10 Tips to Choose Your Next Living Room Rug: A Sustainable Guide with a Nunamae Twist

The living room rug is the unsung hero of the space. It ties furniture together, defines areas, and provides a soft, comfortable landing for your feet. But with countless options in terms of size, material, colour, and pattern, choosing the right rug can feel overwhelming. Fear not, eco-conscious decorator! This guide will equip you with 10 essential tips to ensure your next living room rug is the perfect fit, both aesthetically and functionally, with a special focus on the beautiful, sustainable rugs offered by Nunamae.

1. Size Matters: Find the Perfect Fit

A rug that's too small can make your furniture look like it's floating, while an oversized rug can overwhelm the space. Here's how to find the Goldilocks zone:

Measure your space: Before you start browsing Nunamae's living room rug collection, grab a tape measure and map out your living room rug. Ideally, the rug should leave a border of exposed flooring around the perimeter – think 30-60 cm from the walls.

Consider furniture placement: Will the living room rug sit entirely under your furniture, or just the front legs? For a cohesive look, aim to have at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs on the rug. Nunamae offers a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your living room layout or create your custom size, which is possible in some of Nunamae rugs, drop us an email for that.

Think about traffic flow: Leave ample walking space around the edges of the living room rug, especially in high-traffic areas.

2. Sustainable Style: The Nunamae Difference

Nunamae takes pride in handcrafted rugs made from recycled cotton waste, making them a fantastic choice for the eco-conscious decorator. Here's why Nunamae rugs are a great fit for your sustainable home:

Eco-friendly materials: Nunamae rugs are made from upcycled cotton, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Handmade quality: Each Nunamae rug is crafted by skilled artisans in Portugal, ensuring a unique and beautiful piece for your home.

Low environmental impact: The production process uses minimal resources and has a very low environmental footprint.

3. Mind the Weave: Durability with a Natural Touch

The rug's weave – how the yarns are intertwined – affects its durability, thickness, and even its pattern definition. Here's how Nunamae's focus on natural fibres translates into beautiful, functional rugs:

Flatweave construction: Nunamae living room rugs utilize a flatweave construction, making them naturally low-profile and perfect for high-traffic areas or under furniture.

Natural breathability: Cotton is a breathable material, making Nunamae living room rugs comfortable underfoot and ideal for warmer climates.

Easy maintenance: The simple weave structure makes Nunamae rugs easy to clean and maintain, perfect for busy households.

4. Earthy Elegance: A Nunamae Colour Palette for living room rugs 

Nunamae's colour palette reflects the natural world, offering a range of earthy tones that will complement a variety of living room styles:

Natural hues: Pure, Gray and beige rugs from Nunamae provide a neutral foundation for bolder furniture and accessories.

Earthy accents: Subtle touches of terracotta, brown, green, and blue add a touch of nature-inspired colour to your space.

Complementary choices: Consider the colours in your existing furniture and artwork when selecting a Nunamae living room rug . Their natural colour palette is designed to blend seamlessly with a variety of styles.

5. Timeless Textures: Subtle Dimension from Recycled Cotton

Nunamae's use of recycled cotton, wool and jute creates a subtle texture in their living room rugs, adding visual interest and depth to your living room:

Natural variations: The inherent variations in recycled cotton fibres create a unique and organic texture in each Nunamae rug.

Soft underfoot: While not a high-pile rug, the natural fibres provide a comfortable and inviting feel underfoot.

Simple sophistication: The subtle texture of Nunamae rugs adds a touch of dimension without overwhelming the space.

6. Embrace Texture: Layering for Style and Sustainability

Layering a smaller rug on top of a larger Nunamae rug can add both style and function to your living room, while staying true to sustainable principles:

Create a visual zone: A layered rug can define a specific area within your living room, such as the seating area or play space.

Boost comfort: Layering a soft, recycled wool rug on top of a Nunamae cotton rug can add extra comfort underfoot, utilizing reclaimed materials for a touch of luxury.

Introduce sustainable pattern: A patterned layered living room rug made from recycled materials can add a pop of colour or design interest without overwhelming the natural aesthetic of a Nunamae base rug. Look for recycled wool or cotton options that complement the earthy tones of Nunamae's palette.

7. Eco-Conscious Cleaning: Caring for Your Nunamae Rug

Since Nunamae rugs are crafted from natural materials, opting for eco-friendly cleaning methods is ideal:

Regular vacuuming: Regular vacuuming with the upholstery attachment will remove dust, dirt, and allergens.

Spot cleaning: For spills, address them promptly with a damp cloth and a mild, natural cleaning solution. Look for eco-friendly cleaning products specifically designed for natural fibres.

Professional cleaning (optional): For deep cleaning, consider professional rug cleaning services that specialize in natural fibre rugs and use eco-friendly methods.

8. Sustainable Style Inspiration: Nunamae's Lookbook

Nunamae offers a Newspaper on our website showcasing their rugs in a variety of living room settings. Here's how it can inspire you to create a sustainable and stylish living space:

Visualize our living room rugs in your space: In many of the posts you can see Nunamae rugs in beautiful spaces and get inspiration for how Nunamae living room rugs can complement different living room styles, all while promoting a sustainable aesthetic.

Discover eco-friendly pairings: See how Nunamae living room rug pair with furniture and accents made from recycled or reclaimed materials. Look for inspiration to incorporate other sustainable elements into your living room.

9. Invest in Quality: The Long Lifespan of Nunamae living room rugs

Nunamae rugs are built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for your sustainable home:

Durable construction: The high-quality, natural materials and handcrafted construction ensure a living room rugs that will endure for years to come, reducing waste compared to disposable rugs.

Timeless style: Nunamae's focus on natural colours and textures ensures their living room rugs will remain relevant regardless of fleeting trends, further extending their lifespan.

Sustainable choice: By choosing a Nunamae living room rug, you're not only investing in your home but also supporting sustainable practices and reducing your environmental footprint.

10. Beyond the Rug: Expanding Your Sustainable Living Room

While the living room rug is a key element, consider these additional tips to create a truly sustainable living room:

Second-hand furniture: Look for pre-loved furniture or pieces made from reclaimed wood to complement your Nunamae rug.

Energy-efficient lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and utilize natural light whenever possible to reduce your energy consumption.

Sustainable plants: Add a touch of nature with low-maintenance houseplants that help purify the air.

Mindful consumption: Avoid impulse purchases and invest in quality, sustainable pieces that will last.

By following these 10 tips and choosing a beautiful Nunamae rug, you can create a living room that is not only stylish and comfortable but also reflects your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle. With its natural materials, handcrafted quality, and timeless aesthetic, a Nunamae living room rug is the perfect foundation for your eco-conscious living space.