Rugs are more than just a decor item that covers the floor.
As one of the easiest and most impactful ways to integrate color, texture, and warmth into any room, they can breathe new life into a stale-looking space or close the gap of any design dilemma that just won’t come together. The best part is that rugs achieve all that with a relatively small footprint, so they don’t overpower your surroundings.
From Drab to Fab with Color
Everyone understands that vibe of walking into a room and feeling underwhelmed. The walls are fine, and the furniture is great, but something is just missing. That something is likely a rug, specifically one with a rich color. Injecting your space with life and energy is just one of the many things you can do when you add fall hues to your living space.
Sure, you can go for that minimalistic all-things grey or nude look, but why would you want to when a rug awakens a room by adding color to your space? It dresses it up or cools it down based on its aesthetic and function. Picture a barely-there grey sofa balanced on a deep indigo rug. While it’s definitely a jaw-dropping attempt at color layering, the risk pays off and adds character to the room.
You may feel like you need to tiptoe around bold design moves, but with a rug in play, you’re actually free to go a little crazy, knowing it will look great. There are great design and color options from Serena & Lily to get you started. You can’t go wrong with their collection of rugs.
Beyond Just Looks with Texture
Let’s not forget what adding texture to a room does to it. How many times have you entered a room and thought it was lacking something you couldn’t pinpoint? Sometimes, it’s as simple as texture. Rugs add depth and richness to your space, something only a few other decor items can do as well because they typically come with rich texture. That’s part of what prevents your house from falling flat on design. You’ve got a sofa, sure, but it’s asking for more; you’ve got a console table, but you still wouldn’t mind more.
A rug, a sofa, a table, or other big pieces of furniture complete the look, especially when it doesn’t fall flat in the texture department. In a room full of minimalist furniture, such as a couple of chairs and a sofa, a soft fluffy shag rug literally takes the edge off straight lines, so you get an inviting, lived-in space. Got some traditionalist antiques? A flat-woven, low-pile rug in a vibrant pattern will take the look to the next level.
Adding Depth to Your Decor
Sometimes, it’s not about one rug…it’s about a couple of rugs. Layering rugs is a tool designers use to give dimension and depth to a space. Picture a large, solid, neutral base rug with a smaller, textured rug on top. Suddenly, you have multiple colors and textures with a background that looks like it was designed with a purpose.
This doesn’t work only in big living spaces. Rugs can be layered in a bedroom or an entryway when you want it to feel like a real entrance without exploding with too many decor items. You can put a bold, printed rug on top of a neutral, solid rug, and just like that, you are a design master. It’s easy, and you hardly have to do anything huge or extra to make your space interesting.
Rugs as the Heart of a Room
There are times when a rug is the star of the show instead of just an accent. This is when you find a rug that checks all the right boxes and becomes the center of attention. When you find one like that, you design the rest of your space around it. Rugs give off energy and can anchor a space so that everything else flows from their colors and feelings.
When choosing a statement rug like this, think about the other elements you want to pair with it. Think of a vintage rug in faded oranges and reds and the feeling of nostalgia that comes with it. A light, neutral, solid rug can make a space feel bright and calm, just like staring out at the ocean.
Practical Considerations When Choosing
Rugs have a lot to do with function. Got kids or pets, or that one friend that spills a lot? You will want something durable and washable. Wool is a fabulous fiber for high-traffic areas, as it is easy to clean and even easier to walk on in your house shoes. Cotton is a versatile fabric that is lightweight and easy to handle — low maintenance, so to speak. Jute and sisal are natural fibers that are great for poolside/patio use or if you want to bring a bit of the beach into the house.
How about size? It can’t be too small, but it also can’t be too big, although, sometimes, you can get away with one that is a bit too big. You want it to be just right, so measure your space before heading to the shop or clicking that purchase button online.
Let Your Rug Speak for You
If you haven’t considered the power of rugs, now’s the time. Whether it’s a bright color in a neutral room or textures on textures, rugs are a way to infuse character in the home. They’re active, adding energy, warmth, and refinement.
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