Guest Picks: Rugs for Every Room
From colorful and fun to neutral and textured, there's a rug here for everyone
They can be used to define spaces within an open-plan room, liven up a neutral space with pattern and color and add texture to soften hard surfaces and absorb noise. Yep, rugs may just be the perfect home accessory.
They are an integral piece of decor, but with so many options out there it's easy to get overwhelmed.
On your quest for the perfect rug, first consider the function of the space. High-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens need durable rugs with a low pile to resist muddy footprints and food spills. You'll also want something fairly thin in dining areas otherwise your chair will forever get caught on the edge. Make bedrooms and living areas inviting and cozy with a lovely plush rug. (Households with kids and pets might want to stick to a dark color!) Little ones will love playing on a brightly colored, textured rug in their bedroom or playroom.
Now it's time to talk style. Take a look at your room and ask yourself what's missing. If it's suffering from a case of the blahs, maybe a vibrant rug is the cure. If the room is looking too stark, consider adding a rug in a natural material or with an organic pattern.
Now let's sink our toes into some examples.
— Alicia from Atypical Type A
They are an integral piece of decor, but with so many options out there it's easy to get overwhelmed.
On your quest for the perfect rug, first consider the function of the space. High-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens need durable rugs with a low pile to resist muddy footprints and food spills. You'll also want something fairly thin in dining areas otherwise your chair will forever get caught on the edge. Make bedrooms and living areas inviting and cozy with a lovely plush rug. (Households with kids and pets might want to stick to a dark color!) Little ones will love playing on a brightly colored, textured rug in their bedroom or playroom.
Now it's time to talk style. Take a look at your room and ask yourself what's missing. If it's suffering from a case of the blahs, maybe a vibrant rug is the cure. If the room is looking too stark, consider adding a rug in a natural material or with an organic pattern.
Now let's sink our toes into some examples.
— Alicia from Atypical Type A
by Rug Studio
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This gradient-colored flower pattern is almost mesmerizing, don't you think? It's perfect to add some warmth and drama to a family room.
by Rug Studio
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Oh, Amy Butler, everything your patterns touch turns to gold. The slightly more subdued color palette of this rug would make it perfect in a formal, feminine lounge.
by weegohome.com
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Organic patterns work beautifully on rugs to soften those square edges. This coral pattterned rug would look fantastic to break up the blue palette of a coastal home.
This baby has been on my shopping list for a while now. Our living room has more than enough color and pattern so in choosing a rug we wanted nothing but texture. I can't wait to slip off my shoes and sink my toes into it!
There's no such thing as too bright! The striking pattern and plush pile of this statement piece are ideal for a family games room or home theater.
I love the riotous combination of colors and patterns in this mat. It would look great in a teen girl's room or as a hall runner in an eclectic home.
by Atypical Type A
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Who doesn't love a good geometric pattern on a rug? Take a classic pattern like this in a bright, fun color and you've got a versatile rug that would be equally at home in formal or casual areas.
by Rug Studio
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Similar story to above, except the lower pile lends itself to a less formal area and one where a thicker rug might get in the way. Fresh, family-friendly dining room, anyone?
by Domayne Online
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I have a firm no-animal-print policy in both my wardrobe and home (it always seems to me either creepy or tacky), so I've never considered a hide rug. But a yellow hide rug? That's more like it! The unexpected color choice means this traditional option would look stunning in a sleek, modern home.
Having a rug with personality doesn't mean you have to go all-out with bright colorful patterns. This unusual stamped sack style will add a quirky but neutral touch to a bachelor pad or casual living area.
This cute fringed polka dot mat is an ideal way to add some fun and color to a laundry or kid's room.
by Rug Studio
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The timeless Charles Rennie Mackintosh–style rose pattern and subtle coloring would make this rug just as at home in a traditional room as a contemporary one.
by Rug Studio
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Here's another must-have in my roundup, since it was clearly inspired by my favorite Marimekko pattern. The low profile and ribbed texture would be perfect for a high-traffic zone such as a casual dining area.
Have you ever seen a cuter kids rug? Little ones will be drawn to the color and playfulness of this handmade felt rug in a bedroom or playroom.
Every room needs some natural materials in it to ground the space and add texture. This sisal rug fits the bill and would be perfect in a casual living or dining area.
by Rug Studio
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A very traditional look unlike my taste normally, but the illustrated style is not one usually seen in rugs so I had to include it for that reason alone. It's screaming out to be used in a conservatory-style dining room.
There are so many shag-pile rugs out there, but is it just me or are most of them in really bold colors and horrid shiny materials? This one, on the other hand, is all class; just look at that dusty blue color and soft, wooly texture.
With cute numbers like this it's easy to see why chevron has been THE pattern lately. This fun but sturdy mat is perfect to add some interest to a busy area such as a kitchen or entryway.
For the memory-challenged, how about this quirky mat inside the front door? As well as being useful it's sure to be a talking point with guests.
Ideabook published on Sept. 29, 2011.
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While I can appreciate the natural material and bold pattern that animal print can bring to a space, it's not my style. Perhaps I've just seen some particularly ghastly examples, so I'm willing to be converted!