A considered approach to selecting a rug color

Custom-sized rugs are the foundation of the home. The color you select for yours will determine the ambience of each room, setting the tone for the way everyday moments unfold upon it.

Here, you’ll learn to master the art of selecting a color for your custom-sized rug. We’ll walk you through the most important steps when it comes to how to choose a rug color, from identifying your stylistic goals and understanding the power of contrast, to an exploration of rug colors that best suit your space and design vision.

The first step in selecting a custom-sized rug color is identifying the look you want to achieve in your space. Perhaps you have a moodboard, or a few photos of interiors you admire. Look at those photos and consider which of the following stylistic themes they align with.

Contemporary spaces are defined by clean, often rigid lines and a tonal palette. A cool-toned rug like Waverly in Platinum or a neutral rug like Fleur in Champagne will keep the mood of a contemporary space grounded, while a deeper tone will lend a more sophisticated feeling.

Eclectic interiors marry a wide range of styles, textures and colors. If this resonates with your sense of style, we recommend a vibrant rug such as Cora in Aquamarine, or a pink rug like Marks in Petal or Ariana in Sky. To create a strong focal point, opt for a bold pattern that grounds furniture and commands attention.

Mid-century modern design is characterized by simplicity, warmth and low-profile furniture. Warm-neutral and earth-toned rugs will align well with this design theme, along with rugs featuring geometric patterns.

Minimalist style requires restraint but that doesn't mean lack of personality. Through neutral tones and soft patterns, you can keep your space looking clean while still infusing your space with a bit of character.

Be sure to think about how your custom-sized rug color will contrast with foundational accents and fixtures, too, including the tone of your floors and the color of walls, trim and hardware. 

To create a space that feels airy, keep contrast low. That means that if your walls are light and your floors are as well, a rug in a neutral color or subtle neutral pattern will make the environment feel expansive. Alternatively, to create a space with visual weight, you’ll want to add high contrast with a rug whose color differs significantly from the color of the walls and floors. A bold pattern will take this even further, bringing more dramatic definition.

The next step is exploring each color palette and custom-sized rug style, and understanding how they’ll complement the furnishings and finishes in your home.

Earthy neutrals

Earth tone rugs, such as Cally in Camel, Oatmeal and Olive or Hannah in Taupe and Olive, are among the most versatile choices. Earthy shades that can be found in nature have the potential to transform your space into a sanctuary that connects your interiors to the soothing spirit of the outdoors. 

We recommend green soft rugs, brown rugs and ivory rugs for living rooms and primary bedrooms, because their grounding nature is ideal for rooms that should invite you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. These colors are most complementary of natural materials like white oak or walnut flooring, brass or matte black hardware and plaster or limewash walls in soft white shades. They pair particularly well with tactile upholstery, such as Belgian linens and nubby bouclés.

Cool tones

If you want to carry the tranquility of coastal oases into your home, consider a solid rug in a light-blue or light-grey hue, such as Kyra in Mist and Dark Teal, Ada in Aegean, or Hollis in Grey. These styles are another wise choice if you want your space to feel like an escape from the everyday.

Because cool-tone rugs read serene, they’re perfect for bedrooms and home offices, where they’ll encourage rest and focus. They pair well with equally cool flooring, including whitewashed oak, ash and even polished concrete or marble. White, pale grey, or dusty blue walls echo their calming qualities, while brushed nickel and polished chrome finishes and hardware bring a complementary touch of shine.

Deep Colors

Make a strong statement in your space by opting for a custom-sized rug in a darker color, such as Hannah in Chocolate or our Emerson in Onyx. Both of these options will imbue your space with a sense of sophistication.

Deep colors are a natural fit for spaces where a depth of color is needed to anchor the space, including entryways, dining rooms and at-home libraries. They tend to feel most striking in contrast with lighter white oak or limestone flooring, walls in soft white or warm beige and hardware in polished brass or chrome.

Warm shades

For those who like to drench their space in color and character, select a saturated color. Terracotta rugs like Kyra or Hannah in Ochre, are perfect choices. If you’re a maximalist, take it a step further by selecting a warm-tone rug with a bold, high-contrast pattern.

Warm shades create a welcoming atmosphere for gathering, making them a great choice for dining rooms and living rooms. When styling them, bear in mind that these colors are made all the more compelling by richly tactile environments, meaning they work well with materials that patina over time such as oiled walnut, oak and teak furnishings, along with sumptuous leather upholstery and aged bronze finishes.

Selecting a color is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when shopping for a custom-sized rug, and with this guidance, it can be done seamlessly. Because every color will impact the mood of the room it is in, react to the surrounding light and contrast with the finishes around it, we also recommend ordering samples of your favorite colors. You can place these samples in the space you’re considering a new rug for, and live with them for a few days to see how they bring their surroundings to life.