Most interior designers will tell you a room isn't complete without a rug — yes, even if the floor is carpeted. Besides offering a decorative appeal that sections off areas and ties your furnishings together, it provides softness underfoot, insulation and sound absorption.
As the central gathering place in your home, an area rug is a must-have for the living room. But what type, material, shape or style should you choose? Find a curated roundup of living-room rug ideas below, along with tips and considerations for buying one of your own.
Best Living Room Rugs to Consider
Ahead, versatile, practical, trendy and elegant rug ideas for the living room.
Go Plush
You can't go wrong with a plush area rug. Boasting a thick pile height and a soft yet smooth surface, the style offers a comfy, cozy feel underfoot. The Carved Wool Rug is made of 100% pure New Zealand wool, hand-tufted with clean, cut-pile construction and a simple carved design.
Simple Stripes
If you're interested in living-room rug ideas that aren't plain but aren't overly imposing either, consider a striped pattern with neutral colors. Featuring muted gold stripes, this oversized design complements a dramatic room or emboldens something demure.
Contrasting Cable Rug
Want something with a bit more character? Consider a rug with contrasting colors, like the Ladder Stripe Wool Rug. The black asymmetrical ladder design looks striking against the cream background while calling back the black finish of the furniture frames.
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Cozy Neutrals
When in doubt, opt for a cozy weave in a neutral color. This warm, welcoming area rug is 75% New Zealand wool and 25% cotton with a sculpted ribbed surface for textural appeal. And like all naturally sourced textiles from Parachute, it's Oeko-Tex certified for chemical safety.
What Is Oeko-Tex? Read our blog to learn all about this textile certification.
Traditional Persian Kilim
A Persian-style kilim is an excellent choice too. Traditionally used as a prayer mat, the flat-woven rug style is pit-loomed from 85% wool and 15% cotton to create a durable, easy-to-vacuum surface with minimal shedding.
Check out these Rug Styling Ideas for more insight into different materials and styles.
The Layered Look
You can also layer multiple rugs together. Whether you're working with hard floors or living room carpet, placing a smaller piece of a different shape on top of a rectangular area rug provides a cozy, curated living room rug idea. You can also layer two rectangular designs. See how this warm, coastal living room features a large braided jute rug on the bottom and a small Sheepskin rug on top. In addition to texture and dimension, the colors highlight the comfort of the space.
Pared-Down Pattern
It's always wise to prioritize versatility — especially when investing in a high-quality piece you expect to use for several years. Consider an off-white, beige or taupe rug in an understated pattern that'll complement a wide range of furniture and decor styles.
What do you need besides an area rug and furniture? See our comprehensive list of Living Room Essentials.
Tonal Color Scheme
Some of the best living-room rug ideas are part of a tonal (aka monochromatic) color palette. To ensure the space has plenty of dimension, select varying shades of the same hue, such as ivory, medium marled grey and charcoal.
Want more ideas? Check out these 35 Stylish Living Room Color Schemes.
Understated Checkered Statement
The checkered pattern isn't exactly new, but it's currently enjoying a resurgence in the worlds of fashion and home design. This monochrome checkered wool rug is a wonderful option for incorporating the look into your space without sacrificing versatility.
Our guide covers How to Style the Classic Checkerboard Print at Home.
Classic Black and White
Black and white is a truly classic color combination. Beyond timeless floor tiles, the duo works well in area rugs. Look how this one brings out the color in the leather sofa and creates dimension in the overall space.
We rounded up 31 of the best Living Room Accent Chair Ideas in our blog.
Warm, Welcoming Wool
If you want your space to be warm and welcoming, wool is your best bet. This Textured Wool Rug is handwoven by skilled artisans using a traditional pit loom. It grounds the furniture, ties in the decor and beckons you to snuggle up by the fire.
What Is Merino Wool? Learn more about this naturally warm material in our article.
