How to Mix and Match Area Rugs
The general rule when it comes to area rugs is to choose one key piece, and use it to set the tone for the rest of your décor. But sometimes, one rug just isn’t enough. Maybe your room is too big and the rug simply gets lost in all that floor space. Or maybe the room is in different sections, and you don’t know where to put it. Or you might simply have too many ideas and you can’t incorporate them all into one rug. Whatever your reason is, there’s always some way you can benefit from using two or more area rugs in your space.
Of course, it takes a bit of work to mix two area rugs without going overboard. You have to make sure they don’t clash, but you also have to make each one stand out in its own way. A good rule to follow is that they should have at least one thing in common, but they don’t have to be identical. So you can use two similar rugs in different colors or shapes, or one that’s a smaller version of the other. If you’re not sure how to start, this guide offers a few simple ideas.
Color combinations
For many, the easiest choice is to use two different rug colors. This works best for homes that have an existing color scheme, or where the main color is a neutral one like beige or white. That way, the rugs either blend with the rest of the décor or set the color scheme themselves. If you have a two-color scheme, for example, a rug in each of your main colors can tie the whole design together and create a nice finishing touch.
When using different rug colors, it’s usually safest to choose a neutral color for at least one of them. So if you want a bright red rug, you may want to look into brown area rugs to pair with it. That way, one of them always dominates instead of both rugs vying for attention. And since neutral colors go with everything, they’re also easier to coordinate. If you decide to change colors later on, you’ll only have to change one rug instead of two.
Plains and prints
Patterns are also a great way to mix and match your area rugs. Combining solid colors and patterns has always been a key component of good design, and there’s no reason you can’t do it with area rugs. Pair a plain rug with a patterned one in the same color or shape, or choose two different but complementary patterns. Most manufacturers offer a good mix of plain and printed rugs, some of them even made to go together. Just make sure the rest of the room is muted down, so that it doesn’t look messy.
Contemporary area rugs are one of the best choices when it comes to rug patterns. Although you’ll also find solid colors on the contemporary shelf, it’s usually the interesting prints that really set them apart. For added contrast, try combining a plain rug with a contemporary one in a bold geometric design. Try to keep the colors consistent throughout the space—it helps draw attention to the pattern and gives the room a more unified look.
Size variations
What if you’ve settled on one design and can’t find a piece that goes well with it? One good solution is to get two pieces of the same style, but in different sizes. It sounds pretty simple, but you’d be surprised at the effect it has on your room. The variety in size makes the patterns more obvious and makes an interesting visual effect. Try to place them close enough together so that both rugs are visible at first glance, but far enough apart so that each defines his own space.
Buying from the same manufacturer helps ensure consistency not only in design, but also in craftsmanship and quality. Dynamic Rugs, for example, offers each area rug design in different sizes so you can coordinate them according to your needs. And since the rugs come in standard sizes, it’s not too hard to fit them into your home even if you rearrange it from time to time.
Experimenting with shapes
Most people immediately think of squares and rectangles when they think of area rugs. While there’s no reason they can’t work for your home, they’re certainly not your only options. If you’re feeling really creative, you can try combining two area rugs in different shapes. Besides the traditional formats, you can also find round, oval, octagonal, and other shapes to add an interesting look to your home.
When looking at area rug shapes, try to picture how they will look against the lines and textures in your room. The best thing about shaped area rugs is that they add a different dimension to the flat surfaces and straight lines usually found in interior design. For example, an angular slope or corner may look stiff and unwelcoming, but a round rug beside it can soften the look and add a nice, subtle contrast.
in different shapes. Besides the traditional formats, you can also find round, oval, octagonal, and other shapes to add an interesting look to your home.
When looking at area rug shapes, try to picture how they will look against the lines and textures in your room. The best thing about shaped area rugs is that they add a different dimension to the flat surfaces and straight lines usually found in interior design. For example, an angular slope or corner may look stiff and unwelcoming, but a round rug beside it can soften the look and add a nice, subtle contrast.
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