the domino rug guide: literally everything we want you to know

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You can never have too many—a layered look at New York institution ABC Carpet & Home.

text by  SARAH COFFEY

Our definitive guide to the chicest rugs in every shape, material, and weave imaginable.

SOLIDS

A solid rug is the canvas you’ll paint your room around—make a statement with a showstopping color.

Go bohemian with a fun popcorn stitch. Macramé Wool Rug by Serena & Lily 3

We love this color-field collaboration from Aelfie Oudghiri and Alex Proba. Sphere Rug by Aelfie x Studio Proba in Dusty Rose mattermatters.com

Scandinavian-style minimalism with tufted texture. Oppland Rug $3,500 fellsandes.com

Handwoven ombré adds a little luster to your floor. Eberson Grass Area Rug by Designers Guild 

Carpet your entryway in a festive welcome emblem. Pineapple Currant Carpet $1,500 aimeewilder.com

Far from fussy, these florals transform a room into a lavish indoor oasis. The Sapphire Collection in 11193A from $226/square ft starkcarpet.com

Enjoy a beautiful garden without going outside. Nelia Rug from $98 anthropologie.com

A fairy-tale fantasy, in hand-knotted wool and silk. Ivy Trellis by Rodarte from $236/square ft therugcompany.com

STRIPES

In textures, metallics, and handwoven patterns, these high-style stripes go beyond the beach house.

Wide stripes on one side and narrow on the reverse make this a fun, versatile option. Awning Stripe Rug by Serena & Lily

Woven with angora, Turkish Tulus are the original silky shags. Vintage Turkish Tulu rug $1,800 abchome.com 

This sharp, striped stunner has a cool, mid-century vibe. Navy + Peach Kovidara Indian Dhurrie by Madeline Weinrib

A metallic wool-jute blend, customizable by color, size, and shape. Nolita by Kate Spade New York

GEOMETRIC

These rugs steal the show, so cast them with more low-key neutral furniture or patterns in a similar palette.

In organic, vegetable-dyed cotton, it’s Pop art for your floor. Labyrinth from $513 oyyo.se

Bright and vibrant in 100% New Zealand wool. Prism Glacier flat weave $1,760 aimeewilder.com

Hand-looped in Turkey and available in four graphic patterns. Pattern Rug C by Anna Karlin 

Fashion designer Jonathan Saunders brings his penchant for pattern to floors. Harrington Runner by Jonathan Saunders from $129/square ft therugcompany.com

Jute feels chic when punctuated with blue. Round Carpet in Sticks by Ferm Living

OVERDYED

If you want a rich, modern look, try overdyed, which means vintage carpets are distressed, then saturated in a bath of color.

Get the overdyed look for less with a printed synthetic. Machine Made Chroma Overdyed Style Rug in Pink by NuLOOM

Dipped in indigo, this piece has a faded, well-worn look. Overdyed Vintage Turkish Rug $450 kilim.com

Sun-faded, then overdyed, for rich tonal highs and lows. Color Reform Overdyed Rug $7,200 abchome.com

tailor fit

Whether you live in a large loft or a studio apartment, use rugs to frame your furniture.

FLOAT ON If your sofa and chairs float in the middle of a room, get a rug that’s big enough to fit all four legs of the furniture. For a 72-inch sofa, for example, you’ll need a rug that’s at least 8-by-10 feet.

ZONE OUT Irregular shapes allow more freedom with sizing, and they’re great for creating zones within a room. Use a cowhide to frame a coffee table or a circular rug to anchor a round dining table.

SLEEP SOFT In the bedroom, you can either frame your whole bed (make sure your rug extends under at least three-fourths of the bed) or use a runner or sheepskin(s) on the floor.

SHAG

In a bedroom or living room, try textures that make you want to go barefoot.

This asymmetrical pattern freshens up a classic style. Scout Rug in 3001 by Surya

A long, luxurious shag, handwoven from New Zealand wool. Luxe High-Pile Shag Rug in Ivory from $2,064 restorationhardware.com

Hand-tufted wool and a pink palette make this rug super-dreamy. Luna Rug by Surya

A striking pattern that’s equally silky as it is colorful. MOR 113317A from $40/square ft starkcarpet.com

HIDES

Use a hide to soften modern furniture, or throw a sheepskin over a flatweave to layer your look.

Add some cozy color at the foot of a rocking chair. New Zealand Sheepskin in Pink by Natural Brand

Hand-painted in Brooklyn on a whole, full-grain cowhide. Painted Plains Black Lines Rug by Avo

Woven from synthetics, a faux hide with a subtle sheen. Grand Canyon Collection in Gray/Ivory by Loloi

Hand-dyed shibori leather adds a wow factor to walls or floors. Indigo Blue Hand Dyed Hide $2,220 shibori.com

pair to perfection

YOU LAYER YOUR WARDROBE, WHY NOT YOUR RUGS? THESE SIMPLE TRICKS CAN HELP STRETCH YOUR BUDGET AND CREATE TEXTURAL CONTRAST.

SIMPLE + SPECIAL A jute rug is a clean canvas for a smaller statement piece. Moroccan Kilim Boucherouite by Indigo + Lavender Textured Jute Rug by Serena & Lily 

TONE + TEXTURE Pick two colors you love and make a pair. Circle Cluster in Dusty Rose by Aelfie x Studio Proba mattermatters.com Ombre Shine Wool Rug by West Elm 

STYLE + SOFTNESS

A sheepskin and kilim make bedroom floors oh-so-soft. 100% New Zealand Sheepskin Double by Natural Brand Desert Classic Indian Dhurrie by Madeline Weinrib 

GRAPHIC + PATTERN Stick to one color palette, and play with scale for contrast. Kelim Rug in Black Lines by Ferm Living Pattern Rug A by Anna Karlin

MOROCCAN

Handwoven and hand-knotted in the Atlas Mountains, Moroccan rugs are one-of-a-kind finds.

A contemporary take on a traditional design. Altas Beni Rug by Olli Ella

Sequined Berber blankets look great on floors, walls, or beds. Moroccan Wedding Blanket 3160 $495 mmontague.com

The distinct knotted pattern comes from the Azizal region. Azizal Carpet by

Artemis Design

Co.

Beni Mguild weavers hand-loomed this high-pile vintage beauty. Beni Mguild Rug $529 thesecretsouk.com

NATURALS

Natural fibers like sisal and hemp are durable and wear well in the dining room, living room, and entryway.

Comes in six shades of handwoven wool. Gemeos in Black by Ashe + Leandro from $80/square ft meridastudio.com

Handwoven sisal and suede made to order, with optional tassels. Chantilly Collection in Ivory/Blush by Joanna Gaines for Loloi

A flattering graphic pattern in black and white. Larkspur Jute Rug by Serena & Lily

A color study in simple stripes, woven with paper thread. Paper Carpet in Pinks $119 hay.dk

Durable and eco-friendly, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Lexington Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Pink/Ivory by Dash & Albert

Stands up to the weather’s appetite for destruction…even cold November rain. SUP Doormat by Reed Wilson

Woven waterproof silicone cord feels amazing underfoot. Basket Weave in Blue Lagoon from $380 shorerugs.com

A fun, affordable geometric for your patio or dining room. Modern Triangles from $59 urbanoutfitters.com

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