Advice on a rug for our living room

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hi, we have just moved into a new house and due to the floors being quite dark we went for a light grey sofa. The walls are white too so its looking a little bit bland and we are thinking to add a rug, some cushions and wall art to brighten it up. We are really unsure on what type of rug to go for - light, dark, plain or patterned?! Should we keep the rug neutral and use the other accessories for colour/interest or go bold?!

juliablair27's ideas · More Info

Featured Answer

julie herbert

5 years ago

Hi Jules,
Love your couches, great advice above, a textured rug would look great, a large abstract artwork, some beautiful cushions, you could pick a colour from artwork or rug for a feature cushion

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Comments (23)

PRO
Decoro Custom Interiors
5 years ago
Hi Jules, there are many layers you can add to complete the space, including lighting (floor or table), side/coffee table, window treatments, scatter cushions to sink into, artwork, and accessories. The choices/direction will also be directed by (and not limited to) the rest of the open space, how and who uses the space, as well as your personal style and preferences. A rug is one element and it may well add to the space, but it should be decided upon as part of the direction of the other layers. Once you consider the space as a whole, then you can decide where colour/pattern can be be used to add interest. All the best, Louise - Decoro Custom Interiors
olldroo
5 years ago
Hi Jules, agree with Louise above, there are too many factors here to offer any specific help, but I think you are off to a good start to give you a lot of choices. Now it is up to you and what you would like and what suits the light and aspect of your room as well as blending with other decor in your home.

Are you planning drapes or blinds for the room? I think drapes will add some softness and warmth to the room, but from the angle of the photo, you don't seem to have a lot of area for artwork so my choice would be a dramatic rug - just how dramatic would be up to your taste and build from that.

I would suggest you either browse Houzz for photos of rooms that attract you or simply go shopping for what is available in shops in your area. Try to find shops that will allow you to bring rugs home on approval too, things can look so different in your room.

Good luck, but don't rush into anything until you are sure you can find compatible accessories, there is nothing worse than setting your heart on something and finding the colour or style is just not available.
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Many thanks for all the helpful suggestions. I was really keen to move the sofa forwards off the window but my husband doesn't like it in this position. I have finally settled on a coffee table nest similar to your suggestion @julie Herbert Order online so fingers crossed I like it when I see it!! The hunt for a rug continues, that textured one is beautiful do you know where it's from or any ides where I can find one similar
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Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks both, I guess I was thinking the rug could be the starting point. We’ve been looking at them for a couple of weeks but I’m still just really unsure of which way to go. If we could get to take one home to check it out that would be ideal.

We definitely will not have window coverings, I’m not a fan of curtains!

The wall to the right is available for art.
olldroo
5 years ago
Jules check out carpet shops that have rugs, they are generally happy for you to buy one on your credit card on approval so you can take it home and see it in the room. I think it was Carpet Court I found really good and very helpful. Quite often you only have to take one or two home to really get the feel for what will be right and then go from there.

Meanwhile check out art for what is available too and what you like and feel good with.
Jules B thanked olldroo
julie herbert
5 years ago
A fab lamp, large plant could look gorgeous , love your room.
legendaryflame
5 years ago
I would go for a bright, multicoloured rug, nice nd big, then pick out two or three of those colours to use as a base for selecting cushions, throws, lamp art etc.
Jules B thanked legendaryflame
Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
I like that first rug Julie, where did you find that pic?
Katrina Okoronkwo
5 years ago
Love those sofas - if you are after something rather neutral, but with a bit of impact..

All 3 on Zanui (called Temple, Karari, & Floreale)

Number 1 & 2: accessorize with navy and sisal/neutral.

If it was me, I personally love number 3 (probably not to everyone's taste though) using paprika and grey/blue accessories.
Jules B thanked Katrina Okoronkwo
siriuskey
5 years ago
I'd keep it simple, what window treatment are you considering cheers
Jules B thanked siriuskey
julie herbert
5 years ago
Hi Jules,
That first rug is the Thea a hand hooked rug from Crate and Barrel, I was in Freedom the other day and they have some gorgeous rugs.
Jules B thanked julie herbert
legendaryflame
5 years ago
I love that last rug Katrina posted (no.3). That with some bright cushions etc would add lovely pops of colour.
Jules B thanked legendaryflame
AJ
5 years ago
when I first saw the photo, my immediate thought was that internal shutters would look good on the windows. have you considered anything like that? you can get half shutters which just gives you privacy but leaving the tops exposed.
Jules B thanked AJ
m_mdimond
5 years ago
WE got rid of our curtains when we repainted, BEST decision ever and now have plantation shutters, they are awesome, look clean, modern yet as we have a Bluestone villa it so doesn't have to be just modern homes, still looks great with the cornices etc will go any where and look great, I liked the Temple and Karari rugs as they won't date then you can add pops of colour such as teal and navy or yellow and navy or really most colours go with the soft blue/navy it would be whatever your taste is in the pop of colour, red or burgundy....choice is endless really, We did have full window shutters.
Jules B thanked m_mdimond
PRO
Moss Furniture
5 years ago
Hi Jules

It looks like you have a fairly neutral colour palate. We are loving these cowhide patchwork rugs which would work well with your current furniture. They are textured and warm without being overbearing. Visit https://www.mossfurniture.com.au/ for more information
Jules B thanked Moss Furniture
Kate
5 years ago
Given the lack of curtains to soften, I would go a heavily textured rug like sheepskin Or the second pic from jules Herbert’s or very plush carpet rug. Maybe a large round ottoman in fabric to bring in some colour with a glass top. Then accent cushions to complement the ottoman. Ottomon as statement piece. Go to a fabric store like Warwick’s and look for the fabric you like.
Jules B thanked Kate
Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks everyone, some great options there. Katrina I will definitely not get number 3 past my husband but no 2 could be a good option.

Then again I’m also liking the cowhide...

I do love plantation shutters but the windows are actually really narrow and look out over our garden.
Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
juliablair27's ideas · More Info
We are making progress, decided on a rug and some cushions. Coffee table and art next!

(and yes we are going to move the large sofa on top of the rug too)
Jo Jo
5 years ago
Your room is looking great! Where did you get the rug from? I think it is exactly what I’m looking for!
Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks, I think it’s looking much better!

The rug is from M&M rugs, they were really helpful with suggestions and let us take a couple home to try out. Here is a close up:
juliablair27's ideas · More Info
julie herbert
5 years ago
Gorgeous, gorgeous rug Jules, a fur throw on your couch would look fabulous and add a luxurious look, love your outlook to your garden.
Jules B thanked julie herbert
Jules B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Julie, yes a throw is on my list too!