Shape

Rectangular Rug

The most traditional of shapes, rectangular rugs blend in beautifully with spaces that have large open floors, such as living rooms, offices, and sectional sofa seating areas. They can also double up as a kitchen rug or hallway runner or whenever something thin and long is needed for your space. Stair treads also fall within this category. Rectangular rugs also serve the purpose in open entryways or foyers making the spaces look longer and larger at the same time delivering a timeless, classy look. 

Circular Rug

Round shaped rugs are ideal for smaller spaces such as nooks and corners as well as nurseries and kids’ rooms because they actually make a smaller space look larger. They also fit nicely in circular rooms and will often add a playful, cosy, warm and whimsical note to the decor. 

Square Rug

Square rugs fit best in square rooms and can be easily matched with similarly-shaped tables or another square rug.

Oval Rug

A welcome change from rectangular rugs, oval shaped rugs have rounded edges that can give a room a softer appearance. Large oval rugs can save money at the same time creating an interesting visual impression that still covers a large part of the room. 

Slice Rug

A slice rug resembles an oval rug that has been sliced down its middle. It is designed to fit into the edge of a wall or counter or other space. Slice rugs often replace kitchen mags or welcome mats for front doors. They come in handy in small floor areas. 

Noteworthy Tit-bits: 

• If you have a large living room that you want to separate out into two seating areas, it’s perfectly okay to use your discretion to either mix shapes, playing and experimenting, or stay on the safe side with two same shaped rugs to unify the two spaces. For instance, if your room is minimalist in style, two neutral rugs in simple design will stand out. 
• For dining rooms, the standard rule is your rug should pair with the table you have. Also, as a rule of thumb, dining rooms do better with very low pile or flatweave rugs as they allow for the easy use of chairs, which might get stuck on a rug with a higher pile.
  
   Finally, if you’re thinking of pairing two rugs in your dining room, they should be of the same size. What you can mix though is the shape of the rug with the shape of your furniture. 
• Bathrooms can have small, rectangular bath mats with colourful or quirky touches. For larger bathrooms, rectangular or square rugs work fine and you can always add more oomph with a classy oriental rug or a circular bohemian one.