A Doing Goods animal rug is one of the quickest ways to give a room personality. In this guide we look at how to pick the right character for a living room, bedroom or nursery, with examples from the range and a few styling tips from the shop floor.
What makes a Doing Goods rug different
Every rug in the range is handmade and ethically sourced, made with patience and love for the craft. Each one has a friendly face, so rather than a fierce animal skin you get a character with real charm. Because they are handcrafted, expect slight variations from rug to rug – no two are exactly alike.
Many designs, including the Stripey Zebra Rug and Pinky Leopard Rug, have a 100% wool face with a 100% cotton reverse. You can see the full line-up in our Doing Goods rugs collection, including the Tapis Amis designs.
Living room: go for a statement
In a living room the rug often becomes the focal point, so this is the place for a big personality. A tiger is a classic choice: the Mahee Majestic Tiger Rug and Tula Wise Tiger Rug both make a feature of the floor in front of a sofa or fireplace.
If you prefer something with a more traditional feel, look at the Heritage designs. The Heritage Santana Tiger Rug and Heritage Tatsu Leopard Rug suit rooms with antique furniture, rich wall colours or patterned wallpaper.
Styling tips for living rooms:
- Place the rug so the face is visible as you walk in – it is the best bit.
- Pick up one colour from the rug in a cushion or throw to tie the room together.
- Keep surrounding furniture simple so the rug can do the talking.
Bedroom: something softer or more playful
A rug beside the bed is the first thing your feet meet in the morning, so choose a character you will be glad to see. The Moody Lion Rug brings warmth to a neutral bedroom, while the Loony Leopard Rug gives a room a playful focal point.
Bears are a lovely option here too. The Josie Jardin Bear Rug combines vibrant floral patterns with a whimsical bear shape, a nice match for floral bedding or botanical wallpaper. The Blooming Black Bear Rug and Archie Check Bear Rug offer different takes on the same friendly bear.
Nursery and children's rooms
A friendly face underfoot makes these rugs a natural fit for a nursery or playroom. Gentle characters work well in calm spaces: the Plumpy Panda Rug has a wool face and cotton reverse and comes in more than one size, and the Francis Fawn Rug has a soft, storybook feel.
For an older child who wants something bolder, the Coolio Crocodile Rug or Drowsy Tiger Rug bring plenty of fun. A few things to think about:
- Size: measure the open floor space and leave a border of floor visible around the rug.
- Colour: pick a character whose colours sit happily with the walls and bedding.
- Room to grow: a friendly animal tends to suit a room through several stages of childhood, not just the baby years.
Mixing a character rug with the rest of the room
Animal rugs work best when they feel like part of the scheme rather than an afterthought. Pair a stripy or spotted rug with plain upholstery, or match a floral bear to a floral print elsewhere. One character per room is usually enough; let it be the star.
Browse the full Doing Goods range to find your favourite character. If you would like help choosing a size or colour, visit our shop in Somerset or contact the team for advice.
