How to Pair Rugs + Some Favorite Combinations

Trying to pick multiple rugs to “match” across an open floor plan? Already have one rug and want to find another rug that can complement it in an adjacent room? I hear this question a lot, and I get it! It can be overwhelming when there are so. many. options. And honestly? That’s one the reasons why I was so excited to work with Loloi on our own rug collection. It can be hard to tell from a product photo whether the tones will go with what you already have! I wanted to have rugs that could coordinate across collections and patterns, because that’s what makes a home feel more curated, and less cookie cutter.

If you’re in decision paralysis, here’s where I give you permission to take the weight off! I love curating pairings, so this post will help you get started with some ideas—and even give you my basic formula—so you can see how I would (and have) paired rugs.

Here are mini collections of rugs that would lovely in any home, and steps on how to get the look with other rugs you may have!

1. Vary Patterns

My essential formula is this: large-scale geometric pattern + small-scale traditional pattern + solid/neutral. If you put two small patterns next to each other it can look busy. Let the eyes rest with something a little more minimal in color or pattern.

Francis Spa/Granite | Jules Ocean/Spice | Bradley Teal/Teal

Briggs Mist/Ivory | Jules Terracotta/Multi | Polly Slate/Ivory

2. Tie In Colors

Take colors from your primary rug (usually the one that has the most variance in colors) and find rugs in those colors to complement it. Take the rug in the center of these as the anchor rug, and try to use one lighter and one darker color.

Briggs Sage/Ivory | Jules Merlot/Multi | Bradley Cocoa/Cocoa

Polly Smoke/Sand | Louisa Taupe/Gold | Henry Olive/Ivory

3. Vary Texture Within the Same Style

When you have a rug with a lot of texture, like a jute rug, you want to pair with something that feels more casual. Something that feels more weathered or relaxed—because it’s made to look a little bit worn and not precious.

Jules Lagoon/Brick | Judy Natural/Spice | Henry Denim/Ivory

Judy Natural/Chocolate | Humphrey Forest/Multi | Scottie Ivory/Rust

4. Pairing Traditional Rugs? Vary Pattern Scale

You can do multiple traditional rugs (also known as Persian or Oriental rugs) in one space, but it’s a little more nuanced. The most effective solution is to choose rugs with different scale patterns and complementary color schemes. Below, the Louisa rug on the left works with the Jules rug on the right because the sale is different but they have some overlapping colors. And the Scottie rug in the middle grounds them both in a neutral that works with either patterned rug.

Louisa Ocean/Sunset | Scottie Olive/Pebble | Jules Ink/Terracotta

Rosemarie Oatmeal/Lavender Round | Henry Rust/Natural | Rosemarie Stone/Multi Runner

5. Balance Modern & Traditional

No matter what design style you favor, it will make your home look more balanced if you veer outside of your lane. If your aesthetic leans traditional, adding a modern rug can help add some contrast and unexpectedness to your overall home design. If you lean more modern, adding a touch of traditional in a runner or rug can add some softness and depth.

Bradley Beige/Ivory | Jules Denim/Spice Runner | Polly Navy/Silver

Bradley Ivory/Gray | Jules Lagoon/Brick | Polly Antique/Mist

6. Play with Shape and Size

You don’t have to shy away from rugs that are close in proximity to each other if you’re changing the overall shapes. That creates some contrast when you’ve got multiple rugs in an open space

Rosemarie Sand/Lagoon Round | Polly Blue/Sand | Polly Ivory/Natural Runner

Polly Berry/Natural | Jules Merlot/Multi Runner | Scottie Fog/Ivory

I hope this gives you a better idea of how to mix and match rugs throughout your home! Is there a rug pairing from our Chris Loves Julia x Loloi line you’d like to see that we didn’t show above? Let me know and I’ll work on adding more inspiration!