- 120 x 180cm
- 160 x 230cm
Materials: Jute and cotton
Dasie Rug Studio Blue Alure Machine Washable Rug
from $401.54 at Temple & Webster
The best geometric-patterned rug for making a bold statement
Make a statement with this vintage-inspired patterned rug. Soft to the touch, the rug is machine washable, making it perfect for busy households with kids and pets.
Sizes:
- 180 x 120cm
- 230 x 160cm
- 290 x 200cm
- 330 x 240cm
- 400 x 300cm
Material: Polyester
Greta Floor Rug
$339.99 at Mocka
The best flat weave rug for neutral interiors
Add colour to neutral interiors with this textured flat weave rug. You can even layer it over carpet for depth, with a non-slip underlay in between.
Size: 230 x 160cm
Colour: Natural/pink
Material: Cotton, polyester, wool
Whitlam Floor Rug
from $863.10 (was $959.00) at Freedom
The best neutral-coloured wool rug for living areas
Crafted from New Zealand loop-pile wool, this shaggy-textured rug is both durable and luxurious, able to withstand high-traffic areas and easy to spot-clean.
Sizes:
- 160 x 230cm
- 200 x 300cm
- 250 x 350cm
- 300 x 400cm
Colour: Ivory
Material: New Zealand wool
Rishi Newport Indoor/Outdoor Runner
from $35 at Temple & Webster
The best modern-look hallway runner
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, this flat-weave rug’s fashionable pattern adds a modern, interesting touch to tired flooring or a bare hallway.
Sizes:
- 80 x 150cm
- 80 x 300cm
- 80 x 400cm
Material: Polypropylene
Fosca Floor Rug
from $584.35 at Freedom
The best outdoor rug for easy living
Versatile for both indoor and outdoor use, this multi-coloured handwoven rug effectively conceals stains and is easy to spot-clean.
Sizes:
- 160 x 230cm
- 200 x 300cm
- 240cm diameter (round)
- 250 x 350cm
- 300 x 400cm
Material:Polyester
Form Floor Rug
$2,290 at Baya
The best curved rug for making a contemporary statement
Add sophistication to your space with the soft curves of this premium wool rug. Seamlessly blending into minimalist interiors while making a statement with its irregular shape, pair it with modular seating for adaptable design.
Size: 200 x 350cm
Colours: Natural
Material: Wool with cotton backing
Kobie Checkerboard Rug
$129 at Mocka
The best rug for an instant room refresh
Refresh your room in an instant with this trendy checkerboard-patterned rug. Pair it with other colourful accents, like cushions, blankets, and even wall art, to let your personality shine through.
Size: 160 x 230cm
Colours: Khaki or rust
Materials: Polyester & cotton
Carrel Dark Pink Chenille Rug
$440.03 at Double
The best washable rug for colour maximalists
This rug embraces the “more is more” philosophy, making it ideal for entertainers, rowdy guests, kids, and pets. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you can enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about messes.
Sizes:
- 90 x 150cm
- 160 x 230cm
- 200 x 300cm
- 250 x 350cm
- 300 x 400cm
Colour: Pink
Material: Recycled polyester with rubber rug base
Lav Washable Floor Rug
from $349 at Freedom
The best washable rug for versatile styling
You don’t need to fret about unsightly spills or dirty paw prints with a machine washable rug. Freedom’s Lav rug is lightweight for easy moving and includes a non-slip backing to secure it in place. Its distressed, antique design complements a range of interiors, from cottage-core to industrial-chic.
Sizes:
- 150 x 220cm
- 180 x 270cm
Colour: Blue (pictured), blush, silver
Material: Polyester and cotton
Aubrey Hand-Tufted Rug
from $279.99 at Temple & Webster
The best curved-edge rug for cosy living
There’s just something about green interiors for a grounding, calming feel, and the rounded corners of this wool-blend rug bring softness to its space. Pair with curved furniture to continue the theme.
Sizes:
- 230 x 160cm
- 300 x 200cm
Colour: Green
Materials: Wool, viscose
Addy Round Spot Rug
$104.99 (was $149.99) at Mocka
The best round rug for a kid’s bedroom, playroom or nursery
Add a pop of colour without overwhelming a soothing palette with this round rug. A comfortable foundation for little ones, place beneath a rocking chair or under a play table and chairs.
Size: 150 x 150cm
Colour: Cream with multicoloured spots
Material: Cotton & polyester
Noumea Floor Rug
$725 at Baya
The best woven rug for a rustic feel
Inspired by the natural beauty of Pacific beaches, this rustic woven rug brings a touch of coastal charm. Perfect for placing under a dining table or outdoors on your deck, it’s easy to clean. Shake it out, rinse with a garden hose, or spot clean with warm, soapy water.
Sizes:
- 200 x 290cm
- 280 x 380cm
Material: Polypropylene
Cut Pile Wool Rug
from $2,300.00 at Nodi
The best wool rug for a mid-century modern setting
The simplest way to add warmth to a room is with a wool rug, thanks to its plush texture and natural insulating properties. The deep sage colour of this rug feels especially cosy, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Sizes:
- 200 x 300cm
- 250 x 350cm
- 300 x 400cm
- Custom (made-to-order)
Colours: Sage (pictured), rosewood, marl + a selection of other made-to-order colours
Material: 100% wool
KOO Ombre Shaggy Floor Rug
from $192 at Spotlight
The best ombre rug for visual appeal
This shaggy ombre rug brings depth and comfort to your space. Available in six changes, ranging from neutral tones to vibrant hues, it’s a versatile classic.
