Giving a Rug as a Gift: How to Choose One for Someone Else
As the Christmas lists begin, a rug may not be the first present that springs to mind. Yet it is one of the most thoughtful things you can give: used every day, enjoyed for years and capable of changing how a room feels. Rugs also make wonderful housewarming, wedding and milestone birthday gifts. The challenge, of course, is that you are choosing for a room you may not know well and a taste that is not your own. A little detective work goes a long way.
Do your homework first
Before you look at a single design, try to find out a few things, discreetly if it is a surprise.
- The room: where will the rug go? A bedroom, a hallway and a sitting room call for very different sizes and constructions.
- The floor: wood, stone, tile or fitted carpet all affect the choice.
- The colours: a photograph of the room, perhaps borrowed from a partner or family member, is invaluable.
- Daily life: pets, young children, a busy back door or a sunny window all point towards particular types of rug.
Start small and sure
A large living room rug is a big decision for someone else to live with. Smaller pieces are far safer gifts, because they are easy to place and rarely clash.
- Bedside and reading-corner rugs: our small rugs up to 150 cm slip in beside a bed, under a desk or in front of an armchair.
- Round rugs: a round rug softens a corner, frames a chair or sits beneath a small table. Orla Kiely's Flower Spot, pictured, is cut as a four-petal flower in ecru with a black centre, in Brink & Campman's hand-tufted wool.
- Runners: a runner for a hallway or landing is a lovely gift for a new home, as long as you know the length of the space.
- Sheepskins: a sheepskin draped over a chair or laid beside the bed is about as close to a universally welcome present as a rug can be.
Choosing a style for someone else
Look at what they already love. Their curtains, cushions, crockery and wallpaper tell you a great deal. Someone with a William Morris print on the wall will probably enjoy a traditional or Arts and Crafts design; someone with mid-century furniture may prefer a graphic or Scandinavian pattern.
Follow the brands they know. If a friend has Sanderson curtains, Orla Kiely mugs or Marimekko textiles, a rug from the same house is an easy, delightful link.
When in doubt, go tonal. Textured plains and soft, low-contrast patterns are the safest choice if you are unsure of someone's taste.
Practical gifts for busy households
For new parents, dog owners or a family with a muddy back door, practicality is the gift. A washable rug can go in the machine when life gets messy. Our guide Washable Rugs: Are They Worth It? explains the pros and cons.
Getting the size right
If you are buying a larger rug, size matters more than anything. A rug that is too small looks lost, and one that is too big will not fit at all. Measure, or ask someone who can, and read What Size Rug Do I Need? before you choose.
Timing
Many of our rugs are made to order or in custom sizes, so it pays to plan ahead if the rug needs to arrive before Christmas. If you have a date in mind, contact our team before you order and we will check timings for the design you have chosen.
A decorator's note
The best rug gifts are chosen with the room, not just the recipient, in mind. If you are buying for someone else and would like a second opinion, send our team whatever you know about the space, even a single photograph, and we will gladly help you choose something they will love.
