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Rugs

They really do come in every shape and size, so the choice can be a little overwhlming. We’ve edited the best rugs in town down to a convenient 50 for you to sink into.

Large wool-blend rug H&M

A great find. Checks, in case you hadn’t noticed, are very much of the moment and this light green and ivory wool/recycled cotton blend would work in any room of the house. It would work on dark floorboards or parquet or terracotta tiles as well as natural sisal and painted boards. It costs £349 for 2m x 3m. If that’s too big there is a smaller one that is 80cm x 140cm. Don’t be worried by the green either – it’s light enough to act as the perfect neutral. And, in another flag up for an emerging trend – blue is and green is a combination that is gathering pace.
Jarrett Rug Soho Home

There’s no doubt that Soho Home gives good rug and this is another great modern one that would work in any interior and layer with a more classic Persian or the classic black and white stripe. It’s a wool blend and is “carved” which means simply that the pile is in different lengths which makes it stand out more.
Edgar Rug Soho Home

If you like the pared back colours of the Beni Ourain rugs but feel they’ve been a bit overdone in recent years – in that there are lots of BO “style” rather than genuine vintage, then this might be the answer. Similar warm neutral colour palette but with a modern design. Made from 100 per cent wool but probably not for owners of muddy country houses or dogs.
Oaxaca Outdoor rug Made in Design

Now I tend to have mixed feelings about outdoor rugs preferring the grass or a pretty patio tile underfoot but if you have horrid concrete slabs then I'm all for prettying it up a bit. And, given the price of this handwoven eco (polyethylene) rug - just north of £2k - you will be relieved to know that it works indoors as well as out. It is very resistant to water, weather and UV light but the design - a floral always loves a geometric - means it will work brilliantly in the sitting room either on its own or layered up with a faded Persian rug for example. Or, even better, under the kitchen table where it is basically wine and toddler proof.
Nyborg Wool Berber Style Rug La Redoute

This Berber style rug is made from wool and its deep pile makes it incredibly luxurious underfoot. The design is very simple but this means it will layer with another, flatter, more vibrant pattern (a small Persian if you have) or even a plain colour to create a colour-blocking look. Layering different rugs is a great solution if budget means you can't buy a rug as big as you would like.
Tia Berber Style Rug La Redoute

I have long advocated La Redoute for their rug collection and this is no exception. Currently adorning my loft it's made from polyproplylene which is a more eco-friendly plastic (it releases few toxins than others and breaks down in 20-30 years as opposed to 500) than most others and is incredibly soft to walk on. It's also far more affordable than the same would be in wool.
Large Tasselled Rug H&M

The colour of this probably means it's best suited to a bedroom where there is minimal shoe-wearing but, of course, you can put it anywhere you fancy. It's 100 per cent cotton so it will also be washable (keep it cool it might shrink) although you might need to take it to the launderette for a larger machine. Don't forget that H&M is aiming to use 100 per cent recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030 and, in the meantime, you can take unwanted clothes or textiles to any branch where they will be reworn, re-used or recycled.
BLACKTHORN Rug House of Hackney

If you like William Morris but fear it’s a little too staid for your tastes then what about this. Look more closely… see it? The gothic skull lurking in the middle? Definitely a modern heirloom piece it’s made by Axminster from British wool.
Florence Broadhurst Japanese Floral Rug John Lewis

Florence Broadhurst was an Australian designer whose murdered body was found in her flat with two cups of tea beside her. The killer has never been found. But her designs live on and a group of British women obtained the licence to produce her designs on lamps, cushions and surprisingly affordable rugs. This is one of my favourites. If it’s not big enough for your space then layer it with plain cream and another of blue and white stripes.
Orla Kiely Sunflower Orange Rug John Lewis

Yes it’s completely distinctive but as long as you don’t go overboard with anything else this will work as a centrepiece in any room – avoid the cliché cushions and go for the rug.