How to Mix and Match Rugs

I often get asked "I want to match my current rug and have it coordinate, do you have anything?" 

My answer is always "Of course!" Reason being, mixing oriental rugs is actually quite easy and the key is NOT trying to be 'matchy matchy'! Mind Blown? Let me explain.

If you browse Pinterest or Insta and look for layered rugs, mixing rugs etc you will see that most of the homes that have this don't "match" their rugs. Carley Page Summers is an interior designer I adore and does a beautiful job of mixing a lot of rugs in one space and they all are different but work beautifully. The reason is because I consider most oriental rugs a neutral. If it's a classic pattern say for example a Heriz...its a classic, and will go with everything. Second, its more about a color story than the actual colors. It's hard if trying to match exact colors and honestly you will be exhausted and frustrated, but a color story is much easier and is what our eye naturally sees!

Image via @carlaypage

There are a few aspects to keep in mind when selecting two or more rugs that compliment each other. And keep in mind these tips are just my suggestions for a good starting point. Rules are meant to be broken and we always encourage creative freedom!

PATTERN
If you’re nervous about mixing patterns, a solid rug with a patterned rug almost always pairs well. But pairing two patterned rugs can be beautiful too and it isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The key with multiple patterns is to pick two OPPOSING patterns that don’t compete - like florals and geometrics for example. A floral Persian style rug would pair wonderfully with shapes like diamonds or stripes in a tribal nomadic rug like an Afghan.

Patterns that tend to compete for attention share similar shapes - like florals with paisley rugs or stripes with squares.

The exception to this is space. The more distance there is between the two rugs, the more you can get away with having two rugs that share a similar pattern like oriental style rugs.

Image via @melissajerace

SIZE
Keep pattern size in mind too. I like to pair large scale with small scale. An ornate rug with small details may feel busy paired with a small checkered rug. But an ornate rug with small details paired with larger geometric shapes will feel more balanced.

Another thing to keep in mind is the size of rugs, having three 9x12 rugs in one space will not appear curated but more cookie cutter. But adding a runner behind the sofa and a smaller scatter rug such as a 3x5/4x6 by a doorway etc will help break up the zones and make the space more interesting!

Again, the exception to this is space. The more distance there is between the two rugs, the more you can get away with having two rugs with similar size and pattern. 

Image via Lonni Paul Design

COLOR PALETTE
And finally, you don’t need both rugs to have the same exact color palette, but they should share the same color story. And by color story, I mean if one rug features muted colors, a second rug with bright colors could clash.

Image via renovate108

In my opinion the best way is to look at the tone. Is it a warm color palette? Is it a cooler color palette? Vibrant colors? or muted? Pick one theme and stick to that.

When in doubt add one neutral rug such as a Natural Jute rug or a African Tuareg mat to the mix to help break it up!

Image via @carlaypage

It might seem daunting, but as always, feel free to ask me! I'm always available via DM on Instagram @kyoreder_of_rugs and can share inspiration or even help you with your space!