How to Combine Area Rugs in an Open Floor Plan

The easiest solution when using two rugs in one room? Pick matching rugs. This rug “combination” flatters classic tastes, where repetition can imply a certain elegance or modern flair. You can focus less on how to mix area rugs perfectly and more on choosing one exquisite rug to bring out the best in your open floor plan.

For example, you might pick a rug to contrast a reoccurring floor finish or furniture upholstery. You can also use different sizes and shapes of the same rug to create specific zones for dining or relaxing. For the subtlest hint of contrast, go for a reversible rug. The slight variation in color from top to bottom makes matching rugs in the same room a cinch.

To get more tips on combining rugs one on top of the other, read 5 Creative Ways to Layer Area Rugs.

This is simply a different kind of matching, where you’re trying to find two solid or patterned rugs that look good together in an open area. Safe color pairings usually include blue and orange, yellow and purple, or red and green. These combinations are at opposite ends of the color wheel, so they contrast in a visually pleasing way when you have clear visibility into the next room.

Choosing complementary colors for your coordinating area rugs is easier when you’re already working with decor. You can just pull from the existing palette and keep it consistent throughout your entire space. For more tips, see our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug Color for Your Space.

If you have an open floor plan, you can let one rug pull most of the visual weight. Using one splashy pattern and one solid rug is a clear way to center or divide functional areas. The balance between your two rugs can also create a sense of distance or draw attention to a focal point on one side of your home.

For a consistent feeling when mixing rugs in a room, you’ll generally want your patterned and solid rugs to share a color – it’s okay if they vary in tone. If you want a livelier juxtaposition, rely on complementary colors. You can also keep things linked by using the pattern motif in other textiles like curtains, pillows, and blankets.

Check out the Top 5 Trending Rug Patterns to inspire your rug pairings.

If you’re wondering how to combine area rugs with different patterns, it’s not impossible to mix and match rugs across an open floor plan. They just can’t be so wildly different that they compete. Look for rugs that have a common style, whether they share age, pile height, or texture. Combining rugs this way is a bit of a bolder choice, and the easiest way to pull it off is by using Oriental rugs.

Whether you opt for heavyweight Persians or flatweave kilims, these vintage rugs come with lots of decorative embroidery. Because the symbols and motifs are so intricate, the rug designs rarely clash. The use of fine wool also implies quality, so the bright colors don’t feel garish. That being said, pattern mixing still works best when there’s a dominant color that unites the two rugs in one room.

Explore our guide to Types of Rug Styles for more ideas on how to pick rugs that go together.

Different patterned rugs can still look beautiful and intentional in an open floor plan when they’re the same color. As long as you mix the size of your patterns for an even sense of scale, color will help multiple rugs in one room speak to each other. Stripes and florals, Greek Key or dots – when it’s in the same color family, it’s all relative.

Mixing rug patterns will look best when you don’t line your walls with furniture. When you pull solid-colored furniture onto the rugs, it can reinforce the borders, even if it’s technically “floating seating.” If you want to dip your toes into bolder decor, break up two neutral area rugs with a saturated or patterned runner.

Learn How to Mix and Match Patterns to pull off rug pairings like a pro.

If you’re not confident in blending colors or patterns across a wide area, there’s still an easy way to style multiple rugs in one room. Mix and match the textural elements. Neutral textured rugs make great partitions to break up an open floor plan. They’re also super versatile, so you can change out your furniture, keeping a timeless floor covering as your taste evolves.

For example, cowhides, sheepskins, and rugs made from natural fibers not only go with every color and style but also add a pop of intrigue through coarse textural details. You don’t have to go the rough route when combining rugs in a room. Adding a fluffy rug can section off a reading area when you don’t actually have a den or office. Simply pair a chair with a foot stool and floor lamp to create a cozy corner in an open floor plan.

Read up on Rug Construction Types to consider which of your favorite weaves will make the best rug pairing.

Now that you know the rules for matching multiple rugs in one room, feel free to break them. Rugs are just big swaths of fabric, so there are endless ways to combine area rugs in an open floor plan. If you embrace bohemian style or the layering trend, you can truly pair any number of colors, textures, and patterns for a chaotically calm space. Read our Complete Guide to Area Rugs to learn more about pulling off your own chic, unique rug pairings in any room.