Luxurious Braided Wool
For something plusher, consider the Braided Wool Rug. This one is handwoven by craftspeople in India using a pit loom to create a thick, fluffy piece that warms up your space. It’s an intricate process that takes nearly three days to complete.
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Unflashy Abstract Rug
Abstract patterns are a popular choice for rugs. To avoid an overly busy look, get one in a neutral or natural color. This unflashy abstract living-room rug idea complements a minimalistic space and doesn't distract from the rest of the decor.
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Time-Worn Appeal
Vintage (or vintage-style) pieces are not only timeless but also surprisingly versatile — they're almost like the blue jeans of area rugs. With a faded print that looks like it's been loved for decades, this one has a time-worn vibe. And you can bet the aesthetic goes in boho, rustic and modern design schemes alike.
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Down-to-Earth Jute
Are you drawn to natural materials and organic textures? The down-to-earth vibe of a hand-braided chunky jute rug might be right up your alley. And since the plant fibers regrow quickly after harvesting, jute is considered a renewable resource.
What Is a Jute Rug? Read our blog to learn more.
Rich, Bold Burgundy
Of course, light shades of neutral colors are far from your only options. For something bolder, consider a deep, rich hue like forest green or burgundy. Though the latter is definitely seasonless, it's also a great option for those looking for fall or winter living-room rug ideas.
Dark colors are an excellent choice for your sleeping quarters too. Explore these 31 Bedroom Color Trends for inspiration.
Eastern-Inspired Rug
Eastern rugs are inspired by or sourced directly from India, Africa and Middle Eastern countries. Featuring thick knotted piles, intricate patterns and distinct borders, the style is timeless but never boring. This mid-size Persian rug pairs well with this room's modern design scheme.
Think Outside the Rectangle
While rectangles are always a safe bet, circular designs can make a cool statement. Bear in mind that a round living-room rug will make furniture placement a bit trickier, so be strategic about sizing and layout.
Want about the rest of your home? Here are the Best Rugs for Every Room.
What to Consider When Buying a Living Room Area Rug
When browsing rugs for your living room, consider your available square footage, the furniture layout you have in mind, how much foot traffic the space gets and your home decor style.
Room Size
First and foremost, make sure the rug fits the room. People often make the mistake of getting something too small, but there's also such a thing as too large. Carefully measure your space before starting your search.
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Furniture Layout
The best living-room rug ideas are more than stylish. They fit the scale of the space and ground the layout. When placing furniture on a rug, either the front two legs or all four legs of each piece should go on top. If you can only fit the front two legs, you'll want to get a flatter weave to prevent unevenness.
These Stylish and Functional Living Room Sofa Ideas can help get your wheels turning.
Foot Traffic
Living rooms generally see a lot of daily foot traffic. However, if you host often, have a large family or live with kids or pets, you'll want to look for a durable design that's easy to maintain. Ideally, the rug should be vacuumable and resistant to matting and crushing.
Our Ultimate Household Chore List can help you ensure your floors are cleaned regularly.
Rug Pad
Don't forget a rug pad! This will offer extra plushness underfoot, insulation and sound absorption while protecting your floors and preventing bunching and slips. The Eco Rug Pad from Parachute is made of recycled fibers and features a grippy latex backing.
Home Decor Style
Lastly, consider your home style. When shopping around for an area rug, look for something that complements your living room decor. If you're designing the space from scratch, you can select furniture and accents before or after you choose a rug. In any case, a cohesive look should always be the goal.
Check out these articles for more tips and guidance:
Where to Buy the Best Living Room Furniture, Rugs and Decor
If you're in the market for living room furniture, an area rug or decorative accents, you’ll love the selections you’ll find at Parachute. When you browse the collections, you'll find everything from sofas, chairs and light fixtures to side tables, benches and curtains.
Parachute also offers complimentary design services. Whether you need small living-room rug ideas, guidance on furniture layout or tips for choosing a color scheme, an expert stylist is ready to assist. Schedule your free one-on-one virtual consultation today!
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