How to Choose the Perfect Rug Color for Your Space
The possibilities are endless!
Choosing the right rug color can make all the difference in your home. Whether you choose to go for something soft and neutral or bold and colorful, area rugs are the perfect accessory to use to express your individual style. But, did you know that rug color is the second most common reason that people return rugs? Keep reading for helpful tips on how to choose an area rug color that will create the perfect foundation for your furniture and ground your home in soft texture.
1. Determine Your Aesthetic Goals
(Shop this image: pink velvet sofas, jute area rugs, orange vintage-look rugs, and white drum coffee tables)
The first step in choosing your area rug color is to think about the look you’re trying to create in your home. Take into account the colors of your walls, floors, and current furniture fixtures – as these will set the stage for your rug. Then consider if you want your rug to create high contrast in the room, add a pop of color, or blend in seamlessly with its surroundings for a subtle appearance.
If you’re looking to add a colorful area rug, consider the current accent colors used throughout your room. Choose a rug that draws on the colors of your throw pillows, artwork, and decor to create a curated color palette and tie the space together. On the other hand, you can always opt for a neutral-colored rug that will complement any accent colors – allowing you to switch your decor or change up your color palette without needing a new area rug.
Tip!
Interested in learning more about how to find the right area rug for your home? Check out our Area Rug Buying Guide for helpful tips.
2. Think About the Placement
(Shop this image: teal area rugs, orange accent chairs, woven storage baskets, and black writing desks)
When deciding what rug color to get, also keep in mind its location in your home, as this can help guide your decision. Dark colors may be better suited for rugs in high-traffic areas like hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens because they can conceal stains from frequent use. To ensure the color of your rug stays vibrant, look for anti-fatigue materials specifically designed to handle high-traffic areas in your home.
The color of a rug can greatly impact the overall ambience of a space. While a light rug can make a small room feel more spacious, a dark rug can help ground an airy space. To find the right rug color for your home, take into consideration the layout and light sources of the room you’re outfitting.
(Shop this image: storage coffee tables, padded dog beds, orange geometric area rugs, and teal garden stools)
Rug color can have an impact on a rug’s functionality within your home, so it’s important to choose a color that suits your lifestyle as well as your aesthetic. For instance, if you have children and anticipate frequent spills, choose a dark color or busy pattern that will better hide the stains and improve the longevity of your rug. For pets, consider how the color of their fur will show up on a rug. Choose a light-colored rug for animals with light fur or a dark-colored rug for dark animals to conceal shedding.
Tip!
Want to ensure your area rug stands the test of time? Read our guide Cleaning 101: How to Clean an Area Rug for maintenance tips.
4. Consider Potential Color Variance
(Shop this image: jute area rugs, cowhide area rugs, leather poufs, rattan barrel chairs, and blue velvet loveseats)
Before you commit to an area rug, be sure to consider how the true color might be different from your expectations. Rugs made of organic materials like jute, sisal, or animal skins will have natural variance to their colors that might differ slightly from online images. Once you put a rug in your home, lighting can also impact its appearance. Whether the room has warm, cool, or natural light may change the perception of your rug color.
