9 Living Room Rug Ideas That Will Make Your Floors Look So Much Better
Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, have nice floors or ... well, not-so-nice, you don't need a giant area rug to complete your living room look. Depending on your space, a small, narrow, or round rug can work just as well. In fact, it's time to forget all of the old-school rug-styling rules you've heard over the years and try one of these nine modern living room rug ideas instead.
1. Layered Rugs
1. Layered Rugs
Layering rugs is a great way to show off your beloved rug collection, cozy up a room, or make a small rug work in a big space. It's also great for mixing patterns and textures, like this colorful combo from Jenny Komenda over at Juniper Home.
Get the look: Safavieh Vintage Hamadan Traditional Rug, $194.79 and Safavieh Natural Fiber Coastal Hand-Woven Natural Jute Area Rug, $311.59
2. Rectangular Rug
2. Rectangular Rug
Contrary to old-school interior design rules, a rectangular rug, or even an oversize runner, is the perfect living room rug idea. The elongated shape helps to define a seating area in a narrow space, like the cozy apartment of Reserve Home's Mallory Fletchall.
Get the look: AllModern Lederer Off-White Area Rug, starting at $93.99
3. Bright Pink Rug
3. Bright Pink Rug
A bright pink rug in the living room might seem like a bit much, but that's kind of the point. It's an easy way to add a pop of color and personality to an otherwise neutral space, and a distressed or over-dyed style can make it feel more timeless than trendy.
Get the look: Rugs USA Winsdor Damala Overdyed Rug in Pink, starting at $71.40
4. Flokati Rug
4. Flokati Rug
A flokati rug instantly adds warmth and texture. And this gorgeous find from the new Joanna Gaines collection at Anthropologie is no exception, with a subtle texture that can work in just about any space.
Get the look: Joanna Gaines for Anthropologie Hand-Knotted Camille Rug, starting at $398
5. Round Rug
5. Round Rug
Round rugs shouldn't be relegated to the dining room. Try one in the living room, especially if you have a sectional sofa or a space with a lot of straight lines and hard angles.
Get the look: West Elm Lucent Round Rug in Frost Gray, $224
6. Overlapping Rugs
6. Overlapping Rugs
Slightly different from layered rugs — usually a smaller rug over a larger rug — this living room rug ideas involves partially overlapping your woven beauties to give you more floor coverage, like in this project designed by Amber Lewis.
Get the look: Mercury Row Peraza Hand-Tufted White Area Rug, starting at $74.99. and World Menagerie Rametta Sumak Area Rug, $123.99
7. Floral Rug
7. Floral Rug
Traditional floral rugs are sometimes overly ornate and, in turn, feel dated. But the new collection from Rifle Paper Company features flowers in a fresh and modern way.
Get the look: Rifle Paper Co. Floral Vines Ivory, starting at $100
8. Cowhide Rug
8. Cowhide Rug
In addition to being versatile, durable, and just the right amount of edgy, cowhides can help soften the feel of a boxy, modern space. If you want to max out on natural textures and add warmth and depth to a really big room, layer a cowhide (or a faux cowhide!) over a big jute rug.
Get the look: IKEA Koldby Cowhide Rug, $169
9. Jute Rug
9. Jute Rug
Another gorg living room rug idea: a jute rug. They make a great base for layering, but the classic textile is fabulous on its own, too. And it's perfect in a light and airy room like this one from designer Melanie Burstin.
Get the look: Pottery Barn Chunky Wool & Jute Rug in Natural, $199 – $1,099