8 Secrets to Pairing Patterns With an Oriental Rug
Plaids, florals, stripes — a good Oriental rug can stand up to almost any other pattern. These tips can help you master the effect
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Early in my writing career, I interviewed a designer who had used variations of the same color in her home for 20 years. When I asked if she'd ever thought about getting rid of everything and starting the palette over from scratch, she gave me a long look and said, "You don't just throw out your Oriental rug."
Point taken. If you're lucky enough to have an authentic Oriental, you want to hang onto that baby until it's time to hand it down to the grandkids. So when a pal asked me the other day how to make other patterns work with an Oriental floor covering, I sensed an ideabook in the making.
No matter what its color, scale, origin or pattern is, a good-quality Oriental rug never goes out of style, and it works with just about any design scheme. But there are a few secrets to showcasing it at its best.
Point taken. If you're lucky enough to have an authentic Oriental, you want to hang onto that baby until it's time to hand it down to the grandkids. So when a pal asked me the other day how to make other patterns work with an Oriental floor covering, I sensed an ideabook in the making.
No matter what its color, scale, origin or pattern is, a good-quality Oriental rug never goes out of style, and it works with just about any design scheme. But there are a few secrets to showcasing it at its best.
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1. Keep patterns in the same color family. You can't go wrong with visual echoes, as this living space testifies, and this strategy is an effective way to fold a series of patterns into a pleasing package. Layers of blue tie a busy Oriental rug together with patterned pillows and a grid of artwork.
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by SFGIRLBYBAY
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| 2. Celebrate the art of the clash. This homeowner didn't even try to pretend to match the pink throw pillow to the rug beneath, and the result displays an irresistible swagger. The key is not to include too many mismatched patterns — if you go overboard, you'll create a sense of chaos rather than confidence. More about using surprise in design |
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3. Dilute the effect with neutrals. Two separate Orientals, plus a global-print blanket tossed over the headboard, are separated by generous swaths of white wall paint and hardwood flooring to keep them from overwhelming each other.
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4. Keep the setting monochromatic. The walls, sofas, draperies, pillows and flooring in this space all have a similar orange cast that allows the rug to take center stage. Although there's a hint of pattern in the textiles, it remains in the background.
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| 5. Combine classics. Timeless patterns — plaids, zebra, paisley — mingle in this masculine sitting area, underpinned by the lush Oriental carpet. Like a Chanel suit and a pair of spectator pumps, classic motifs and pieces will always work well together. |
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| 6. Repeat rug colors in the furniture. The rich reds and blues in this Oriental rug are carried out in the blue sofa and red Chinese-style chest. Despite the other patterns thrown into the mix, the overall effect remains unified. |
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7. Pay attention to scale. A medium-scale pattern on this rug contrasts with a much smaller one on the chair upholstery and a larger one on the draperies. Varying the scale provides an ebb-and-flow energy that brings the room to life and ensures that its patterns don't compete.
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8. Add a little whimsy. A cheeky rooster print on the armchair in this space nods to the cottage-meets-traditional setting. It's unself-conscious and completely at ease, and that helps the patterns get along.
Comments
Allison Jaffe Interior Design Thanks for the feature! - allisonjaffe.com
9 months ago · Like
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olldbobbi Oriental rugs are predictably red; the blue one in the first picture is refreshing!
9 months ago · Like
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1annabelle Oriental Rugs are like basic black...they go with everything.
9 months ago · Like
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Artisanaworks Lisa, your 8 little secrets are brilliant. You were the first writer for Houzz that I read (your eclectic piece), and your delightful, insightful writing has kept me a fan...as well as being the stimulus for joining Houzz. Some great picks, here, to illustrate your "secrets". Have to say, though, Allison Jaffe's work wins the Gold.
9 months ago · Like
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mainstreetschool My house was built in 1932 and is full of multicolors of tile floors (1-4inch tiles). Many real oriental rugs, but the blues and reds don't go with the multicolor tile. How can I use the rugs without ripping out the floors? 
