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

A striped rug is a versatile and stylish addition to any space. Whether you want to refresh your living room, bedroom, or hallway, a striped rug can effortlessly transform the room’s aesthetic. Rug & Home offers a wide variety of striped rugs that suit any decor, from bold modern patterns to soft, subtle stripes that create a calming atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips and tricks on how to style a striped rug in any room, ensuring your space feels both functional and fashionable.

1. Choose the Right Color Palette

The first step in styling a striped rug is selecting a rug with the right color palette for your space. Striped rugs are available in many hues, from neutral tones to vibrant shades. When choosing a striped rug, consider the existing colors in your room. If your space has a neutral or monochromatic color scheme, you can choose a rug with bold stripes to add contrast and interest. Alternatively, if your room already features bold colors, a rug with subtle, muted stripes may be the perfect complement.

At Rug & Home, you’ll find striped rugs in a variety of color combinations. Whether you prefer classic black and white stripes, soft pastel shades, or vibrant, multi-colored patterns, there’s a striped rug to suit your taste and space.

2. Play with Scale and Orientation

The scale of the stripes on your rug can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of the room. Stripes can be wide, narrow, or a combination of both, and the orientation of the stripes can either run horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Wide Stripes: A rug with wide stripes can create a bold statement. Use this style in larger rooms where the rug can be the focal point of the space. Wide stripes work well in modern, minimalist, or contemporary rooms.

Narrow Stripes: Narrow stripes have a more subtle appearance. They can help create a sense of movement and rhythm in the room, making them ideal for spaces where you want to maintain balance and harmony. This style is often used in more traditional or rustic settings.

Horizontal Stripes: Horizontal stripes can visually expand a room, making it appear larger. These rugs are perfect for smaller spaces or narrow rooms. The wide stripes can also create a feeling of relaxation and calmness.

Vertical Stripes: Vertical stripes give the illusion of height, making them an excellent choice for rooms with low ceilings. They add a sense of sophistication and grandeur to the space.

Diagonal Stripes: Diagonal stripes create a dynamic and playful vibe. They’re perfect for creating a statement piece in any room, especially in modern or eclectic interiors.

3. Layer Your Striped Rug

One of the most effective ways to style a striped rug is by layering it over another rug or flooring. Layering adds texture, depth, and visual interest to your space.

For example, you can place a striped rug over a larger, neutral rug or a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal. The stripes on the top rug will stand out against the plain backdrop, creating a chic and stylish look. When layering, make sure the colors and textures of both rugs complement each other to avoid overwhelming the space.

Layering is a great option for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in living rooms, especially if you have hardwood or tile floors that need a little warmth and softness.

4. Define Zones with Striped Rugs

In open-concept spaces or larger rooms, a striped rug can be used to define distinct areas or zones. For instance, in a large living room, you can place a striped rug underneath the seating area to create a cozy and grounded space. This will help separate the lounge area from the rest of the room, even in a shared or open floor plan.

Similarly, in dining areas, a striped rug placed under the dining table can help establish a defined eating space. The rug can add texture and warmth, making the dining area feel more intimate and inviting.

Using striped rugs to define zones is a great way to maintain flow in larger spaces while keeping things organized.

5. Mix Striped Rugs with Other Patterns

Stripes can be easily mixed with other patterns, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully. When pairing a striped rug with other patterns, aim to balance the various elements in the room. For example, stripes can pair beautifully with floral, geometric, or even animal prints, but the key is to vary the scale of the patterns.

If you have a large, bold striped rug, consider using smaller, more delicate patterns in the surrounding decor, such as throw pillows, curtains, or cushions. Conversely, if you’re working with a subtle striped rug, you can experiment with larger, bolder patterns for your accent pieces. This creates a visually interesting and balanced look.

Be sure to keep the color scheme consistent to avoid clashing. You can mix patterns of different styles and shapes as long as they complement each other.

6. Create Contrast with Your Furniture

The key to styling a striped rug is ensuring it complements your furniture, rather than competing with it. If you have bold, heavy furniture, a striped rug with soft, neutral stripes can create a lovely contrast without overwhelming the space. On the other hand, if your furniture is simple and neutral, a bold striped rug can add life and personality to the room.

A striped rug can serve as the perfect anchor for a room with varied furniture styles. It brings a sense of cohesion and unity to the space, helping the furniture come together in a way that feels harmonious.

In a living room, you can place a striped rug underneath a sofa or armchairs to create a cozy, anchored space. In a bedroom, a striped rug can add interest and comfort beneath the bed, adding texture to the flooring and tying the room together.

7. Keep Your Space Balanced

When styling a striped rug, the overall balance of the room is crucial. A striped rug with bold, colorful stripes can easily become the focal point of the room. If you choose this style, make sure the rest of the room's decor doesn’t overwhelm the rug. Keep walls, furniture, and accessories in more neutral tones to let the rug shine.

On the other hand, if you choose a striped rug in a neutral color palette, you have more flexibility in adding bold furniture and accessories. This approach allows the rug to work seamlessly within a variety of different decorating styles, from contemporary to traditional.

8. Consider the Room’s Function

The room’s function is another essential factor to consider when styling a striped rug. In high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms, choose a striped rug that is durable and easy to clean. Wool and synthetic materials are excellent options for these spaces.

For bedrooms, consider a softer rug with a plush texture that adds comfort and warmth. A striped rug can help define the space and make it feel more inviting, without the need for additional heavy furniture pieces.

In a dining room, opt for a rug with a more muted stripe pattern to avoid distraction from the dining experience. You can still achieve a stylish look while maintaining the room’s practical function.

9. Experiment with Different Rug Sizes

When styling a striped rug, it’s important to choose the right size. A small rug works well in entryways or as a statement piece in a cozy reading nook. Larger striped rugs are ideal for more spacious areas like living rooms and dining rooms.

A rug that’s too small can look out of place, while a rug that’s too large can overwhelm the room. Make sure the rug size complements the room’s proportions and furniture layout.

At Rug & Home, you'll find striped rugs in a variety of sizes, from small accent rugs to large area rugs, making it easier to find the perfect fit for any room.

Conclusion

Styling a striped rug in your home is all about balance, creativity, and ensuring the rug complements your existing decor. Whether you choose a bold statement rug or a subtle piece, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your space. With these expert tips and a wide range of options from Rug & Home, you can easily incorporate a striped rug into any room, transforming your home with texture, color, and style.