Open-concept rooms can be challenging to style, especially when it comes to defining different areas within a large, flowing space. To create visual boundaries, mixing and matching area rugs with different patterns, colors, and textures is a fantastic strategy.
When layered correctly, area rugs can give your space a cohesive look while delineating different zones. Here are some designer-approved ways to mix and match area rugs in an open-concept room.
Use Them to Define Space
One of the primary reasons to use different rugs in an open-concept space is to help separate areas visually without walls. For example, you might place a natural rug under a sofa area to create a living room and another flatweave rug under a dining table to create a dining area. When choosing your rugs, try to find two that complement each other without being exactly the same.
Aim for Cohesive Variation
We’ve already established that it’s a good idea to keep cohesion between your rug choices, so how far can you stretch it? You don’t have to match every rug exactly, but they should share a color palette, texture, or pattern. For example, pairing a solid neutral rug with a bold one of a kind rug works if the colors align.
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Leave Some Breathing Room
When placing multiple rugs in an open space, it’s important to leave a bit of room between each one. This breathing room creates a visual separation that prevents the rugs from feeling overcrowded. If you put them too close, it can actually make your room feel smaller. Keeping at least a few inches of space between rugs is ideal.
Natural Rugs
In an open-plan room, you can easily use natural rugs like jute, sisal, seagrass, or wool to create an organic, cohesive mix. Natural rugs add tactile interest without competing colorwise. As it is inherently neutral, a natural fiber rug can also be paired with patterned or more colorful rugs. For example, a sisal rug could anchor the living area, while a Persian rug with rich colors and patterns can add an artful touch to a dining area.
Mixing Patterned Rugs
Patterned rugs bring a lot of warmth and a vintage-inspired feel that can make your open-plan space feel more welcoming. Our tip for mixing patterns is to choose rugs with complementary tones. The patterns don’t need to be the same – you could mix a Persian rug with a more contemporary one of a kind rug, for example, as long as the color scheme is in the same general family.
Rugs for Any Room at GDC Home
When decorating a large space like a living and dining room combo, it helps to keep an open mind when it comes to mixing rugs. Viewing our large selection in person at our Charleston home decor stores is a great way to narrow down your selection to a few possible rugs. If needed, we can even cut rugs into custom shapes and sizes for your space. The possibilities are endless!
Shop the Look
Anadolu Teal Handmade Rug
Add warmth and depth to your space with this hand-knotted wool rug, featuring a rich teal base and intricate traditional pattern.
Pixel Woven Sisal/Wool Rug
It will add a rustic touch to high-traffic indoor areas, like family rooms, dining rooms, and covered porches. Works well as a base layer for other rugs.
