Skip to main content

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These incredible living room rug ideas will change up your space instantly

A new living room rug can completely transform your room. It can bring a fun pattern, a new style, or a unique color into an otherwise neutral space. It’s also a piece of decor that can be bolder, infusing character and life into a room where you regularly entertain friends and come together as a family. There are many living room rug ideas out there, but these are the ones we believe will change up your space instantly. For any of these, budgets can vary depending on the rug material and size, so set a top end before you begin to ensure you don’t overspend.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Use a rug to anchor your color scheme

A living room rug anchors your living room furniture, and it provides the essential piece of decor to tie your entire color scheme together. For instance, if your room already is more neutral, pick a rug with a pop of color and then use that color to add pillows, curtains, or wall decor to complement it. If the colors you’ve chosen for paint or furniture are bold, find a more neutral rug that’s mostly cream or ivory to anchor the statement color.

We recommend choosing your rug first before adding additional decor elements to ensure the overall design is cohesive.

Gray sofa on multicolored rug
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Use a rug to infuse a new design

Rugs can immediately bring a new style into a room. For instance, if you’ve invested in traditional furniture and don’t want to replace it but love a vintage feel, find an area rug that is farmhouse or bohemian in style. Mixing and matching styles is never off the table, and a rug can help you do that.

Similarly, if you have simple furniture in the room and describe yourself as a minimalist, choose a rug with a dramatic pattern and quickly transform the feel of the space. We love this Teagan Shag Rug from Urban Outfitters to do just that.

Experiment with color

Rugs are one of the few decor items that can let you experiment with color in a big way without completely changing out furniture or paint. This works well in a room with a more neutral color palette (check out this rug from Wayfair) and can infuse a new, complementary color into a room that has a color scheme set. For instance, if you have a room with grey and yellow, you can add blue and red while still adhering to the central color with a rug like this, also from Wayfair.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can a rug be used as a piece of art?

The short answer is yes — both literally and figuratively. A rug can be the focal point of a room and offer the same emotion as a piece of art does hanging on the wall. There are rugs designed by famous artists like these from Nazmiyal Collection that would look stunning in any living room.

Another idea is adding small rugs to the room that imitate art, like this one from Etsy, featuring Salvador Dali’s melting clock. You can either layer this on top of a larger rug or use it under a side table to add additional character.

Finally, you can adhere it to a wall to create art using velcro or a curtain rod to display it on a feature wall. Do your homework on the best way to hang it depending on the material, so you don’t damage the rug. It has the same effect as wallpapering a feature wall, but it adds a layer of texture that many living rooms can benefit from in the overall design.

Living room rugs aren’t only a method to soften a wood or tile floor or keep your feet warm on cold winter days. They’ve developed into works of art and unique statement pieces that can turn an ordinary room into a warm, inviting space with tons of character. Rugs can add layers of personality with patterns and colors that may seem bold at first, especially if you are more of a minimalist or have typically traditional designs throughout your home. Rugs give the space visual interest that can complement or transform the room in many unique ways.

We recommend doing your homework on the material depending on whether this rug will get a lot of foot traffic, so you are prepared to properly take care of your new rug.

Editors' Recommendations

Julie Scagell
I am a freelance writer based in Minneapolis, MN. My passions include my dogs, talking about my dogs, and taking pictures of…
Make the most of your living room/dining room combo with these stellar tips
Watch your living room/dining room combo shine with these tips
Gray monochrome living and dining room

Many contemporary homes have open-concept living, meaning fewer walls and shared space between rooms. It's a great idea for those who entertain or want minimal disruption between spaces. It's also good when you have small children and want to keep an eye on them while you're cooking, folding laundry, or watching TV. If you have one large area for your living room and dining room, there are some things you can do to get the most out of each room.

Of course, there's a lot to consider when it comes to which colors to choose, how to arrange furniture in a living room/dining room combo, and what wall and other decor can be used to blend the spaces together. Here's how to find the right mix that works in one collective space.

Read more
The best green paint colors for a soothing, sophisticated home
Recommendations for warm and cool green tones to add to your space
Green wall color with plant nearby

Green is a color we’re seeing everywhere in home design. Named Color of the Year for 2022 by many of the most prominent names in the paint industry, green is a trendy hue that you can expect to see in many interior designs in the foreseeable future. Green has an incredible way of adding a sense of vibrance and authenticity to your space. So, if you’re a homeowner in need of a soothing and sophisticated shade, then green might be just what you’ve been looking for.

This color can help you invite a renewed sense of vitality and energy to a space, making it perfect for homeowners looking to change up their existing palette. While green was trending in home design as 2022's "it" color, it has become a popular staple even as we venture into the coming years. So, it's safe to assume that this wonderful shade will likely add a timeless and natural look to any space. If you're eager to incorporate green into your design scheme, here are some of the best green paint colors to inspire your next renovation.

Read more
What couch material should you get? We have the answer
Have pets? This is the couch for you
Leather couch

If you're in the market for a new couch or sofa, one of the biggest considerations beyond the size and shape is the couch fabric. Deciding on how you plan to use the couch and who you plan to let on it (for example, pets and kids) can help determine which material you choose. If it's a sofa for a living room and one the whole family will use daily, you need couch material that's durable and will hold up over time. If it's one in an office or formal living room, you can be a bit more relaxed about the fabric.

Beyond the frame and springs, there are many fabric choices available when it comes to buying a couch. Here are a few things to watch out for and consider before making your big purchase. They can make the difference between a couch that stands the test of time and one that needs to be replaced after a couple of years.

Read more