When it comes to decorating your home, rugs are a game changer. They add warmth, style, and comfort to any room. However, selecting multiple rugs for different spaces can be a bit tricky. If you're wondering how to create a cohesive look with various rugs, you're not alone! Picking rugs that complement each other without clashing can seem challenging, but with the right strategy, you can make it work effortlessly.
In this blog post, we’ll share expert tips on how to pick multiple rugs that actually work together. From considering texture and colour to understanding size and placement, we’ll guide you through each step. Let’s dive in!
Why Multiple Rugs?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to select multiple rugs, let’s talk about why you might want to do so in the first place.
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Define Spaces: In an open-plan space, multiple rugs can help to demarcate different zones. For example, a rug in the living room can separate the seating area from the dining area, creating distinct spaces within one large room.
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Add Depth and Texture: Rugs introduce layers into your décor. Different rugs can add variety, and when chosen correctly, they can create a visually dynamic and interesting space.
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Highlight Different Styles: If you love mixing styles, multiple rugs can help you bring diverse elements together. Whether you’re going for a rustic, modern, or bohemian vibe, the right selection of rugs can tie the entire room together.
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Flexibility: Rugs are movable and can be easily swapped out to change the feel of a room without making permanent changes. If you're ever in the mood for a change, rearranging your rugs can refresh the space in an instant.
Pro Tip #1: Choose Rugs with Complementary Colours
The first rule in picking multiple rugs that work well together is ensuring the colours complement each other. You don’t need to match them perfectly, but they should look harmonious.
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Stick to a Neutral Base: For a cohesive look, start with a plain rug as your foundation. Neutral tones like beige, ivory, grey, or muted pastels can anchor the room and allow you to build from there. A plain rug can act as a background for more intricate designs, allowing other elements to shine without overwhelming the space. If you're looking for a great neutral option, check out our Plain Rug collection.
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Introduce Colour Gradually: Once you have your neutral base, start adding other colours. The key is to maintain some consistency across the rugs. Choose colours from the same family, like warm or cool tones, so they flow seamlessly. For instance, if your plain rug is in a muted beige, a second rug with soft greens, browns, or even light blues will look naturally balanced.
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Use Accent Colours: Consider introducing accent colours through smaller rugs, cushions, or other accessories. These colours can be picked from patterns, creating a sense of unity without feeling too uniform.
For example, the Roshan Rug offers a modern design with soft colours that can add sophistication and flow beautifully alongside a more neutral base rug.
Pro Tip #2: Mix Patterns and Textures with Intention
While it’s tempting to pick up a bunch of vibrant patterned rugs, the key is to mix patterns and textures strategically. Here’s how:
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Balance Simple and Ornamental Rugs: If you choose a bold ornamental rug like the Diego Ornamental Beige Wool Rug, balance it with a more neutral, plain rug. The bold patterns of an ornamental rug can act as the focal point in the room, while the plain rug provides a grounding effect.
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Texture Matters: Varying textures between your rugs can create a visually appealing contrast. For example, if your first rug is a smooth wool or cotton rug, introduce a rugs bamboo option to bring in natural texture. A rugs bamboo option, with its subtle yet refined pattern, works wonders when paired with a plush wool rug, adding depth and interest without overwhelming the room.
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Modern Round Rugs: Don’t shy away from round rugs either! A modern round rug like the Paradise Ivy Grey Round Rug can soften the sharp lines of square or rectangular rugs, adding a gentle flow to the space. Its circular shape works beautifully when combined with angular rugs, creating a dynamic and balanced aesthetic.
Pro Tip #3: Stick to Consistent Sizes and Proportions
The size and proportion of your rugs are just as important as their colour and pattern. To make multiple rugs work together, it’s essential to pay attention to their sizes relative to the room and other rugs.
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Anchor Larger Rugs First: Start by selecting a larger rug, like a 200x300cm size, to anchor the space. This rug will set the tone for the other rugs in the room. For example, a plain rug can work wonderfully as a large base rug, with additional smaller rugs layered on top.
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Layer Smaller Rugs: Smaller rugs can be added on top of your larger rug, especially if you want to add dimension to the room. A modern round rug can add a playful and unexpected twist, layering beautifully over a rectangular rug. It can act as a smaller focal point within a larger area, creating balance and movement.
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Leave Enough Space Between Rugs: If you're layering rugs, ensure there's enough space between them so that they don’t appear overcrowded. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 10-15 cm between rugs to create a sense of separation and flow.
Pro Tip #4: Use Rugs to Enhance Your Room’s Flow
Your rugs should support the flow of the room rather than interrupt it. To achieve this:
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Create a Focal Point: Choose one rug as the central piece of the room, and let the other rugs complement it. If the living area is the focal point, the rug in the living room should be the largest and most eye-catching. Smaller rugs around the dining or entryway should be subtle in comparison.
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Consider Pathways and Traffic Flow: Think about the foot traffic when selecting rug sizes and placements. Avoid placing rugs in areas where people will constantly walk over them. For instance, in a hallway or corridor, opt for a narrower rug that follows the path.
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Consider Transitional Spaces: If you're transitioning from one style to another (like from a modern aesthetic to a more rustic one), rugs can act as a bridge between the two. A modern round rug can seamlessly transition between the two, providing softness and balance.
Pro Tip #5: Personalise Your Rugs
Your home should reflect your unique style, and rugs are an easy way to express your personality. Don’t be afraid to mix personal preferences with design principles. Here are a few ways to make your rugs your own:
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Incorporate Cultural Elements: If you love incorporating different cultures into your design, look for rugs that represent this, such as a rugs bamboo option or a classic oriental rug with a more traditional pattern.
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Choose Rugs That Match Your Lifestyle: For families with children or pets, consider rugs that are easy to clean and durable. A plain rug can be a great choice for high-traffic areas, as it’s often easier to clean than intricate, patterned options.
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Play with Shape: Round rugs are perfect for softening the angles of a room, and the Paradise Ivy Grey Round Rug is an excellent choice for adding a modern flair to your space. They can break up harsh lines and create a visually appealing contrast with rectangular rugs.
Conclusion
Picking multiple rugs that work together isn’t as difficult as it may seem. By considering factors like colour, texture, size, and the overall flow of your room, you can create a harmonious and stylish space. Start with a neutral plain rug to anchor the room, mix in an ornamental rug for personality, and incorporate a modern round rug to soften the edges. Play with textures, sizes, and placement, and don’t forget to personalise your choices based on your unique style and lifestyle.
If you’re looking for the perfect rug to start your journey, check out our collection of plain rugs, ornamental rugs, and modern round rugs to find the right pieces for your home. Whether you’re styling your living room, dining room, or bedroom, we’ve got the perfect rug for you. Browse our full selection today!
By following these pro tips, you can confidently style multiple rugs in your home that complement each other beautifully and enhance the overall design of your space. Happy decorating!
