Area Rugs Inspiration Gallery
Whether you invest in new flooring or you want to add a new pop to your existing floors, colorful area rugs are exceptionally easy to design with. Browse our room scenes to be inspired with area rug design ideas for every room in your home. Whether you prefer a modern area rug, traditional area rug, or a creative area rug, you can add your favorite pieces across an entire floor plan thanks to innovative fibers and modern engineering. Using area rugs in home design will instantly add visual interest, sound absorption, and an extra layer of protection for your hard surface flooring. Get inspired with these striking visuals in our gallery and bring your favorite ideas to the design experts at Nampa Floors & Interiors.
1. Choose the Right Rug Size
An area rug should define your space and ideally anchor your furniture grouping, not float aimlessly in the middle of the room. For living rooms, go bigger than you think and aim for a rug large enough so that at least the front legs of all major furniture pieces are on the rug. The "all legs on" approach is even better if space allows. A common mistake is using a rug that's too small, making the room feel disjointed. If your budget is tight, consider a larger, more affordable neutral rug as a base, and layer a smaller, more decorative rug on top.
2. Define Zones in Open Concept Spaces
Area rugs are excellent tools for delineating different functional areas within an open floor plan. Use a large rug to anchor your main living room seating area, another to define the dining space, and perhaps a smaller one for a reading nook. This creates visual separation and makes the space feel more organized and intentional.
3. Layer Rugs for Depth & Texture
We love the layered area rug look for creating warmth, texture, and visual interest. Start with a larger, neutral, flat-weave rug like jute or sisal as your base. Then, place a smaller, more patterned or plush rug on top. When layering, aim for contrast in patterns and textures. If your base rug has a subtle pattern, the top rug can have a bold, large-scale motif. Mix a smooth, low-pile base with a plush or shag top for tactile appeal.
4. Best Rugs for Idaho Climate
Boise and Nampa homes experience all four seasons, so consider the durability of your rug, especially in high-traffic areas like entryways and living rooms. Look for materials that are easy to clean and can withstand dirt and moisture for area rug maintenance and care. Since the dry Idaho climate can affect indoor air quality, regular vacuuming is crucial to remove dust, allergens, and debris that can accumulate in rug fibers. For deeper cleaning, consider an annual professional rug cleaning service.
5. Coordinate Rugs with Existing Decor
Although your rug doesn't have to perfectly match your decor, it should complement your existing color palette. Use rugs to introduce an accent color or tie together various shades already present in the room. If your furniture is solid, a patterned rug can add visual excitement. If you have patterned furniture, opt for a more subtle rug or a rug with a different scale of pattern to avoid an overwhelming look. Also, don't underestimate the power of rug texture! A plush shag rug can add coziness, while a durable flat-weave might be more practical for a high-traffic living area.