9 months ago · Like
wizzy Thanks! the tendency is to just make everything else beige which rarely truly compliments the rug. Just finished pairing patterns with my very unusual but exquisite antique orientall (chocolate, a true orange, silvery sage and pale rose). It was a challenge but I think it is going to be beautiful.
9 months ago · Like
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Diamondflame Many oriental rugs give a room a rather dated look unless they are carefully partnered with more contemporary pieces in in-trend tones. Choice of color palettes and patterns is important. Alternatively we should consider hanging an oriental rug as wall art instead.
9 months ago · Like
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moodygoddess @Bobbi, oriental carpets come in many different color schemes. I have one in cream and blue, some in navy blues, some in lovely browns. The market in this country seems to favor reds and floral patterns. My personal favorites are the tribal patterns of the smaller carpets that historically were made by nomads.
9 months ago · Like
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retromomma Well I wish I had that designers advice not to part with an oriental- luckily, I still have one 5x7 or so in faded in parts and mostly colored in beiges, with the softest silk threads and trying to figure out what to do with it-perhaps a wall hanging, pillows or upholster a footstool. Any other ideas are welcome!
9 months ago · Like
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moodygoddess I have a friend who has turned them into large floor cushions. They can be wrapped around the foam, turning them into a double faced cushion or if it is small, you can use the rug on top and face the other side with a complimentary solid colored fabric. Even the threadbare remains can be turned into a shabby chic throw pillow. My own preference is not to cut them up, however. Each carpet has it's own story to tell.
9 months ago · Like
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Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel You gave some great tips! I bought my large Persian in jewel colors to go with the strong pure colors in which I paint. Sorry I can't show you, I rolled it up and stored it for the summer. But here in Israel, I've also seen stunning Persian's in neutral colors: black, brown, and ivory. Gorgeous when the pattern is very delicate and intricate.
9 months ago · Like
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Julia Pockett Hi Lisa, loved your article! When my boyfriend moved in 4 years ago he came with oriental rugs. As a bit of a contemporary girl I wasn't overly impressed but it was a case of 'love me, love my rugs' and I have to say I'm a real convert!. It's not a great picture but take a look at how I've managed to incorporate them. Hope you approve :-). Julia 
9 months ago · Like
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yomarg1 Whoever took the picture of number three should have somehow affixed the lamp's wiring to the rod, and not just let it hang out for all to see.(A little OCD, I know, but hey-you ARE a decorating site!
9 months ago · Like
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beddings Rugs should occupy the center two-thirds or so of the room and be flanked by smaller oriental rugs. The color selection is always based on the wall paint. I build my room around the rug and I love black. It's always been in my life by selecting black curtains and matching rugs.
9 months ago · Like
codiegirl1 I have this oriental style rug in my great room, but my dining table will be going right next to this rug....what color/style rug should I put under the dining table to coordinate with the existing rug. Thanks 
9 months ago · Like
dbomom I sold oriental rugs for several years and have decorated with and around them in my own home and clients' homes. DON'T be afraid of the pattern of orientals. The more you try to simplify the design around a rug, the busier it looks. The blue dining room with the Heriz rug is a beautiful example of the correct use of pattern, choosing larger and smaller scale patterns and also using a strong wall color. In most of the photos the one thing that made the design work was the repetition of pattern between fabric and rug. I felt the orange room missed an opportunity to be great, as did the two beige rooms.
9 months ago · Like
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beddings You have elegant wooden flooring in your home, think of rugs which don't cover them up. Moroccan rug can create a truly distinctive look to your dining. Evaluate its quality, weave and durability before purchasing a antique rug. 
9 months ago · Like
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The Loaded Trunk This is a great article. The Loaded Trunk has so many rugs and it's sometimes intimidating to make a commitment but as you say they never go out of style so embrace and take note. Thank you!
7 months ago · Like
sw3278 This article has helped me immensely. Thank you soooo much.
6 weeks ago · Like
bluefiddle This article is so helpful and informative. The photos clearly illustrate the points you make.
5 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook published on Aug. 22, 2012.
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