In the years we have worked with clients choosing interior decor, we’ve seen it all—bare floors that echo with emptiness and rooms that feel disconnected despite stylish furniture. Clients may spend thousands of dollars and put hours of labor into a space, yet something just feels…off. Nine times out of ten, it comes down to the rug.  

 A well-chosen rug can be the magic that pulls everything together. It’s not just about covering the floor; it’s about adding the final touch to a space that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely yours.

In this guide, we’ll share the best tips we’ve learned from working with clients and sourcing handwoven Moroccan rugs. We’ll walk you through choosing the right rug for your home, from understanding different piles and styles to matching rugs with your room’s purpose.

 Now, let’s turn that “almost perfect” room into a masterpiece.

It Starts With a Vision: What Is The Function of the Rug?

Before you begin your rug search, it’s important to start with a clear vision. Are you working with an empty room or adding a finishing touch to an already decorated space? Will the rug be in a high-traffic area or a more private, low-traffic zone? Will you need to move furniture over it frequently?

These are essential questions to ask yourself before choosing the perfect rug. Knowing its purpose will help you narrow down the size, style, and material that works best for your home.

The “Pillar” Rug

 

If starting with an empty room, a "Pillar" rug is the perfect place to start. It is the centerpiece of a room, setting the style and tone for the entire space. These are often purchased first, with furniture and decor chosen to match. 

As anchor pieces, they are big enough to fit around all essential furniture like side tables in a bedroom, or couches and chairs in a living room. 

Popular choices include newly woven Beni Ourain, Beni Mguild, or Mirirt rugs. They instantly draw attention and make living rooms, bedrooms, and spacious entryways feel grand and sophisticated.

Things to Avoid When Choosing a Pillar Rug

It’s easy to get excited when choosing a rug, but sometimes that excitement leads to picking a rug that’s too busy for the room’s overall design.

Since Pillar rugs are large and visually dominant, we recommend sticking to monochromatic or simple designs in muted, natural colors.

A Pillar rug should serve as a subtle yet strong foundation. You can always add visual interest with accents like pillows, artwork, or layered rugs.

If you prefer a busier Pillar rug, place it where large furniture like a bed can cover part of the design, and keep surrounding decor simple to balance the space.

 

The “Guide” Rug

 

A Guide rug works best when you already have specific colors in mind. It helps tie together your decor in a subtle, cohesive way, making the space feel complete—like the final piece of a puzzle.

Unlike a Pillar rug, it doesn’t have to anchor the whole room, so it can be smaller and partially fit under furniture, like halfway under a bed or couch.

Guide rugs can also feature more colors or busy designs since they take up less visual space.

They work well in children’s rooms, entryways, under office desks, or in set-aside areas like reading corners in large living rooms.

Our vintage Moroccan medium-pile and medium-size rugs are especially popular for this purpose.

The "Showoff" Rug

 

Bold and eye-catching, the "Showoff" rug is used to inject personality into a space. Whether it’s a pop of color, an intricate pattern, or a striking texture, it brings depth and character to minimalist or contemporary rooms.

Additional uses include scatter rugs in bathrooms, runners for stairs or hallways, and adding energy to spaces that need it, such as workspaces like home offices.

Boucherouite Moroccan rugs are the most popular choice for this, thanks to their small size but mighty presence with bold colors and artistic, quirky designs.

Choosing a Pile: Knotted or Flatweave

When selecting a rug, the pile plays a significant role in both its appearance and functionality. Pile refers to the density and height of the fibers:

High Pile Rugs 

If you want comfort, relaxation, luxury, and a warm, inviting environment, high pile rugs are the way to go. They are perfect for cozy spaces like bedrooms or living rooms, where comfort underfoot is a priority.

These rugs add warmth and texture but can require extra care and maintenance.

Keep in mind that high pile rugs can make moving furniture more challenging, so they work best in areas with stationary furniture or open spaces. These are often purchased new.

Medium/Low Pile Rugs:  

These rugs work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas, adding warmth and style without overwhelming the space.

We especially love vintage Moroccan rugs with a natural medium pile. Their softness, unique textures, and distinct patterns bring character and charm to any room, making every space feel inviting and full of personality.

These are often purchased vintage and previously used which adds character and texture to the pile. 

Flatweave Rugs: 

Flatweave rugs are thin, tightly woven, and lightweight, making them easy to clean and maintain. They are perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and frequently used living spaces. Their flat design simplifies cleaning, making them ideal for dining rooms and kitchens where spills are common. 

Flatweave rugs are also great for layering under other rugs to add texture and style. Often called "Kilim" or "Sabra" rugs, they are highly sought after from the Taznakht region of Morocco due to their exceptional wool quality and the stunning artistry of local weavers.

Final Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug

Size Matters

Measure your space carefully and choose a rug that fits proportionally to your room and furniture. When in doubt, go larger for a more anchored look.

Also make sure to include the size of the tassels, if any, as they can sometimes run into walls or other obstacles and look out of place. 

Material Considerations

Opt for wool for durability and softness, cotton for lightweight versatility, or synthetic fibers for affordability and stain resistance. 

Patterns and Colors:

Use bold patterns or vibrant colors to make a statement, while neutral tones provide a timeless and adaptable foundation.

Layering With Rugs:

Experiment with layering smaller rugs over larger neutral rugs to add texture and visual interest, especially in bohemian or eclectic spaces.

 

Why Rugs Are Essential for Home Design

Rugs are not just about aesthetics; they also serve practical purposes. They provide insulation, reduce noise, and protect flooring while adding a touch of comfort. Choosing the right rug ensures that your home reflects your personality, style, and functional needs. By considering these factors, you can select a rug that not only enhances your home’s aesthetic but also meets your practical needs, transforming any space into a haven of comfort and style.