In need of a rug in Canberra? Our pick of the regions best. Photo: File.
Having first appeared with nomadic tribes some 5,000 years ago, the first rugs served a utilitarian purpose. Made from herd hair or natural grasses they kept floors warm and the cold out. Throughout the ages the humble rug evolved. Constructed by hand from the finest silks they became an artisan craft and a symbol of wealth and prestige.
Today, rugs can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces the world over. From apartments in Canada to estates in China – and right here in Canberra too. Providing texture, depth, colour, and warmth it is easy to see why they are so popular.
A rug quite simply ties a space together. Indeed, they are one of the quickest and simplest ways to make an impact when styling. Incorporating a rug into a design instantly lifts its aesthetic appeal and makes it more inviting.
So prolific is our love of rugs that they cater to decorate styles and tastes. From traditional to tribal, classic to coastal, and Avant Garde to art nouveau, there is a rug to suit every space. While choosing a rug may come naturally to those with design flair, for most of us it is a painstaking task.
Investing in a rug, particularly a handmade one, does take some consideration. Indeed, there are numerous factors to consider. Things like rug style, colour, weave, and material composition are all important. So too are a rugs shape and size. After all, a rug is a significant purchase and should be taken seriously.
Thankfully, Canberra is home to many wonderful rug suppliers, each ready and willing to offer their expert assistance. For lovers of the tactile finish that rugs provide see below for our pick of the best suppliers in Canberra.
What makes a great rug supplier?
Great rug suppliers are soft furnishing experts artfully finishing spaces both inside and out. They are masters of style and scale stocking the finest rug products the world has to offer. To help narrow down your search we suggest keeping the following in mind:
- Eye for interiors. As a key aspect of interior design, rugs add texture, create warmth, and link a space together. Equally as important as colour and furniture selection, getting it wrong can risk the visual aesthetics of a room altogether. That is why finding a supplier with an eye for interiors is so important. A design-savvy rug supplier will understand your personal style and bring this vision to life one pile at a time. As such, look for suppliers with decorating or design credentials to ensure you receive the right advice first time around.
- Mixed selection. There are quite literally countless rug variants available on the market. From different materials, looms, piles, sizes and shapes the opportunities are endless. The best rug suppliers make life easier by stocking a curated selection of the very best in each rug category and style. From the neutral modern wool rugs through to coastal woven jutes and ornate oriental silks, they will have it covered.
- Designer & custom options. If you’re looking for something a little unique, consider a supplier that offers designer or custom rugs. More premium by nature, designer rugs are typically created with luxury in mind. Be it colours, patterns, textures, or materials, these artful masterpieces can be found in a selection of retailers. Equally, some rug suppliers offer custom made rug alternatives designed to meet the specific needs of your space. Should either be important, consider which suppliers tick these boxes and search accordingly.
- Ethically sourced. The best rug suppliers know the origins of each, and every, rug in their store. While common manufacturing locations do exist, rugs do arrive in Canberra from all corners of the globe. Many of these rugs are created using the wonders of modern technology, while others are masterfully crafted by hand. To ensure you are purchasing a rug that supports ethical manufacturing practises look for Care & Fair or Goodweave affiliations. All reputable rug suppliers will support these institutions providing peace of mind for clients.
- Warranties & service. Much like every key purchase for your space warranties and service are incredibly important. Be sure to review warranty terms for both defects and any manufacturing faults. Equally, consider a suppliers return and exchange policy in the vent the rug doesn’t meet expectations once laid. Finally, consider lead times and delivery options for added peace of mind.
The best rug suppliers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Carpet Factory
As one of the region’s leading wholesale flooring retailers Carpet Factory stocks a range of floor products from carpet, bamboo and timber, vinyl and hard floor coverings, and of course rugs.
Home to thousands of rug styles Carpet Factory offers everything from traditional, to natural fibres, easy clean options, and so much more. This family run business has been servicing the location region for almost fifty years. For competitive pricing to suit all budgets look to Carpet Factory.
Sarah I shared this review on Google, “I have never reviewed a store before but this store is a hidden treasure! It has the biggest showroom of rugs we have ever seen. We bought a lovely large rug and I absolutely love it…. if you are looking for floors and carpets and reading this, I highly recommend a visit to Carpet Factory. You will be glad you did!”
designcraft
designcraft is an award-winning Canberra retailer, specialising in high-end furniture. The Hume showroom represents a large and diverse range of authentic and iconic designer furniture from local and international brands.
