10 of the best… rugs for under £500
Rugs can easily eat up a large chunk of your budget for a room makeover. I really wanted to set a lower price limit for the rugs in this post, but if you’re looking for a large rug up to 200cm x 300cm in size, it’s pretty difficult to find one for under £250.
There is plenty of advice already out there that will tell you that you should go as large as you can on rugs and not scrimp on size. Received wisdom has it that if you are buying a rug for the living room your sofa should go on top of it, and that it should be longer than the length of your sofa. That’s all well and good but I have a huge sofa and have just invested in some lovely parquet flooring so I don’t want to cover it up completely with an enormous rug. I think each room has to be considered on an individual basis, but as a general rule of thumb I’d agree that it’s usually best to err on the side of a rug that is a little bigger than you think you need, rather than a smaller one which will end up looking a bit lost in the middle of the room.
In this post I’ve excluded small rugs and runners, by which I mean those less than 140cm x 200cm in size, and focused mainly on neutral shades – grey, cream, beige and black and white – and minimalist rugs that will work in most homes. Personally I always prefer natural materials – wool, cotton, or jute – they just feel so much nicer underfoot, but if you’re happy to consider other materials it’s possible to find some great designs at more affordable price points.
1.
Ferm Living Kelim
Add colour and pattern to your home with the warm burnt hues and geometric design of this wool kelim from Ferm Living.
2.
Camden rug
After something a little more striking? This bold diamond patterned rug will add a contemporary, graphic edge.
3.
Modern cream rug
Inspired by the timeless elegance of early 20th century Swedish design this plush cut-pile rug is made with New Zealand wool for great quality and a soft feel.
4.
West Elm Luxe Stripes Rug
Hand loomed in India and containing wool, silk and viscose, West Elm’s Luxe Stripe rug has a lustrous finish that feels soft underfoot.
5.
Maali Rug
Made.com’s Maali rug by artist Rebecca Hoyes features charcoal shapes on a cream background.
6.
Nyborg Berber Style Rug – La Redoute
La Redoute have some of the most affordable pure wool Berber style rugs I’ve come across, along with some even more budget friendly options in polypropylene. It’s worth trying to pick one up at a discount during one of their regular sale promotions.
7.
Dune Rug by Hem
Hand-woven from New Zealand wool, Hem’s Dune rug collection features natural colours with a contrasting cotton warp. The loops add a feeling of depth and texture.
8.
Black & white stripe dhurrie
If you are looking for an affordably priced large rug in wool, as opposed to cotton, this is one of the best options I’ve found. I tracked it down thanks to Rebecca Wakefield who used it one of her projects recently. I’m thinking of getting the 200cm x 300cm size for our living room once all the building work is complete.
It’s available in lots of different size options, but given the relatively affordable price I’d be tempted to go big.
9.
Desert Tufted Rug
The organic motif, fringe details and rich colour options make this Desert Tufted Rug from Ferm Living a great option if you are looking for a simple contemporary rug. It makes a strong statement without overpowering the other pieces in the room.
10.
Harrogate Wool Tassel Rug
Just nudging in at the upper end of price range, this wool and viscose blend rug from The White Company has a slubby texture with a subtle sheen and feels beautifully soft underfoot. The neutral colour would blend seamlessly into lots of different rooms – I’d use it to add warmth and texture to a pared back minimalist bedroom.
Rugs can bring warmth, comfort, and style to any room. When choosing a rug, consider the size of the space, the purpose of the room, and your personal tastes. The rugs highlighted here offer on-trend design at a reasonable price point. If you’re looking for something different or need to cover a little more area, consider Designer Carpet – they have a range of affordable remnants from brands like Alternative Flooring and Crucial Trading that they can make up into unique bespoke designs for you. It’s an easy way to get an affordable, quality rug perfectly sized for your room.
