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Help with rugs! (bohemian)

8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago

I'm decorating my bedroom, which is small by modern standards (11'3"x11'8") with 2 entrance doors and a closet door. There is a LOT of wood trim in this room, and the queen-size bed frame adds to it. Pictures of the room are below for reference. I've picked out a color palette that's essentially trends of bohemian rooms that I liked.


I'll be hanging white sheers above the window to hide some of the wood trim. The walls will be a light neutral, such as the first color in the palette. The bedding will be white as well, apart from accent pillows and throw.


I'm anxious to get started decorating, but I'm held up on the rug. I like the idea of a burgundy or plum-colored rug, but I also wonder if a large light-colored rug would break up all the wood in the bottom half of the room and help tie it to the lighter top of the room.


What size, color, and type of rug would you put in this room to make it bohemian?

Would you layer rugs? What sizes and colors would you use to layer?











Comments (34)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Do you think I should go with a rug as large as possible?

  • 8 years ago
    Normally I would say to go with a single rug as big as possible. But to me, bohemian style is all about an eclectic mix. If you have adequate space, consider two coordinating rugs - one by the side of your bed, and one by the foot.
  • 8 years ago

    If you're wanting to put the rug under the bed, an 8x10 should work well in your space. RugsUSA is a great source. I've bought 4 3 from them and been very happy. There will probably be a 4th of July 50% sale starting some time next week. They have free shipping but you have to pay for returns. Rugs Direct has free shipping and returns.

  • 8 years ago
    See these pics of different ways to put an 8x10 rug in the room. A single rug put in an “organized” way is awkwardly half under the bed. But if I put it up against the walls, it leaves room for layering. Btw, if layering, how would you “coordinate” rugs? Would you choose a similar color but in a simpler pattern? And the third photo is the rug angled, which is unconventional, but might work with bohemian decor.

    (A HUGE thank you for the RugsUSA suggestion. This is the first tool I’ve seen that will automatically place the rugs under the bed, and to scale!)
  • 8 years ago

    How would a 9x12 work if you pulled it all the way across to the window wall? You might consider something with an allover design versus a center medallion. That way you won't have to worry about covering the medallion partially under the bed.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    First pic is a 9x12. Medallion is still covered, and the rug would be curled up 4 inches against the baseboard. Second picture is two 5x8s. Third picture is a 6’7x9” plus a 4x6 in all its bohemian glory. Thoughts?

    What I did learn is that a light color rug seems too boring for what I’m picturing in this room. And even the more simple-patterned rugs that I thought I’d like seem too stuffy.

  • 8 years ago

    Maybe a rug without a center medallion would work better?

    Love your throw on the bed and the macrame idea.

  • 8 years ago

    I kind of dig the last mockup. It really works with the aesthetic you're trying to create. The two rugs work really well together!

    HU-23832246943 thanked katinparadise
  • 8 years ago

    It's definitely a lot of pattern and color, but when I put it together, I thought "They really were right that the more pattern, the better with bohemian style." This room will never be an airy expanse, so my second option is to just embrace the size of the room, embrace full-on crazy bohemian style, and let the two create a cozy den of pattern. Plus, all that pattern really works to make the bed look smaller!

  • 8 years ago

    Yes, lots of pattern and texture...Here's a great rug.


    Natural Fiber Boho Area Rug, Magenta, Hallway Runner 2'6"x8' · More Info


  • 8 years ago

    I agree-you're definitely on the right track!

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Wow..boho plus..

    Colorful Beaded Stripes Multi Art Silk 24"x24" Pillow Sham, Mixologist · More Info

    Nantucket NAN445 Area Rug, Multi, 8'x10' Rectangle · More Info
    Handmade Fluted Round End Table Barrels, Copper, 2 Piece Set · More Info

    Infinity Lights Puzzle Light, White Modern Lamp Shade, X-Large · More Info

  • 8 years ago
    The rugs arrived today, and I **love** the result! Thanks so much for the help and suggestions!
  • 8 years ago

    Ooohhh! So much fun! What great choices you made. What's next? If you want to hang sheers, Target has them at a great price.

  • 8 years ago

    You ended up with a great mix!!

    HU-23832246943 thanked Kathryn P
  • 8 years ago
    Thank you! I’m planning to pick up sheers and a curtain rod when I’m near an IKEA in the next couple weeks. Eventually I want to get a pendant light or chandelier for the main overhead. (I’m imagining something like a hanging glass jar light). Then some plants, a lighter nightstand, and a gallery wall opposite my bed that can showcase some of my favorite things from around the world.
  • 8 years ago

    Well please keep us updated with changes. You have a great eye!

    HU-23832246943 thanked katinparadise
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Thank you! I'm really appreciating all the help. The rugs were finally the thing to get me moving on this room.

    I can’t find an affordable glass fixture that’s large enough, so I’m entertaining the idea of a black chandelier. Black because it balances the dark rug color and will match the curtain rod. Chandelier because all the shapes and curves will balance the pattern in the rugs. The trick, though, is to not look gothic.

