Tips For Choosing The Right Rug Color

Choosing the right rug color for a space is crucial when working to achieve a certain vision. RugSmart is here to help. With only a small insight into what designers see when they work on a space, you too can create something inviting and beautiful. Read on to learn more about the use of color when choosing your next rug. 

Some general info on rug color

The right choice of hues will define the ambiance and aesthetic appeal of the room. The rug anchors your room, adds character, makes it feel visually appealing, and complements your interior design style.

Consider the size of your room.

Using dark, rich colors creates a more intimate space, while lighter colors make smaller spaces appear larger. Spicy hues of yellow, orange, or red can create a feeling of warmth. Cool colors, especially in sunrooms, create a feeling of calm.

Identify the dominant and accent colors within the room. 

Decide whether you want a rug color that contrasts or compliments the current color scheme of the room. Do you want the rug color to pop, or do you want it to seamlessly tie the room together? Defining your intent will grant guidance as you move forward. 

In general, the color in a room should be split up in percentages in terms of coverage, unless you’re working with a novelty rug. The dominant color should take up around 60 percent of the space (i.e. walls). The secondary color should account for around 30 percent of the room (i.e. upholstery), and the accent color in the room should account for around 10 percent of the space. 

Select your room colors in threes. Choose one dark color, one light color, and one bright (accent) color. When choosing a rug for your room, choose a rug color or design that complements at least two of the hues already present in the space. 

Rug color combos used by professionals

Color combinations that are frequently used by Interior Designers are:

• Off-White, Red, and Coral.
• Black, White, and Mustard.
• Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Goldenrod.
• Blue, Sage, and Gray.
• Aqua Blue, Coral, and Daffodil.
• Navy Blue, Lavender, and Red-Orange.
• Oranges, Yellow, and Purple.
• Tomato Red, Soft White, and Sky Blue.

Rug color tips to remember

• Complement an existing color palette if the room already has a strong color palette.
• Use contrasting colors to make the rug stand out. For instance, a dark rug with walls and furniture having light colors or a rug with light colors to brighten up a darker room.
• Use a rug with muted colors and design in a room with lots of vibrant colors.
• Use a rug with a colorful design in a minimalist room. 
• Select a patterned rug if the furniture is primarily solid in color.
• Select a solid color for a rug with minimal colors if the furniture is patterned.
• Select the secondary color in the rug to match the sofa.
• Select the third color in the rug to match pillows, drapes, or other accents in the room.
• If you go shopping, take a pillow, drapery swatch, or paint sample.
• Learn more about how the color wheel works.

The when and where of rug color

Red – is a symbol of power, passion, adventure, and energy.

Deep Red and Burgundy – for a simply stunning and glam look. A combination of jewel tones will elevate any living space.

Pink – can symbolize femininity, romance, grace, sensitivity, empathy, playfulness, innocence, affection, nurturing and sensationalism. Light pink when paired with and gold would appear youthful and, when paired with neutral colors, it would impart a more adult feeling.

Gold – is an all-purpose color that can be used for subtlety or as a focus of attention. Gold symbolizes success, wealth, achievement, luxury, sophistication, and elegance.

Yellow – can symbolize happiness, optimism, hope, warmth, confidence, ambition, joy, and clarity. 

Orange – typically is a symbol of enthusiasm, fascination, creativity, determination, success, stimulation, joy, optimism, and adventure. 

Brown – is a symbol of earthiness and ruggedness and usually is used to depict health, dependability, and sustainability. 

Cool Colors – are used for a calming effect, typically in a bedroom or area meant for relaxation.

Blue – is typically a symbol of calm, depth, stability, wisdom, intelligence, faith, truth, royalty, and spirituality. 

Green – is a symbol of life, nature, abundance, peace,  prosperity, new beginnings, hope, health, growth, balance, and harmony. 

Purple – combines the stability of blue and the fierce energy of red, creating royalty, nobility, pride, luxury, and ambition. 

Neutrals – represent peace, calm, wholesomeness, reliability, simplicity, elegance and balance. 

Black – can be used to symbolize elegance, sophistication, wealth, restraint, authority, and power.

White – is usually used for elegance, peace, purity, humility, innocence, and modesty.

Black & White  – a black and white combination is used for sophistication. 

Beige – symbolizes simplicity, calmness, neutrality, elegance, timelessness, stability, reliability, relaxation, and tranquility.

Gray – can symbolize versatility, elegance, sophistication, calmness, and serenity.

Now you know

Now you know just about all there is to know about how to choose the best rug color for your space, get out there and start designing with confidence!