Batibouw 2026: How the Right Rug Completes Your New Interior
If you're visiting Batibouw 2026 in Brussels this month, you're probably drowning in inspiration. New kitchen tiles, that perfect shade of grey for the walls, maybe even a complete floor plan redesign. But here's something most people overlook until it's too late: the rug.
We've been helping Belgian homeowners finish their renovation projects for years, and there's one mistake we see over and over. People choose their rugs too early, before they really know what their space needs. Let me explain why your rug should actually be one of the last decisions you make.
Why Wait Until Everything Else is Done?
I know it's tempting to tick everything off your Batibouw shopping list in one go. But trust me on this one. Your rug needs to work with your actual finished space, not the Pinterest board version you're imagining.
Here's what happens when you wait: you can see exactly how the light hits your new flooring, you know which furniture pieces actually made it into the room (because let's be honest, plans change), and you've lived with the paint color long enough to know if you still love it.
Plus, you'll have a much better sense of your remaining budget. Renovations always cost more than expected, right? Knowing what you have left means you can choose a rug that fits both your space and your wallet.
Choosing the Right Rug for Your New Build or Renovation
Start with Your Flooring
Did you install underfloor heating? (So many new Belgian homes have it now.) You'll need a rug that won't block all that lovely warmth. Look for something relatively thin, around 1.5cm maximum. Natural materials like wool work beautifully because they let heat through while still feeling cozy underfoot.
Our Scandinavian rug collection is actually designed with underfloor heating in mind. Flat weaves and low pile constructions that don't compromise on style.
If you've gone with hardwood or tile (gorgeous, but cold in winter), you can afford to go plush. A thick, high-pile rug will add warmth and help with acoustics in those echoey new spaces.
Getting the Size Right
This is where people really struggle. The rugs at Batibouw always look perfectly sized, don't they? Here's the secret: they're following some pretty specific rules.
For living rooms, your rug should stick out at least 15 to 20 centimeters beyond your sofa on all sides. Any smaller and it looks like the rug is trying to escape. If you're not sure where to start, have a look through our living room rug collection where we've noted the ideal room sizes for each rug.
Dining rooms are trickier. Add 60 to 80 centimeters to your table dimensions. Why? So your chairs can pull out without catching on the edge. Nothing ruins a dinner party like chairs that won't slide properly.
Bedrooms are more forgiving. Just make sure the rug extends about 50 to 60 centimeters on either side of your bed. It's all about that moment when your feet hit the floor in the morning.
Materials That Actually Work in Belgian Homes
Let's talk about our weather. Belgium isn't exactly known for being dry and sunny, which means your rug needs to handle real life. Muddy shoes, wet umbrellas, the works.
Pure wool is brilliant for high-traffic areas. It's naturally stain-resistant (to a point), incredibly durable, and it just gets better with age. Perfect for family homes where life actually happens.
Wool and viscose blends give you that subtle sheen that looks expensive without the designer price tag. They're lovely in dining rooms or bedrooms where you want something a bit more special.
And honestly? Don't dismiss synthetic rugs. Modern nylon and polypropylene rugs are miles better than they used to be. They're brilliant for kids' rooms or anywhere you need serious stain resistance on a budget.
What We're Seeing at Batibouw 2026
Warm Neutrals Everywhere
The Batibouw stands this year are full of warm beiges, soft terracottas, and those really lovely muted greys. It's a relief, honestly. These colors create calm spaces that won't feel dated in two years when the next trend comes along.
Curves and Organic Shapes
Perfect rectangles are out. We're seeing more curved edges and irregular shapes that soften all those hard lines in modern interiors. They work particularly well in the open-plan spaces that seem to be in every new Belgian build these days.
Actually Sustainable Materials
If you're building green (and so many people are now), it makes sense to carry that through to your interiors. Hand-tufted wool rugs from renewable materials fit right in with those eco-friendly building principles everyone's talking about.
Making Your Budget Stretch
Spent everything on that kitchen you saw at Batibouw? I get it. Here's how to still afford a decent rug.
First, be strategic. Put your money into a really good wool rug for your living room where everyone spends time. You can save with synthetic options in bedrooms where there's less wear and tear.
Second, buy direct. Showroom markups are real, and they add up fast. Ordering online with free EU delivery (yes, we do that) cuts out the middleman.
Third, think long term. A 500 euro quality wool rug will last you ten years, maybe more. Compare that to replacing a cheap rug every couple of years and the math makes sense.
Come See Us in Willebroek
Look, I know buying a rug online can feel risky. You want to touch it, see the real color, make sure it's actually what you're imagining.
That's why we have a showroom in Willebroek, about twenty minutes from Brussels Expo where Batibouw is held. Bring your paint samples, your fabric swatches, even photos of your space. Our team will help you figure out what actually works.
We can match rugs to your Batibouw inspiration, let you feel different textures, give you honest advice about sizing, and even arrange custom sizes if your space is unusual.
Book a showroom visit and we'll make sure someone's ready to help. We're open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
Ready to Finish Your Batibouw Project?
Browse our full collection of designer rugs. Everything comes with free delivery across Belgium and the EU, a 30-day return policy (because sometimes things just don't work), and advice from people who actually know rugs.
Shop all rugs or get in touch with questions. We're here to help.
Visiting Batibouw 2026? Make Willebroek your next stop and see how the right rug transforms your renovation from "almost done" to "absolutely perfect."
