What are some tips for decorating with rugs?

At Miss Amara, we believe that a rug is never just a rug, it’s the soul of a room, the piece that ties it all together and tells a story about how you live, play, and gather. Whether you’re styling your first home or giving your favourite space a refresh, the right rug can transform any room into a sanctuary of comfort and personality. Here are our favourite timeless tips for decorating with rugs, to help you layer your home beautifully from the ground up.

1. Start with the Size

   First things first: size matters. One of the most common styling mistakes is choosing a rug that’s too small. A well-proportioned rug will ground your furniture and create visual harmony.
   
   Living Rooms: Ideally, the front legs of your sofa and chairs should sit on the rug to anchor your seating area.
   Bedrooms: For a touch of luxury, choose a rug large enough to extend at least 60cm past each side of your bed.
   Dining Rooms: Make sure your rug is big enough so that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out.
   Runners & Hallways: A runner can define a narrow space or draw the eye through an open-plan home.

2. Shape Adds Personality

   Don’t be afraid to play with shape — it can completely change the vibe of a space.
   
   Round Rugs: Perfect for softening corners, accenting smaller spaces, or creating a cosy reading nook. Try a round rug under a circular dining table or in a child’s bedroom for a playful touch.
   Rectangle Rugs: The classic go-to for living rooms and bedrooms, providing structure and balance.
   Runners: Add warmth and interest to hallways, kitchens, and narrow spaces. They’re also a practical way to protect high-traffic zones.

3. Layer with Texture and Tone

   Your rug sets the tone for the entire room. A chunky wool rug instantly brings warmth and cosiness; a flatweave or jute rug keeps things breezy and coastal. For quiet luxury, look to our Lustre or Noire collections — subtle sheen and hand-loomed elegance that elevate any space.
   If you love neutrals, layer in texture — think plush piles, fringed edges, or marbled designs. Prefer colour? A patterned rug can be the hero piece that inspires the rest of your decor.

4. Play with Pattern

   A bold pattern can be your secret styling superpower. Use stripes to elongate a room, geometrics for a modern edge, or vintage-inspired motifs for a touch of timeless charm. If you’re hesitant, start with a subtle tone-on-tone pattern for visual interest that won’t overpower.

5. Consider Practicality

   Beautiful rugs should work as hard as they look good. For high-traffic areas, families with little ones or pets, our washable collections offer style without the stress.
   
   Playmats and performance fibres are designed for real life — spills, crumbs, and busy feet included.

6. Let Your Rug Tell Your Story

   At the end of the day, decorating with rugs is deeply personal. It’s not about matching everything perfectly but about creating a layered, lived-in feeling that feels like home — your home.
   
   So move things around, try new pairings, layer rugs for extra warmth — and don’t be afraid to break the rules if it works for your space.

Ready to Find ‘The One’?

Browse our collection at missamara.com.au and discover rugs designed for real life — beautiful, comfy, and always stylish.

Want styling help? Our team of rug stylists are here to guide you every step of the way. Because your perfect rug isn’t just found — it’s styled, loved, and lived on.