Looking to add the perfect finishing touch to your rustic interior design?
In this post, we’ll explore different types of rugs that complement a rustic style.
You’ll learn about various materials, patterns, and placement tips.
We’ll also share where to find the best rugs for your home.
Ready to transform your space with a cozy, rustic vibe?
Let’s dive in.
Introduction
Rustic interior design is a charming, cozy style that emphasizes natural materials, earthy colors, and a sense of warmth and comfort.
Rugs play an essential role in pulling together a rustic room, adding texture, defining spaces, and complementing other design elements.
This guide will help beginning buyers understand how to choose and style the perfect rug for a rustic home.
What is Rustic Interior Design?
Rustic interior design is a style that celebrates the beauty of natural, raw materials and creates an inviting, comfortable atmosphere.
Key characteristics of rustic decor include:
- Natural materials: Wood (often reclaimed or distressed), stone, leather, natural fibers
- Earthy color palette: Neutral shades like brown, beige, gray, along with nature-inspired accent colors
- Cozy textures: Chunky knits, woven fabrics, animal hides, weathered finishes
- Vintage/antique elements: Aged metals, antique furniture, flea market finds
- Simple, sturdy furnishings: Oversized sofas, farmhouse tables, wooden benches
The overall effect is a space that feels warm, welcoming, and connected to nature.
Why Rugs Matter in Rustic Decor
Rugs are a key component in rustic interior design.
They serve several important functions:
- Adding warmth and texture underfoot, making a space feel cozier
- Defining different areas in an open floor plan, like seating or dining zones
- Complementing other rustic elements like wood beams or stone fireplaces
- Providing comfort and cushioning on hard flooring surfaces
- Introducing color, pattern, and visual interest to a room
A well-chosen rug can tie together all the elements of a rustic room and create an inviting, cohesive look.
Popular Types of Rugs for Rustic Homes
Several types of rugs work particularly well in rustic decor:
- Natural fiber rugs: Jute, sisal, seagrass, and wool rugs have an organic texture that suits rustic style
- Vintage/antique rugs: Aged Persian rugs, Turkish kilims, or Oushak rugs add a sense of history
- Southwestern/tribal style rugs: Navajo-inspired designs, kilims, or dhurries feature earthy colors and geometric patterns
- Cowhide or sheepskin rugs: Animal hides add a rustic, natural element and interesting shape
- Braided rugs: Handmade from wool or cotton, braided rugs have a homespun, country feel
The key is choosing rugs with natural fibers, earthy colors, and interesting textures that complement the rustic aesthetic.
Rug Materials and Construction for Rustic Style
Rustic rugs are typically made from natural fibers that add texture and warmth to a space:
- Wool: Durable, soft, naturally stain-resistant; often used in hand-knotted or tufted rugs
- Cotton: Affordable, lightweight, easy to clean; used in flat-weave or braided rugs
- Jute and sisal: Sturdy plant fibers with a chunky, organic texture; create a casual look
- Leather/hides: Cowhide or sheepskin add a luxe, natural element
Rustic rugs often feature traditional construction techniques like hand-knotting, hand-tufting, or hand-weaving/braiding.
- These methods create durable, one-of-a-kind rugs with natural variations and imperfections that suit the rustic style.
When choosing a rug, consider the traffic level and maintenance needs of the space to select an appropriate material and construction.
Rug Sizes and Placement in Rustic Rooms
Choosing the right size rug depends on the room and furniture layout.
Some general guidelines:
Living room
- Select a rug large enough to anchor seating furniture, with the front legs of sofas/chairs on the rug.
- For a layered look, use a larger natural fiber rug with a smaller patterned rug on top.
Dining room
- Choose a rug that extends at least 24″ beyond the table on all sides to accommodate chairs.
- A flatweave or low-pile rug works best under a table.
Bedroom
- Place a large rug under the bed, with enough coverage to step onto when getting out of bed.
- Alternatively, use smaller rugs on either side of the bed.
Kitchen/entryway
- Durable, flat-weave rugs or washable cotton rugs work well in high-traffic areas.
- Choose a runner for a galley kitchen or small entryway.
Layering rugs is a popular technique in rustic decor.
Start with a larger, neutral base rug and add a smaller patterned or textured rug on top for visual interest.
Rustic Rug Color Palettes
Rustic rugs typically feature earthy, natural colors that evoke a sense of warmth and coziness:
- Neutral base colors: Shades of brown, beige, gray, cream, and white create a versatile foundation
- Muted accent colors: Soft, nature-inspired hues like sage green, terra cotta, rust red, or indigo blue add subtle interest
- Patterns: Geometric designs, tribal motifs, or faded vintage patterns work well in rustic decor
When choosing rug colors, consider the overall palette of the room and select shades that complement the walls, furniture, and accessories.
Neutral rugs provide flexibility, while patterned or colorful rugs can add a focal point to the space.
Rustic Rug Styling Tips
Incorporate rugs into your rustic decor with these styling tips:
- Layer rugs of different sizes, textures, and patterns for a collected, cozy look
- Pair a patterned rug with solid-colored furniture, or a neutral rug with patterned upholstery
- Create cozy vignettes by placing a rug under a grouping of furniture or accents
- Change out rugs seasonally to refresh the look of a room (e.g. lightweight cotton in summer, wool in winter)
Remember, the key to rustic style is creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, so choose rugs that feel good underfoot and make the space feel homey and comfortable.
Where to Shop for Rustic-Style Rugs
Rustic-style rugs can be found at a variety of retailers, both online and in-store:
- Online rug retailers: Wayfair, Overstock, Rugs USA, Pottery Barn, West Elm
- Local home decor stores: Check for specialty rustic or western decor shops in your area
- Vintage/antique shops: Look for one-of-a-kind finds at flea markets, estate sales, or antique malls
- Artisan markets: Support local weavers or artisans who create handmade rugs
When shopping for rustic rugs, look for natural fibers, earthy colors, and interesting textures or patterns that complement your rustic decor style.
Rustic Rug Inspiration
Get inspired by these rustic rug ideas for every room:
- Rustic living room: Layer a large jute rug with a smaller vintage Persian rug in warm tones
- Rustic bedroom: Place a cozy wool rug in a neutral color under the bed, with a sheepskin throw rug on one side
- Rustic dining room: Use a durable, low-pile rug in a geometric pattern under the dining table
- Rustic entryway: Add a welcoming touch with a small, patterned wool rug or a durable indoor/outdoor rug
Browse Pinterest, design blogs, and home decor magazines for more rustic rug inspiration and ideas for incorporating them into your space.
Conclusion
Transform your home into a rustic haven with the perfect rug.
Our natural fiber rugs in earthy hues and intriguing textures will tie your room together, attract attention, and call you to relax in cozy comfort.
With thoughtful sizing, placement, and styling, our long-lasting rustic rugs will become a cherished focal point in your interior design.
Discover the warmth and beauty of rustic living with our rug collection.
