Published February 2024 | Updated March 2025
A rug is not just a floor covering—it is a statement piece that says something about you, your style, and the feeling you want to create in the space. Color is one of the most important elements of integrating a rug into a design scheme. The right rug color transforms the ambiance of a room and significantly impacts the overall feel and design of your home. While picking the right color can be intimidating, following a few basic design principles can result in professional looking results. We’ve consulted our team and asked them for the advice they give their clients when deciding on the right color for each room of the house.
Bedroom Rug Colors
The bedroom is your personal retreat, a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Think about the mood you want to create. Neutral tones like beige, light gray, or pastel shades foster a serene environment, perfect for unwinding after a long day. For a more dramatic and cozy feel, consider deeper hues such as navy, burgundy, or forest green. These colors add depth and warmth and make your bedroom feel like a cozy sanctuary.
For a child’s room, a brightly colored or a colorfully patterned rug is a playful addition. The ideal rug color for a guest bedroom should fall in the neutral zone—a welcoming hue, not too brazen, and easy to coordinate.
Rugs for Living Rooms
Is your living room a formal retreat or an everyday gathering place? The intended use of the room informs color choice. A formal living room that is used infrequently is a great candidate for rugs with lighter hues since there is a lesser risk of soiling and staining.
No matter your color preference, look at the existing color scheme and décor to guide you. A rug with complementary colors enhances the existing tones in your furniture and accessories, creating a cohesive look. If your living room features neutral tones, a living room rug with darker, brighter, or bolder hues may provide the right amount of contrast.
Colorful Living Room Rugs
Colorful living room rugs are perfect for injecting life and energy into your space. The key is to balance the rug’s colors with the room’s existing palette, thereby creating harmony. If you welcome color but aren’t sure how to start, a multi-color rug is perfect for creating a vibrant focal point.
Rugs for the Rest of the House
Kitchen or bathroom rugs, hallway or entryway rugs, the color you select for these rugs should align with your style and the existing or desired color palette. If you aren’t sure whether you want complementary colors, colorful patterns or contrasting hues, head over to our post How to Choose a Rug Color for guidance. Furthermore, these transitional spaces have specific functions and require the right material. To learn more about choosing the right material for your next rug, check out How to Choose the Perfect Rug for Every Room in the House.
Outdoor Oasis with Colorful Outdoor Rugs
Extend your living space outdoors with colorful outdoor rugs that withstand the elements while adding style and comfort to your patio or deck. Look for durable materials like polypropylene or woven vinyl that are designed to resist fading and mildew. Since outdoor rugs are crafted with built-in UV protection, don’t be afraid to choose vibrant colors to add a festive touch to your outdoor gatherings. Or blend into the natural landscape with soothing neutrals.
Final Thoughts
A rug takes up a fair amount of real estate in any space so it is important that you love it, that it meets your needs, and that it complements your overall style. This could mean a plush bedroom carpet in tonal hues that adds depth and comfort. Or a vibrant living room rug that blends cohesively with other design elements in the room. Remember, rugs are an extension of your personal style, so choose colors that resonate with you and make your space feel like home.