Home to an impressive selection of designer rugs you will find the likes of Hare & Klein, Armadillo, Olsen + Ormandy and more. If a luxurious rug is calling designcraft is an excellent choice.
Cath Allen wrote on Google, “Very helpful and friendly service in a great space. Love the range of rugs with samples to take home and try in your own space and light. Beautiful furniture you are unlikely to find anywhere else in Canberra. Highly recommended.”
Arya Gallery
As Canberra’s oldest handmade rug specialists Arya Gallery have been the place to visit for Persian and Oriental rugs for four decades. As a local, family-run business they supply, appraise, clean, and restore the finest handmade rugs.
With two convenient locations in Reid and Manuka their classic designs feature symmetric florals, motifs, and tribal elements in a range of beautiful hues. For a stunning handmade rug from the world’s major rug producing regions look to Arya Gallery.
Ben Rains shared his experience with the team on Google, “High quality Persian rugs of all types and sizes. Great after sales service too. If you are thinking of investing in a rug, make sure you visit Arya. I've been going here for 30 years.”
Choices Flooring
Best known as one of the regions leaders in the supply and install of floor coverings, Choices Flooring in Fyshwick also stocks an impressive rug collection.
Featuring a range of textured, geometric, pattern, and solid colour rugs, Choices Flooring offers numerous sizes across several interior styles. With a team of interior design specialists and virtual interfaces to view rugs in your space Choices Flooring are worth a visit.
Helen Tracey had this to say on Google, “Choices have been terrific to deal with - friendly, efficient, knowledgeable and tremendously helpful when it came to making decisions about materials and colours… We would recommend Choices to anyone needing new flooring.”
Carpet Factory
As one of the region’s leading wholesale flooring retailers Carpet Factory stocks a range of floor products from carpet, bamboo and timber, vinyl and hard floor coverings, and of course rugs.
Home to thousands of rug styles Carpet Factory offers everything from traditional, to natural fibres, easy clean options, and so much more. This family run business has been servicing the location region for almost fifty years. For competitive pricing to suit all budgets look to Carpet Factory.
Sarah I shared this review on Google, “I have never reviewed a store before but this store is a hidden treasure! It has the biggest showroom of rugs we have ever seen. We bought a lovely large rug and I absolutely love it…. if you are looking for floors and carpets and reading this, I highly recommend a visit to Carpet Factory. You will be glad you did!”
For additional decorating services check out our articles on the best flooring specialists and the best curtain and blind suppliers in Canberra. To furnish your space see our articles on the best furniture stores and the best designer furniture stores. And, for a help hand with your interior look at our pick of Canberra’s best interior designers.
Your experience with rug suppliers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the rug suppliers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine the perfect rug size?
A rooms shape, layout, and furniture all work to determine the optimum size and orientation of a rug. When considering size, the general rule of thumb is to go with the largest size possible, allowing for at least 15-20cm of overlay. Before hitting the shops measure the dimensions of both the room, layout, and key furniture items. Next, review standard rug sizes and plot these out with newspaper in the room. Doing this will provide a good base upon which to assess rug size in store.
What rug material is right for my space?
Before selecting a rug consider which materials are best suited to your space. Think about how the space is typically used, what level of traffic and light it receives, the feel or texture you desire, and of course how to keep it clean. The most common rug materials include wool, silk, cotton, linen, natural grasses, animal skins, and synthetics. Each come with varying levels of durability and usage cases so if in doubt consult your local rug specialist for advice on your space.
What are the most common rug weaves?
There are many ways to construct a rug. Whilst traditional methods of hand knotting are found in some of the finest rugs, newer techniques like hand tufting, hand looming, and power looming offer more affordable alternatives.
How often should a rug be cleaned?
Regular cleaning of a rug can help to retain that showroom finish. While rugs do vary quite significantly in materials and looms, there are some basic ways to maintain at home. Each week give your rug a basic clean by gently vacuuming its surface twice over and in different directions. Avoid using a powerhead or fixture with hard rotating bristles, as this can damage rug fibres. Every 6-12 months consider giving your rug a deep clean by vacuuming as usual then rolling up and removing to vacuum the underside of the rug. Some rugs will also benefit from a hand shampoo, and many products are available to help do this. Always spot test first, and if in doubt consult your specialist first as some materials may require specialist cleaning.
How long can I expect a rug to last?
A rugs lifespan is generally dependant on its use, location, footfall, and exposure to the elements. While some heirloom pieces have withstood generations of use, many modern rug variants tend to last up to 10 years.
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