Choosing a rug for your space can be a daunting task. There are so many factors to consider, such as the size, shape, material, and style of the rug. The most important factors that you must consider is size and color. We discussed sizing in our past articles (read here), and in this article, we focus on coloring. The color of a rug can make or break the look and feel of your room. It can create contrast, harmony, mood, and focal points. So how do you decide what color rug to get? Here are some tips to help you find the perfect rug for your space.

1. Rug Color Guide

The first step in your rug color journey is understanding the basic color theory. Colors are typically categorized into warm (reds, oranges, yellows) and cool tones (blues, greens, purples). Warm tones tend to be energizing and inviting, while cool tones are calming and soothing. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white are versatile and can provide a balanced backdrop for other colors in the room.

A rule of thumb for picking the perfect rug color for your room is to use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% of the room should be the dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color, and 10% should be the accent color; you can use your rug as either the secondary or the accent color.

2. Choosing the Right Rug Color

Now that you understand the color theory, you now have to consider the existing colors in your room. Your rug color should complement the existing color palette of your room. Consider the color of your furniture, walls, and other decor elements; look at the curtains, pillows or cushions. What colors do you see? Do you want to match or complement them? Do you want to create a monochromatic or a colorful scheme?

A contrasting rug color can create a vibrant and lively atmosphere, while a complementary rug color can bring a harmonious and cohesive look to your space. For example, if you have a beige sofa and a white wall, you might want to add some color with a blue or green rug in order to create a an energizing and inviting feel (otherwise it would be too soulless).

Or if you have a red accent wall and a black leather couch, you might want to tone it down with a neutral or gray rug so that you create a calming and soothing atmosphere (otherwise you room would be like a metal concert or dungeon in hell!)

3. How to Pick a Rug Color? Tips for Picking the Perfect Rug Color

Consider the mood you want to create. Different colors can evoke different emotions and feelings. Think about what mood you want to create in your space and choose a rug color accordingly.

• Light vs Dark: Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can make a room feel cozy, energetic, and inviting. Light and cool colors like blue, purple, and green can make a room feel spacious, airy, calm, serene, and relaxing. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and white can make a room feel elegant, sophisticated, and timeless. 
• Patterned or Solid: A patterned rug with a mix of colors can be a great choice if you want to hide stains or add visual interest to your room. Solid colored rugs provide a classic and timeless look; if you have a modern or minimalist space, you might want to go for a solid or geometric rug in black, white, or gray.
• If you have a traditional or rustic space, you might want to go for a floral or oriental rug in rich colors like burgundy, navy, or gold.

• If you have a bohemian or eclectic space, you might want to go for a colorful or patterned rug in bright colors like pink, turquoise, or yellow.

4. How to Select the Ideal Rug Color

Reflect on your lifestyle and the level of foot traffic in the area where the rug will be placed. Light colored rugs may show stains and dirt more easily, so they might not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or homes with young children and pets.

5. Rug Color Selection Made Easy

Utilize online tools and apps that allow you to virtually place different colored rugs in your room to see how they look. This can help you visualize how different colors and styles will look in your space before making a decision.

6. The Art of Choosing a Rug Color

Consider the emotional impact colors have. Select a rug color that resonates with the mood you want to evoke in your space. For instance, a red rug might energize a living room, while a blue rug could bring a calming effect to your bedroom.

The last point in answering the question ‘how to choose a rug color?’ is the size of your space. The color of your rug can also affect how big or small your space looks. For instance, if you have a small space, you might want to choose a light-colored rug to make it look more spacious and airy. If you have a large space, you might want to choose a dark-colored rug to make it look more cozy and intimate.

7. Finding Your Perfect Rug Color

Don’t rush the process. Take home swatches or samples, and see how they look in your room in different lighting conditions. It’s worth taking the time to find a rug color that you’ll love for years to come.

8. Rug Color Tips and Tricks

• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different colors and patterns.
• Seasonal Changes: Consider having different rugs for different seasons to keep your space feeling fresh and in-tune with the changing moods of the year.
• A tip is to use the 80-20 rule: 80% of the room should be in one style, while 20% can be in another style. You can use your rug as either the main or the contrasting style element.

80-20 rule: 80% of the room should be in one style, while 20% can be in another style. Your rug should be either the main or the contrasting style element.

You might be asking, “What rug is ideal for each season?” We’ve got you covered! The choice of a rug for each season can make a significant contribution to the comfort and aesthetics of your living space. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to guide you in choosing the perfect rug:

1. Spring:
   • Material: Cotton is a good choice since it’s easy to clean and maintain.
   • Color: Light and pastel colors or floral patterns that reflect the blossoming nature outdoors.
   • Style: Low pile rugs such as flatweave rug, vintage Persian rug and traditional rug are suitable as they are lightweight and easy to clean.
2. Summer:
   • Material: Natural fibers like sisal or jute are breathable and provide a cool underfoot feeling.
   • Color: Bright, vibrant colors or coastal and tropical patterns to resonate with the lively summer vibes.
   • Style: Again, low pile rugs such as jute rug, flatweave or vintage Persian rug are preferable due to their lightweight and airy nature.
3. Autumn:
   • Material: Wool or other warm materials to start introducing warmth to the room.
   • Color: Earth tones like browns, oranges, and reds to complement the fall foliage.
   • Style: Medium to high-pile rugs to add a bit of warmth and comfort as the temperatures begin to drop.
4. Winter:
   • Material: Wool or shag rugs that provide warmth and insulation from cold floors.
   • Color: Darker colors like burgundy, navy, or forest green to create a cozy and warm ambiance.
   • Style: High-pile or shag rugs for maximum warmth and comfort.

Your rug is a substantial facet of your room’s design. The color you choose will play a significant role in bringing your decor vision to life. With a thoughtful approach, you can find a rug color that not only suits your taste but also enhances the overall aesthetics and comfort of your space. Choose your rug based on the size of your room, the feeling you want to create and most importantly the harmony with the other accessories of your space.