The Art of Decorating with Patterned Rugs: Elevate Your Space

Remember when I said I was going to finish decorating my dining room before I revealed any of the changes? I’m happy to say that I’m nearing the finish line! I ordered a new light fixture and rug this weekend, and now I just need to wrap up the wall hangings and I think the dining space is good to go. One of the hardest parts of this project was choosing what to put on the floor. I looked at a lot of patterned rugs before buying the one that kept calling my name. There are so many options, it can be hard to narrow it down, even after choosing a color scheme. So today I want to share some of the gorgeous colorful and patterned rugs that have caught my eye on this journey. (This post contains affiliate links – see my privacy policy.)

The first question that needs answering, is do you want a bold, statement rug – or do you prefer something more muted and safe? I fall somewhere in between the two. This dining room in this first picture has classic styling, but incorporates a bright, almost southwestern style rug. It gives the space vibrance and energy.

Photo by Rae McConville Interiors LLC

 

This next dining room uses traditional styling with a patterned rug, but the color is less vibrant, allowing other features in the room to be noticed, like the arched shelving, fireplace and beautiful chandelier.

Photo by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc.

 

I absolutely love this bright and cheery floral rug chosen by designer, Alison Kandler. White walls and furniture balance the overall color and pattern. Not sure if I’m brave enough to go this bold with a rug choice – maybe in a girl’s bedroom. I can’t stop looking at this pretty room though.

Photo by Alison Kandler Interior Design

 

Here’s another example of boldly patterned rugs in a living room with pale blue walls and light trim. Choosing a muted rug would create a soft, feminine feel in the space. Choosing a rug with vibrant color creates depth and visual interest. There’s really no right or wrong choice of rug when your walls and furniture are neutral. It really just depends on the mood you’re looking to create. 

Photo by Trim Design Co.

 

Stripes create a coastal vibe but can used with any type of decorating style. Striped rugs in one color family are a good choice if you want some pattern and color but are hesitant to go all out.

Photo by Lauren Nelson Design

 

For those of you who are willing to go a little bolder, choose a multi-colored striped rug. The chairs are painted in colors found in the rug and paintings. Once again, white walls help to balance the profusion of color.

Photo by Alison Kandler Interior Design

 

You can introduce color to any room with a single color, patterned rug. The warmth of the gold rug plays beautifully against the blue ottoman. This room shows that using hues opposite each other on the color wheel is a great way to go. When you have lots of colorful artwork, a simpler rug like this is a good option so you don’t have too many things in the room calling out for attention.

Photo by Alison Kandler Interior Design

 

When your room is primarily filled with neutral tones, you can add interest with a neutral-hued rug in a fun pattern. This traditionally-styled living room enjoys a geometric pattern on the the floor. It’s unexpected, but pleasing to the eye. 

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design

 

Have you considered layering rugs? I like this mix of a smaller striped rug atop a jute-style rug with a subtle geometric pattern. It’s also a great way to cover up a larger stained rug without having to buy a new one!

Photo by Heidi Caillier Design

 

Tone-on-tone works well in patterned rugs when you desire a more subtle approach.

Photo by Alison Kandler Interior Design

 

You’ve probably seen this windowpane pattern on lots of rugs today. It’s very popular and I’m considering this style of rug for my son’s old bedroom. 

Photo by Bria Hammel Interiors

 

After looking at probably hundreds of rugs online, I opted for a bolder option than I’d normally choose for my dining room. Although I love neutrals, I want to add more color into my home. I’m taking risks I haven’t taken before. When I finally reveal the dining room here on the blog (probably mid-September), we’ll see if those risks paid off!