Sizes:
- 120 x 180cm
- 160 x 230cm
Colours: Taupe (pictured), charcoal, elm, grey, rose, teal
Madras Floor Rug
from $244.30 at Freedom
The best round jute rug for small spaces
Ground any bare corner, nook, or small space with this durable round jute rug. We’d style it by placing it under an occasional chair by a bookshelf, paired with a potted plant to create a relaxing retreat.
Sizes:
- 155cm diameter
- 250cm diameter
Colour: Natural
Material: Jute
The Double Sheepskin Rug
$359 at Wilson & Dorset
The best sheepskin rug to move around your home
The shape of this New Zealand sheepskin rug makes it ideal for placing beside the bed or layering on a couch or bench seat. It’s available in three pile lengths: short, shaggy or extra shaggy. Select the style that matches your aesthetic, whether minimal or a more rugged, bold look.
Size: 180 x 60cm
Colour: Available in a variety of cream, neutral, beige & grey colours
Pile lengths: Short, shaggy, extra shaggy
Material: New Zeealand sheepskin
Marimekko Tiiliskivi Rug
from $1,855.00 at Ink & Brayer
The best wool rug for design enthusiasts
This brick pattern – named Tiiliskivi – was originally designed by Marimekko’s founder, Armi Ratia, in 1952 and has been one of the brand’s most popular designs ever since. Meant to reflect Ratia’s belief in the simple beauty of everyday life, the wool rug’s geometric grid pattern is bold yet subtle, injecting style and structure into its setting.
Sizes:
- 140 x 200cm
- 170 x 240cm
- 200 x 280cm
- 250 x 350cm
Colours: Bright blue, bronze yellow
Material: New Zealand wool
Beige Patterned Rug
from $25 at Space General
The best affordable machine washable rug
After a stylish and budget-friendly floor rug, particularly if you share your space with messy flatmates? This bohemian-patterned rug is a practical choice.
Sizes:
- 61 x 92cm
- 80 x 150cm
- 120 x 170cm
Materials: Polyester, felt, and thermoplastic rubber
Zurah Floor Rug
$753.55 at Freedom
The best oriental-style rug
A timeless vintage style, this Freedom rug adds just the right amount of colour and interest to any setting.
Size: 280 x 380cm
Material: Polyester & viscose
How do I choose the right colour or pattern for my rug?
You can play it safe with a neutral-toned rug, although sometimes, a bold pattern or colour can pay off if the rest of the room is relatively neutral.
Hannah Middleton, head designer at soft furnishings brand Baya, explains that “colour and pattern are where a rug truly comes to life – they set the tone of a room and can transform its mood. The right choice should reflect your style while harmonising with existing elements.”
Middleton’s tip is to “pick up a colour already in the room – perhaps from a cushion, artwork, or timber tone, and echo it in the rug for cohesion”.
She adds to consider scale when choosing a pattern: “larger designs create a bold impact, while finer patterns add detail without overwhelming. Ultimately, your rug should anchor the room with intention, tying everything together through colour and expression.”
Is there a difference between living room and bedroom rugs?
For busy living areas, choose a low-pile wool or jute rug for durability and easy cleaning, or a machine washable rug. For bedrooms and quieter spaces, you can prioritise comfort and softness, opting for high-pile weaves or sheepskin for a cosy underfoot feel.
Why rug size matters
A small rug in a large room can make the space feel even smaller, whereas a generously proportioned rug will make a room feel larger and more cohesive.
Middleton echoes this sentiment. She explains that choosing a rug that’s too small is a common mistake, and leaves a room feeling disjointed.
“A well-sized, well-placed rug ties furniture together, creating harmony and elevating the entire room”, she advises.
How to place your rug in your room
Depending on the size of your rug, the centre of the room is a good place to start. You will need it to fill most of the space. Or, you could centre it around a focal point like a fireplace.
For the living room, Middleton advises, “at minimum, place the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug. For a more generous look, choose a size that allows all legs to sit on it, creating scale and cohesion.”
In the bedroom, Middleton explains that “rugs add comfort and grounding. Position one under the lower two-thirds of the bed so it frames the space and provides a soft landing.”
Can I place a rug over carpet?
If you’re after a layered look for visual interest, this is a quick way to achieve it. Rugs are also a lifesaver for hiding threadbare carpet or large stains, which is particularly useful if you’re renting. When you move, simply take your rug with you.
Avoid using a broadloom rug (which is typically what carpets are) or a bulky shag style. Instead, opt for a kilim, dhurrie, or another low-profile flat-weave rug that will sit flush.
How do I secure a rug in place?
An unsecured rug can be considered a health and safety issue, especially if you have rugs on wooden floors that tend to move – you don’t want to go for a skate accidentally. The easiest solution is to use a rug underlay beneath the rug. These are usually stickier or made from textured materials to prevent slippage. A bonus? A rug underlay can prevent the edges of your rug from curling up.
Shop a variety of rug underlays here:
- Freedom Furniture, from $16.75 (shop here)
- Spotlight, from $6 (shop here)
- Temple & Webster, from $24.99 (shop here)
- Comfeya, from $25 (shop here)
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