Area rugs are a great way to influence the aesthetic and appearance of your home. They're relatively cheap and don't require major renovations. But if you want an area rug in each room, like your living and dining rooms, do they need to match each other? We've researched this topic and have come up with the answer.
Mixing or matching the rugs in your living and dining rooms is a matter of personal preference. They can be the same if you'd like, depending on your design scheme and the layout of the two rooms. In general, all of the rugs that you can see from one spot should, at the very least, complement each other.
There are lots of choices and ideas about rugs, so we know it can be overwhelming. But don't worry, this guide will help you decide how to pick out the best pieces for your situation. Let's get started!
Should My Living Room And Dining Room Rugs Match?
The simple answer to this question is that it's your home; do whatever you'd like! However, there are certain things you should consider when making this decision.
Matching the Rugs
In some situations, it's best to match the rugs in your living and dining rooms. For instance, if your living and dining rooms are adjoining and you treat them like they're the same room, it's reasonable to have the same rug in each section. Or, if you are going for a simplistic aesthetic, repetition in color and style is acceptable.
For example, this room flows together and has the same design scheme. Thus, the two rugs are the same.
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Similarly, these two rooms are adjoining and are treated as if they're one room. This is the case for many apartments and smaller homes.
Mixing the Rugs
In other situations, however, it makes sense to have different rugs in your living and dining room. If the rooms are separated physically, you have more freedom in the decor scheme. But, if the rooms are adjacent or can be seen from the other, the rugs should complement each other.
Another reason you might want to use different rugs in each room (even if they're adjoined) is if the decor scheme changes between the two sections. For instance, this dining room is attached to the living room, but there's a definite separation. Thus, the rugs are different shades of brown.
There are a few different ways rugs can differ from each other. Material, size, pattern, and color can all contribute to the differences. However, when mixing the rugs, the most important elements are the pattern and color. The material and size are less important.
Can you put two different rugs in the same room?
Yes, you can put two different rugs in the same room, as long as they don't clash with each other. This might be necessary depending on space issues or which material works best. When you do this, however, try to let the rugs complement each other.
One tactic is to pair a bold, colorful rug with a more neutral-toned one. Pull the neutral tone from the bold rug if possible. This rug, for instance, has shades of blue, orange, and red, in addition to beige.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
So, pairing it with one of the following rugs would be a great way to complement it.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Alternatively, try finding rugs that are the same color but are different styles or shapes. In this adjoining living and dining room, there's a dark grey rug in both sections. However, one is smaller and rounded underneath the table.
These two rugs are similar colors, but one has a unique pattern that complements the plain rug well.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Do rugs need to match in an open floor plan?
Rugs do not have to be the same throughout an open floor plan. In fact, this might lead to a mundane decor scheme. One difficulty with an open floor plan is distinguishing between spaces, so area rugs give you the ability to define sections. They also give you the opportunity to add variety to the layout.
The idea when decorating an open floor plan is to have a cohesive theme throughout the home. Each room does not have to match, but there should be similarities throughout. If you're following the rule of thumb that every rug that's visible from a spot should complement each other, this should be simple.
On the other hand, if you want to be sure that the rugs look good together, you can match them. This also might be useful if you are intentionally letting the decor flow throughout.
Need help picking out the right size of a rug? Check out this article for all the info: What Size Rug Do I Need? [A Complete Guide]
Does the dining room need a rug?
The dining room does not need a rug, but many people prefer having one for several reasons. For starters, an area rug is a great way to make the room feel cozy and soft. It also gives you another piece to complete the aesthetic in your dining room, which is important in a room that might not have much variety.
On the other hand, a dining room is a home to many potential messes. Spilling food can easily ruin a rug if you aren't careful. Additionally, rugs can often catch on chair legs if they aren't the right size. This can be frustrating and potentially unsafe. Finally, some people find it wasteful to put a rug in a room where it will be mostly covered by a table and chairs.
If you're going to put a rug in your dining room, make sure it's big enough to accommodate your specific chairs and table. You should also consider a dark color that will hide potential messes.
For more things to consider when putting an area rug in your dining room, check out this article next: Should You Have A Rug In The Dining Room?
What color should your area rug be?
Many designers would say you should start your room design with the rug. If you have a piece that you love, you can then match furniture, paint, and other decor from the rug's palette. If you go this route, decide how you want the room to feel. Do you want it to be bold and dramatic? Choose a rug like the one below.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Or, do you want the rug to bring cool and calmness to the room? Check out the rug below.
Click here to view this rug on Amazon.
Have you already picked out all the other decor pieces in your room and saved the rug for last? That's okay: use the rug as an opportunity to tie the pieces together. Find a rug that includes pieces of furniture and wall colors.
In Closing
The rugs in your living and dining rooms can match if you want, but they don't have to. Focus on making sure they complement each other even if they don't match. This is especially true if you can see multiple rugs from the same location. Whatever you decide to do, we hope this article has helped you feel confident in your decision!