    This one is only 18” diameter, but the perfect shape in my opinion, and it doesn’t feel gothic. The only issue is the size. Would 18” diameter be too small? The room is 11’3”x11’8” and ceilings are 9’3”. I can easily find information on the “perfect” size (23" diameter) chandelier for the room, but I can’t find any information on what range would be acceptable.

    Then I found this 1-light globe pendant on a great sale at another site, but it's only 12". The sketch below is after I resized the light to be roughly to scale.

    1205 Olivia Collection Pendent Lamp · More Info

    Chandelier · More Info

    Bright light isn't very important to me in my bedroom. I'm more interested in ambiance.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I think the 12" would be too small. The 18" could work IMO because it's airier and has more movement. What's your budget for a light? Opinions on these?

    https://www.target.com/p/ceiling-lights-black-safavieh-174/-/A-52525573

    I know you said black but a little metallic might be fun.

    https://www.target.com/p/ceiling-lights-zm-home/-/A-52958120

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Would prefer to spend under $300, but I’m open to all suggestions. Not sure if you care to see them in the room, lol, but here they are.

    The black wiry chandelier, I don’t quite love... the shape? But I like how light it is, and the two-tone.

    I liked the metallic cube right away when you linked to it. I‘d wanted to use a gold metallic accent table as a nightstand to introduce a new texture. But gold tends to contribute to the cream/beige/brown in the top half of the room. However! After adding the plants, I quite like it. What are your thoughts? I’ll browse Target more, as those were some good options.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    i agree about the black-not quite right. However, I quite like the modern metallic. It's a good size but not overwhelming because it's so light and open.

    When you're ready to add plants, both World Market and Etsy have some great macrame hangers. Perhaps black planters could take the place of a darker light fixture.

    I don't know if you could find something like this where you live (there is tons of this here in SW Florida), but something like this painted in a one of the rug colors and highlighted with gold would be awesome as a nightstand, IMO.

  • 8 years ago
    All of the developing decor would sparkle more with a crisper wall color...bright white or even a bolder crisper color...the “neutral” looks drab with all the excitement ....as to the sheers....I would go a little more than basic there if possible ...maybe iridescent...textured...printed?
  • 8 years ago
    As to the existing night stand ...if it is not too precious ..it would be nice in satin black...or even a metallic gold/brass color...easy technique is a good cleaning then just plain old Walmart spray paint...
  • 8 years ago
    Following
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I’m still thinking I’d like a little bit of a romantic feel in the light fixture. One option would be to buy a very simple chandelier base off of Craigslist/Facebook and give it a makeover. Spray paint, remove the shades, add a couple of crystals, etc. That would give me control over the color and how much bling I want, and would be a very cheap project. Just tossing around ideas.

    I do agree that I can tie in the dark rugs with the curtain rod and planters, and that the light fixture, since it is large and center, probably shouldn’t be a very dark color in order to keep the room looking as large as possible.


    Paint has been a consideration, and I'll probably go towards white, but I'm saving that for later... The sheers will be white, but if I decide to add curtains later, then those will likely be colorful.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    What about this one? I like that it’s light colored but has intricate detail on it. Could add crystals if I wanted, or leave it simple.


  • 8 years ago
    This one is good...feels aged...and another possibility for a bohemian touch would be to hang fluffy colored tassels rather than crystals ...
  • 8 years ago

    That's a nice option if you are inclined to go the more traditional chandelier route.

  • 8 years ago
    Update now that curtains are hung. I LOVE being able to have some natural light while maintaining some privacy.

    I couldn’t order that chandelier earlier because I was heading out of town, and then the price jumped. So I’ve got my eye on it and I’ll snag it as soon as the price goes down again.

    I also am looking for the right duvet cover. Had held off on ordering because I was going out of town, but yesterday I found this creamy one with arrows on it. Kind of cute. Will either go this route or a solid white.

    I agree that the grey paint is looking more and more drab. I like the suggestion of a crisper white to make the other colors pop. Will that clash with the curtains and duvet cover though? Both are definitely more cream.
  • 8 years ago

    The room is looking great! The duvet cover you ordered will be perfect, I think. There's a lot going on with prints (which work perfectly together) that I think adding a small almost geometric print into the mix is fun.

    As far as paint, a creamy white was exactly the color I thought the room should have been as soon as I saw it! White and off-white can work together really well. It can be hard to find the perfect color though, so don't become frustrated if you don't find THE one on your first or second shot. Do a bit of research online about which off whites work the best based on the direction your window faces. It makes a huge difference in how the color will ultimately look.

    I hope you're able to snag your chandelier soon!

  • 7 years ago
    “After” photos!
    It still needs a few finishing touches like a coat of paint, new pillows for the bed, some improved wall art, and hopefully some plants eventually. But my room has made the transformation :) I’m so pleased with it. Thank you for all of your help and suggestions. I love the final result!
  • 7 years ago
    Put a light coloured ceiling height Roman shade over the windows.
  • 7 years ago

    Looking good! There's some great art out there you could add into the mix to finish it off. I saw this the other day when I was looking for some fun art for my laundry room and thought it would look great in a boho style room.