How To Mix & Match Rugs in Any Room

Mar 20, 2025by Vowero Oweibo

Decorating with rugs is such a fun and creative way to bring a room to life! But if you’re not sure how to mix and match rugs without things looking too chaotic, you’re not alone.

The good news is, it’s totally doable!

Let’s break down how you can effortlessly mix and match rugs in any room of your home.

Techniques for Using 2 Rugs in One Room

1. Coordinate Colors

When mixing rugs, it’s all about sticking to a cohesive color palette. If you’re working with neutral tones, go for different shades of cream, beige, gray, or earthy hues. If you prefer bolder colors, choose rugs that share one or two common colors to tie the space together. This approach keeps things looking intentional rather than mismatched.

2. Blend Patterns

Pairing different patterns can create a stylish, layered look—if you do it right. Try pairing a patterned rug with a solid one to add interest without overwhelming the space. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for two patterned rugs with complementary designs, like a geometric rug with a more organic, floral one. You can even mix textures to give the room a cozy, inviting feel!

3. Consider Size and Placement

Size and placement matter just as much as color and pattern. To keep things balanced, vary rug sizes but make sure they don’t compete for attention. A simple trick?

Layer a smaller rug over a larger one. This works especially well for defining spaces within a room, like placing a patterned rug over a large neutral area rug in your living room to anchor your seating area.

4. Use Rugs to Define Areas

If you’ve got an open floor plan, rugs are your best friends! They help break up large spaces and make them feel cozier.

Choose different rugs for your dining area, living room, and reading nook, but make sure they complement each other in terms of color and style.

This way, everything looks cohesive, even when the rugs aren’t exactly the same.

How to Choose Rugs That Match

Ready to start shopping? Here’s how to pick rugs that pair well together:

Choose a Cohesive Color Palette: Stick to a primary color scheme (like neutrals, earth tones, or bold colors) but allow for different shades to add depth.

If you prefer neutrals, go for shades of cream, beige, gray, and brown. For pops of color, make sure they complement each other (like navy, mustard, and terracotta).
Mix Patterns and Solids: Go for about 2–3 patterned rugs with different designs (like geometric, floral, or abstract) and balance them out with solid-colored or subtly textured rugs to avoid overwhelming the space.
Vary Sizes and Shapes: Include a mix of larger area rugs and smaller accent rugs. Rectangular rugs work well for living rooms, while round or oval ones can soften corners or entryways.
Keep Styles Similar: If you’re aiming for a minimalist vibe, stick with modern or Scandinavian-style rugs. For a boho look, layer vintage-style patterns, fringed edges, and shaggy textures.
Consider Room Flow: Think about how the rugs will interact if they’re in the same space. Choose pieces that complement each other but don’t overwhelm the overall look.

Mixing and matching rugs is all about finding a balance between cohesion and contrast.