What to consider when designing rugs for public spaces

Learn how to create a rug suited for high-performance interiors with guidance from Almedahls – considering traffic levels, placement, acoustics, materials, colours and custom sizing.

• 5 key considerations for your rug specification
• Traffic levels — choosing the right rug performance
• Each rug is made to order — and unique
• Explore three ways to create your custom rug

Creative rugs from Almedahls in a contract interior

5 things to consider when designing a rug

1. Define the purpose

Consider what you want the rug to contribute. A bespoke solution can enhance the interior with colour, pattern and texture – or serve practical needs such as sound absorption, fire safety or softening acoustics and footfall. Rugs can also help zone spaces, trap dust, improve thermal comfort and support the indoor climate.

2. Consider traffic and placement

Traffic is key. High-use zones such as entrances and corridors require durable, low-pile tufting techniques, while quieter areas allow for softer yarns and more expressive textures. Placement further influences both material choice and the rug’s long-term performance.

3. Choose material and technique

Material defines both character and performance. Hardtwist wool brings resilience and long life; blends of yarns allow variation in texture; long-pile rya adds softness and a more luxurious feel. Tufting technique further shapes tactility and appearance. Base your choice on intensity of use, preferred feel and maintenance needs.

4. Select design and colour

Rugs shape the atmosphere of a space. Strong contrasts bring energy, while softer tones create calm and cohesion. Patterns can define areas or align with architectural features.

5. Decide size and shape

We offer custom dimensions up to 5.0 × 8.9 m for a rug tailored to your project. Shape and proportions can be designed to support movement, furniture placement and the function of the space.

Traffic levels — choosing the right rug performance

Understanding traffic levels is essential when you design your rug for high-use or quiet areas

High Traffic

For areas with intense use and high durability demands. Our high traffic area rugs are designed to withstand frequent wear while maintaining their appearance over time.

Examples: Hallways, public offices, hotel lobbies, and busy retail environments.

Frequent Traffic

For spaces with regular use and steady foot traffic throughout the day. A hard wearing carpet is ideal for maintaining performance and appearance in these environments.

Examples: Entrances, reception areas, office rugs, hotel lounge rugs and restaurant areas.

Moderate Traffic

For spaces with moderate use where durability remains essential.

Examples: Hotel rooms, meeting rooms and lounge areas in offices or private homes.

Light Traffic

For low-use areas with minimal wear and tear.

Examples: Bedrooms, private offices and quiet seating areas.

Each rug is made to order — and unique

Handcrafted production means every rug is unique, with small variations in design and size (±5%) that reflect true craftsmanship. Each rug is carefully made to deliver long-term performance, reliability and character in public interiors.

Learn more about the hand-crafted nature of our rugs: here.

3 ways to design your rug

From predefined solutions to fully bespoke designs – our creative rugs offer three clear paths, depending on your project needs:

1. Choose from our standard collection

A curated standard range with predefined colours, yarn blends and weaving techniques – offering both durable and soft qualities. Sizes are tailored to your project. Explore our full standard rug collection→

2. Customise a classic

Start with a standard rug and adjust colour, shape or pile height to better match your concept. An easy way to design your rug with a personal touch, while keeping within a defined framework.

3. Design from scratch

Create a fully bespoke rug based on your own idea. We support you from first sketch to final production – with full control over materials, construction and expression.