Warm up a cold space
Concrete floors and exposed beams are part of the appeal of a loft, but all those industrial surfaces need a counterpoint. Enter a shaggy Moroccan rug to add warmth and texture.
Bring on color
It’s tempting to say white walls are boring, but really they’re a chance to put something colorful and busy on the floor. This vintage Turkish rug picks up the brick of the fireplace and adds kick to the color palette.
Add excitement to neutrals
Antique rugs, with their intricate designs, are also an excellent way to add dimension to an all-neutral room. The colors may be muted, but the subtle variance in the colors due to age is anything but boring.
Keep things quiet
Natural fiber rugs—jute, seagrass, and sisal—are a hit with pro decorators for the way they go with almost any style. Use them in rooms with another exciting feature, such as vintage textiles or amazing artwork, where you really don’t need the floor to take center stage.
Elongate with stripes
With stripes, it’s all about orientation. Position them width-wise to widen a long, narrow room, or use them to point to a focal point.
Match for a modern look
Super-modern interiors often skip a rug to maintain a sleek look. An area rug that matches the floor does that and makes the space softer.
Balance with pattern
Think of patterned rugs like artwork—they don’t need to match the rest of the room exactly, but the furnishings and other elements should get less attention-grabbing the more showy the pattern is.
Follow the lines
Runners are a top-notch way to add color and pattern to kitchens, plus some cushion underfoot. For safety reasons, it is essential to use a rug pad in a kitchen (and a bathroom, if you use a traditional rug there instead of a bath mat).
Layer rugs
Natural fiber rugs are easy to put anywhere, but they can be scratchy and hard, so layer another rug on top for added comfort and character.
Stick with the classics
Braided rugs tap into a sense of Americana that’s never out of place. Plus, these woven pieces are incredibly sturdy, making them perfect for mudrooms and playrooms.
