Coordinating area rugs in adjoining rooms can instantly enhance your interior design. The golden rule is simple: all the large rugs visible from one spot should complement each other. This guide explains how to do it with style, balance, and function.
An area rug is a textile floor covering that sits on top of a finished floor surface. Unlike wall-to-wall carpeting, it covers only a portion of the room and can be used for:
While optional, area rugs offer practical and aesthetic benefits such as:
Ensure rugs fit beneath furniture. Options include:
Scale matters—avoid rugs that are too small.
Choose flat weave rugs for easy cleaning. Rugs should extend far enough so that chairs remain on the surface even when pulled out.
Place rugs beneath the bed, framing it. A plush, wide rug offers warmth and comfort.
No—rugs should complement, not duplicate, each other. Like artwork, each rug can stand out while still fitting into a cohesive design theme.
Use opposite colors on the color wheel (e.g., blue and orange, yellow and purple, red and green) for visually pleasing results.
Use one bold patterned rug and one solid rug to create balance and define spaces.
Stick to rugs that share a style, such as Persian or Oriental rugs, even if their patterns differ.
Unify multiple rugs with a dominant color while allowing different patterns (stripes, florals, geometrics).
Combine natural textures like cowhide, sheepskin, jute, or sisal for added depth and versatility.
Bring fabric or paint samples when shopping to ensure rugs complement your home’s color palette.
Don’t aim for perfect matches. Instead, select rugs with related colors, patterns, or textures to create flow between adjoining rooms. Coordinating area rugs thoughtfully adds sophistication and unity to your home’s design.