Expert Advice

If You’re Going to Buy One New Thing for Your Home This Season, Make It This

Designers are obsessed.

By Stacey Lindsay
neutral living room with jute rug

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There’s an accessory that’s been grabbing interior designers’ attention. It’s easy to implement, complementary to all aesthetics, and grounding. Although it isn’t new, per se, this décor item is finding its place as an “it” piece this year. Enter the area rug—a reminder that every room deserves to have a soft landing.

An area rug makes “a world of difference to your room’s overall aesthetic,” says LA-based interior designer Breegan Jane. “They provide visual warmth and easily enhance colors used throughout the space.”

Just as Jane suggests, rugs have a way of enhancing the vibe and function of a room. They add warmth to chilly hardwood or tile floors, and a dose of color to an otherwise minimal room. The key is to find the right one—in texture, size, and material—so it lasts. So where do you start? Designers Breegan Jane, along with Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors and Kyra Schulhof of Fayette Studio offer their insight for decorating with an area rug. Plus, we’ve rounded up the best places to buy rugs online. 

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

bedroom with colored area rug
Image of Hayley Pannekoecke’s home by Nikole Ramsay

Tips for Decorating with an Area Rug

#1: Lay It Where You Need Warmth

An area rug is an easy solution for cold feet, says Jane. “Place it under your bed to provide a carpet feel while alleviating the morning chills.” The same goes for where you need a bit of warmth in the living room, bathroom, or even kitchen. 

#2: Go for Color or Neutral—or Both

A brightly colored rug will add interest to a space. But if you’re worried this will be too much, follow Lester’s lead and layer a colored runner over a neutral jute rug. “This will give a pop of color and texture but will assure that you don’t overwhelm the room,” she adds. 

#3: Aim for Balance

Neutral-colored rugs, particularly made of woven natural material like jute or wool, are ideal for grounding a space “without taking away from fabrics and artwork,” says Lester. If you have bold art and brightly colored walls, a neutral, simple rug is best. “It’s all about balance.”

#4: Consider Your Needs

If you’re placing an area rug in a high-traffic room, such as a living room, Schulhof suggests sourcing one made of an indoor/outdoor material like high-quality nylon or recyclable PET. “Sustainability and eco-friendliness are becoming increasingly important,” she says. 

white living room with rug
Image of Molly Madfis’ home by Nicki Sebastian

The Best Places to Buy Rugs Online

Block Shop 

If you don’t know about the stunning wares of this sister-founded textile brand, you must. The block-print collection, which is designed in LA and made in India, consists of unique patterns and colors, including the most gorgeous rugs around.

Block Shop Caramel Crane Rug

u003cpu003eThis modestly sized stunner gives an entryway or kitchen a dose of interest and warmth. u003c/pu003e

Caramel Crane Rug, $285

The Citizenry

Known for its robust collection of artisan-focused goods, The Citizenry’s rug collection is vast and impressive.

The Citizenry Lalita Wool Area Rug

u003cpu003eAlthough it’s neutral, this wool rug has a geometric design that adds a finishing detail to a living room.u003c/pu003e

Lalita Wool Area Rug, $1,095

Ruggable

One of the vastest collections of rugs online. The best part is this design source offers every size, texture, color, pattern, and price point imaginable.

Ruggable Verena Soft Wool Rug

u003cpu003eThe light cream and pink are complementary for a nursery, bedroom, or even an ethereal living room.u003c/pu003e

Soft Wool Rug, $219

Urban Outfitters

Chances are, if you’re looking for a well-priced home accessory, Urban Outfitters has it—and their expansive area rug collection is no exception.

Urban Outfitters Checkered Woven Shag Shag Rug

u003cpu003eA checkered print and nubby detailing gives this area rug a bit of patina. u003c/pu003e

Checkered Woven Shag Shag Rug, $399

Amazon

Leave it to the online behemoth to have a stellar area rug collection that encompasses prints and patterns galore, plus an exceptional array of natural jute options.

Nicole Miller New York Patio Country Danica Area Rug

u003cpu003eAll in the details: This option is proof that indoor/outdoor rugs are stylish.u003c/pu003e

Patio Country Danica Area Rug, $19.39+

Walmart

A jute rug is always a good design idea. Make that: a stellar design idea. But it can run pricey. Thankfully, Walmart has one of the easiest places to find a well-priced jute area rug that works within a modest budget.

Agro Richer White Border Jute Rug

u003cpu003eHigh quality jute will last and last, thanks to its natural rugged texture and antimicrobial qualities. u003c/pu003e

White Border Jute Rug, $75.70+

Target

Consider every area rug price point, aesthetic, texture, and size covered here. 

Project 62™ Diamond Shag Area Rug

u003cpu003eOne design trend that’s proven to have staying power is the diamond rug—and it’s sticking around for this season.u003c/pu003e

Diamond Shag Area Rug, $230

Salam Hello

We’re fans of Mallory Solomon’s collection of one-of-a-kind handwoven Moroccan rugs for its artistry and tradition. They are pricey but imprint on a home for a lifetime.

Salam Hello M’rirt’s Mauve Blush Numidia Hand-Knot

u003cpu003eThese are a giant investment, but worth it given their quality and heritage. u003c/pu003e

M’rirt’s Mauve Blush Numidia Hand-Knot, $3,621

Rugs USA

With a range of affordable to pricey options, as well as those hand-picked by designers (including our friend Arvin Olano), Rugs USA has one of the most robust online area rug selections.

Rugs USA Ivory Parker Check Area Rug

u003cpu003eA woven stitch combined with neutral cream and white makes this rug an option for most styles.u003c/pu003e

Ivory Parker Check Area Rug, $435