How to Style a Striped Rug in Any Room: Expert Tips & Tricks

A striped rug can add vibrancy, texture, and a unique sense of style to any room. Whether you’re decorating a living room, bedroom, or hallway, incorporating a striped rug is an excellent way to elevate the space. Rug & Home offers a stunning collection of striped rugs that can help create a dynamic atmosphere. But how do you style a striped rug to complement your room’s decor? Below are expert tips and tricks for styling striped rugs in any room.

1. Choose the Right Stripes for Your Space

Stripes come in various styles, colors, and widths. The first step in styling a striped rug is choosing the right design for your space. Whether you prefer bold, wide stripes or subtle, narrow lines, make sure the rug complements the overall look of the room.

If your room is already filled with vibrant colors or patterns, choose a rug with neutral or muted stripes. A striped rug with light tones can balance out a busy room. On the other hand, if the room feels too plain or lacks personality, consider a bold, colorful striped rug from Rug & Home to inject excitement.

2. Use Striped Rugs to Define Areas in Open Spaces

In open-concept living areas, a striped rug can be used to define distinct zones within the same room. The stripes in the rug naturally create visual boundaries. For instance, a striped rug can help separate the seating area from the dining space in an open living and dining room combination.

For a living room, place the striped rug beneath the furniture arrangement. This creates a focal point and makes the seating area feel more cohesive. Alternatively, in a bedroom, you can use a striped rug under the bed, ensuring the stripes align to the head or foot of the bed for a crisp, structured look.

3. Mix Stripes with Other Patterns

Don’t be afraid to mix a striped rug with other patterns in your decor. The key is to balance the visuals. When you pair a striped rug with patterned throw pillows, curtains, or wallpaper, make sure the stripes don’t compete with the other designs. Instead, let them complement each other.

For example, if you have floral or geometric patterns in your room, opt for a striped rug that features subtle tones or fewer colors. The combination of stripes with other patterns can add depth and character to your space without overwhelming the eye.

4. Consider Color Contrast in Your Striped Rug

When styling a striped rug, consider how the colors interact with the rest of your room. A high-contrast striped rug can become the focal point of the room. Rug & Home offers striped rugs in black and white, navy and beige, and even bold combinations like red and gold, which make a statement in any space.

However, if you prefer a more tranquil, relaxed atmosphere, select a rug with softer, monochromatic stripes. Soft pastels or neutral tones in a striped rug can add subtle elegance to a bedroom or sitting room without dominating the space.

5. Position the Rug Correctly

Once you've selected the perfect striped rug, it's essential to position it correctly within the room. In a living room, ensure the rug is large enough to fit under all or most of the furniture in the seating area. This creates a grounded, unified look.

In smaller rooms, like a hallway or entryway, a narrow, long striped rug can create a sense of length. A runner rug with stripes works well for narrow spaces and helps draw the eye forward, creating an illusion of more space.

6. Play with the Direction of Stripes

The direction of the stripes can make a huge difference in the visual effect of your space. Horizontal stripes can make a room appear larger by giving the illusion of width. Vertical stripes, on the other hand, can make a space feel taller, drawing the eye upward.

For example, in a bedroom with low ceilings, opt for a striped rug with vertical stripes. This will create the appearance of height. In a long, narrow living room, horizontal stripes can help to make the room feel more spacious and balanced.

7. Complement Your Room’s Color Palette

When styling a striped rug, consider your room’s existing color palette. A striped rug can tie together the colors in your room, adding cohesiveness. If your walls are painted a neutral tone, a striped rug with contrasting colors can create a striking focal point.

Conversely, if your room already has bold hues, choose a rug with stripes in complementary colors or soft neutrals. Rug & Home offers a variety of striped rugs that can match any decor, from contemporary to traditional.

8. Layer Your Striped Rug for Texture

For a more sophisticated look, layer your striped rug with another smaller rug. This adds depth and texture to the room. You can place a smaller, solid-colored rug over a larger striped rug to create a cozy, multi-dimensional space.

If you’re working with a large room, layering a striped rug with a softer-toned, textured rug can soften the lines and add more comfort. For example, pairing a striped rug with a solid shag or jute rug can give the room a more relaxed and welcoming feel.

9. Keep Furniture Placement in Mind

When styling a room with a striped rug, think carefully about your furniture arrangement. The stripes in the rug can guide the direction and flow of the room. Ideally, place the rug beneath the furniture to anchor the room. Make sure the rug’s stripes align with the layout of the furniture.

For example, in a living room, arrange the sofa and chairs around the rug so that the stripes complement the furniture arrangement. If the rug’s stripes run parallel to the length of the room, place the furniture so that it mirrors the rug’s lines, creating a harmonious, flowing design.

10. Add Accents to Complement the Rug

To complete the look, add accent pieces that highlight the colors or pattern of the striped rug. Throw pillows, curtains, and lighting fixtures can help tie the design together. A striped rug from Rug & Home works beautifully with wooden furniture or metallic accents, which add warmth and richness to the room.

For a modern look, pair a striped rug with sleek furniture and metallic finishes. If your room has more traditional or rustic elements, a striped rug can pair wonderfully with wooden accents and earth tones, creating a timeless, grounded aesthetic.

Conclusion

Styling a striped rug in any room can be a fun and creative process. By considering the direction, color, and scale of the stripes, you can create a space that feels cohesive and inviting. Whether you’re using a striped rug as a focal point or to anchor a room, it’s an easy way to enhance the look and feel of your home.

Rug & Home’s collection of striped rugs offers a wide variety of designs to suit any space. From bold stripes to subtle patterns, these rugs can be styled to fit your unique taste and room design. Don’t be afraid to experiment with stripes in different colors and directions to find the perfect balance for your room. With the right styling, a striped rug can transform any space into something truly special.