A rug is the element that brings a room together. It defines zones in an open space, absorbs sound, keeps your feet warm, and adds character and color to the room. Yet rugs are something many people choose last—often as an afterthought. That’s a mistake, because the right rug can completely transform the experience of a room.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of rugs and textiles that can transform your home, from decorative animal-print rugs and wall hangings to practical floor rugs and cozy throws. We’ll cover materials, sizes, care, and the brands creating the most interesting designs right now.
What types of rugs and textiles are available?
The world of rugs is bigger than many people realize. Here are the main categories:
Area
rugs Area rugs are the classic category—rugs that lie on the floor and define a specific area within a room. They come in everything from small doormat sizes to large rugs that cover most of the living room floor. Materials range from soft cotton to durable jute and luxurious wool.
Wall hangings
Wall hangings have experienced a renaissance in recent years. Whereas they were once associated with grandma’s living room, modern wall hangings have become an expression of artistic taste. They dampen room acoustics, insulate the wall, and function as a kind of textile painting. Bongusta creates some of the most popular designs with graphic patterns in bold colors.
Animal rugs
Animal rugs are a category unto themselves. Shaped like animals—tigers, leopards, bears, zebras, dogs—they are intended as decorative elements that add humor and personality to a room. Most are made of cotton or wool and are hand-tufted or hand-sewn with incredible detail.
Throws
Throws technically belong to the textile category and are indispensable in a Danish home. Draped over the sofa, placed in a basket by the reading nook, or folded at the foot of the bed—a high-quality throw provides both warmth and style. Materials like merino wool, mohair, and cotton are the most popular.
Door
Mats The door mat is the most overlooked textile in the home, but it’s the first thing your guests step on. A fun or attractive door mat sets the mood from the moment the door opens. Coconut fiber mats are durable for outdoor use, while soft cotton mats work well indoors.
Animal rugs from Doing Goods: Tiger, leopard, zebra, and bear
Doing Goods is the brand that has made animal rugs a phenomenon in Scandinavian interior design. Their tiger rugs are probably the best known—they come in several sizes and colors, from the classic Bombay tiger in orange and black to colorful variations in pink, blue, and green.
The leopard rugs are almost as popular—they come in natural colors as well as more unconventional shades like pink and turquoise. Doing Goods also makes bear, zebra, alligator, owl, and dog rugs in their signature, playful style.
All Doing Goods rugs are handmade by skilled artisans in India. They are made of cotton with a rubber-like backing that keeps them in place on the floor. Many people also use them as wall hangings —they feature a hanging loop on the back, making them easy to hang.
What size rug should you choose?
Size is one of the most important decisions when choosing a rug. A rug that’s too small can make a room feel smaller and disjointed, while the right rug ties the furniture together. We’ve written a complete guide on the topic: What size rug should you choose for the living room?
Here are the general guidelines:
- Living room with a sofa: The rug should be large enough so that the front legs of the sofa rest on it. Typically 160x230 cm or 200x300 cm.
- Under the dining table: The rug should extend at least 60 cm beyond the edge of the table on all sides, so the chairs still rest on the rug when pulled out.
- Bedroom: A rug covering the lower two-thirds of the bed works well. Alternatively, two smaller rugs, one on each side of the bed.
- Entryway: A runner (long, narrow rug) is ideal in a narrow entryway. The width should match the hallway.
- Animal-print rugs: These are typically decorative and do not need to follow the same sizing rules. An animal-print rug in front of a fireplace or a bed creates a charming effect.
Rugs as Wall Decor
Hanging a rug on the wall is a trend that’s steadily growing. It adds texture, color, and sound absorption to the room. Bongusta rugs and Bongusta wall rugs are designed with this purpose in mind—they feature graphic patterns that function as art. Doing Goods’ animal rugs can also be hung up, creating a playful, unexpected element on the wall.
Tip: Use a curtain rod or a piece of wood with clips to hang the rug. This distributes the weight evenly and prevents holes in the rug. For lightweight rugs, you can use decorative nails or hooks.
Materials: Wool, cotton, and jute
The choice of material affects the rug’s appearance, durability, and maintenance.
Wool is the most luxurious option. Wool rugs are soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. They regulate moisture and last for many years. The downside is the price and the fact that wool may shed initially—this is normal and subsides over time.
Cotton is soft, affordable, and easy to wash. Most animal-print rugs from Doing Goods are made of cotton. Cotton rugs are great for children’s rooms and high-traffic areas since they are machine-washable. However, they don’t hold up as well as wool over many years.
Jute is a natural material with a raw, rustic texture. Jute rugs fit well with a bohemian or Scandinavian interior and are particularly popular as rugs in the entryway or under the dining table. They are durable but can feel rough under bare feet.
How do you care for a decorative rug?
Decorative rugs—especially animal-print rugs and wall hangings—require slightly different care than regular floor rugs:
- Vacuum or shake regularly. Use a vacuum on low suction or take the rug outside and shake it. This prevents dust from settling into the fibers.
- Treat stains immediately. Use a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not rub too hard—dab instead. Let it air dry.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure will fade the colors. If the rug is hanging on a wall that gets a lot of sun, rotate it regularly.
- Wash with care. Many cotton rugs can be machine-washed at 30 degrees, but always check the care label. Wool rugs should be dry-cleaned or professionally washed.
- Store properly. Roll the rug—do not fold it. Folds can leave permanent creases. Store it in a cotton or fabric bag, not in plastic, which can trap moisture
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Wall rugs from Bongusta
Bongusta is a Danish brand specializing in colorful rugs and textiles with graphic patterns. Their wall rugs are made of tufted cotton and have a thick, almost sculptural look. Popular designs include abstract shapes, stripes, and architectural patterns in bold color combinations. Bongusta rugs are intended as wall art and give any room a modern, artistic touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rugs and Textiles
Can you place one rug on top of another?
Yes, layering rugs is a popular styling technique. Lay a large, neutral area rug as a base and place a smaller, more colorful rug on top—for example, an animal print rug or a patterned cotton rug. This adds depth and interest. Make sure both rugs have a non-slip backing so they don’t slide.
Are animal print rugs only for the kids’ room?
Absolutely not. Animal print rugs from Doing Goods are used in every room—from the living room and bedroom to the entryway and office. The larger tiger and leopard rugs serve as statement pieces in adult spaces, while the smaller designs work well in the kids’ room. It’s all about the context: a tiger rug in front of a leather sofa creates a sophisticated, slightly humorous effect.
Which rug is best for a home with pets?
Choose rugs in dark colors or with patterns that camouflage fur and dirt. Flat-woven rugs made of cotton or synthetic materials are easy to clean. Avoid shaggy rugs, as pet hair gets caught in the long fibers. Jute rugs are also a great choice—they’re durable and easy to brush off.
Ready to find the rug that ties your space together? Explore our entire collection of rugs and textiles —from handmade animal-print rugs and graphic wall hangings to soft throws and colorful floor rugs that bring warmth and personality to your home.
