Plain Rugs: Making Statements with Simplicity

 

In the exciting world of interior design, where patterns often take centre stage, the unassuming elegance of plain rugs tends to be overlooked. But there's an undeniable charm in their simplicity. Their presence, though understated, resonates deeply and captures attention.

Without the distraction of patterns, a plain rug’s colour, texture, and placement become the main storytellers, commanding a unique focus and inviting observers to appreciate the finer details. It’s possible for a plain rug to be the star of the show, even in a room filled with decoration.

Don’t know how to make this happen? We can help. In this guide, you’ll find out more about how a monochromatic mat of any size, shape, or colour can become the bold focal point of a room. Explore our suggestions and discover how less can really and truly be more.

Size Speaks Volumes

The first thing you might want to think about with your plain rug is its size. This changes everything in terms of how it becomes the focal point of your room.

Large and In Charge

In the vast expanse of a spacious room, a large plain rug commandeers the floor area, establishing the room's tone and feel. It's like the bedrock upon which other design elements stand. Whether it spans nearly the entire floor or just centres the primary seating area, its sheer size makes it a focal point.

Consider how this works by taking a look at our UNI UNI902 Stone rug:

Small and Significant

Conversely, not every space needs – or can accommodate – an expansive rug. Enter the smaller counterparts, which bring their own brand of unique style. These more compact rugs may seem simple, but they have the power to highlight specific areas with precision.

Place one under a coffee table or beside a bed, and you've instantly added emphasis, inviting eyes to linger on that spot. You can see how we’ve done this with a Jute Extra Natural rug at the bottom of a staircase:

Or in front of a chair in a different shape:

Whether it's drawing attention to a reading nook, framing a piece of furniture, or creating a soft landing spot beside a bed, the right-sized plain rug can make a significant stylistic statement.

Colour Craftsmanship

The next thing to think about is the colour you want or need for your rug. Plain doesn’t have to mean shying away from vibrancy – it might simply mean a piece in a single colour. This can then match any bold or subtle interior design or colour scheme you have in mind.

Bold and Brave

Sometimes, simplicity in design can be audacious. A rug in a dynamic pink, deep blue, fiery red, or electric yellow can become an instant focal point in a space dominated by neutral tones. We’ve done this in a gorgeous golden hue, with our Polar PL95 Yellow rug:

See? When set against a backdrop of beige, white, or taupe, these bright rugs (and accessories) can inject life and energy into any room.

Soft and Subtle

On the other hand, there's an understated art in blending a soft-toned rug into an already colourful room. Imagine a gentle blush-pink rug anchoring a room filled with rich, jewel-toned furnishings or striking colours like black or navy for the walls. You might be able to do this a little better by taking a look at our Isla Pink rug below:

White, cream, and sandy colours are good for a serene foundation to a space with vivid walls, too. See our Extravagance Ivory rug for a stunning example:

These muted rugs offer balance, ensuring that the room remains vibrant but not overwhelming, creating a harmonious flow throughout the space.

Monochromatic Magic

Monochrome doesn’t have to mean mundane. There's a timeless elegance to black, white, and the many shades of grey. A black rug in a white-walled room creates an undeniably chic contrast. Our Fancy Black rug showcases this perfectly:

White rugs, on the other hand, ooze luxury, especially in spaces with dark woods or black furniture. The Coast CS06 Cream Stripe rug exhibits this with smart style:

Greys, ranging from silvers to charcoals, offer a spectrum of options that can either warm up a space or give it a sleek, modern edge. The one you want will naturally be up to you and the atmosphere you’re trying to create, but it could result in anything from a cosy but modern space like our Breeze Charcoal rug achieves:

To a cool and contemporary one, with a sharply smart appeal, as is seen with our Bellagio Silver rug:

The beauty of monochrome lies in its versatility and its effortless ability to adapt to changing décor and tastes.

Shape and Symmetry

Even the shape of a rug, and its symmetrical relation to the space you’re placing it in, can have an impact on how it draws the eye.

Classic Rectangle Rugs

There's a reason why rectangular rugs remain the most popular shape – they're effortlessly classic and universally adaptable. Whether anchoring a living room seating area, fitting under a dining table, or providing a soft landing in a bedroom, rectangular rugs bring proportion and a sense of order.

We’ve got a great example right here, in our Payton Navy rug:

The linear design naturally draws the eye, subtly guiding room traffic and seamlessly complementing most furniture layouts.

Circular Statements

Step away from the conventional and introduce a dash of dynamism with round rugs. Perfect for breaking up the predictability of square and rectangular furniture arrangements, these rugs can act as unexpected focal points. Much like this Montana Red rug:

Whether it's under a round dining table, in a reading nook, or even in the center of a spacious living room, circular rugs challenge the norms and inspire creativity. They add a softness to spaces, curving edges and giving rooms a touch of whimsy and fluidity.

Runners and Rooms

Runners are more than just elongated rugs – they're design statements that infuse character into otherwise overlooked spaces. Hallways, kitchen floors, or the space beside your bed can all be transformed with the right runner.

This Borders Taupe rug is an ideal example of how a floor can be brought together with the rest of a space:

But the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also think of placing them alongside a bathtub or against a kitchen counter for a touch of luxury, or under a console table for added elegance. This Estelle Natural rug might give you an idea of how this could look:

Styling for Success

A plain rug isn't just an isolated design element. When you place it, you’re also going to have to consider its relationship with other elements of your interior design. This includes how it will look next to furniture, and how it should be paired with accessories.

Furniture Friendships

Arranging furniture around a rug is an important part of styling. For a cohesive look, ensure at least the front legs of sofas or chairs rest on the rug, bridging the gap between seating and flooring. It should look something like we’ve done here, with our Country Tweed Autumn Gold rug:

In dining rooms, the rug should extend beyond the table, with chairs still on the rug even when pulled out. Something the size of our Cloud Moss Green rug should work nicely:

This not only unifies the room but also emphasises the rug’s role as a focal centrepiece. However, this isn’t the main practical use of having a rug this size – it also prevents your flooring from becoming scratched by the constant movement of chairs.

Accessorising with Elegance

While a plain rug serves as a grounding element, it provides a perfect opportunity to let your accessories shine. Think of gold-accented coffee tables, vibrant plant pots, or an elegant lamp. Every décor item, from a stylish ottoman to a decorative vase, gains prominence against the rug's understated backdrop.

See how we’ve tastefully paired this Sierra 9000 Peach rug with matching accessories, including cushions and a blanket:

And don’t forget the green touch; plants, with their varied textures and hues, can introduce life and vibrancy, making the plain rug come alive in its context. This is especially true with a Jute rug, like our Salford Natural Chunky Jute rug:

Layering Love

For those looking to push the boundaries, layering rugs is a trendy technique that offers depth and dimension. Begin with your plain rug as the base – this anchors your space. Something like our Palermo PMR04 Beige rug would be a good option:

Then, introduce a patterned or textured rug on top, maybe at an angle, or just offset to one side. This juxtaposition can define seating areas, add warmth, or introduce a touch of playfulness.

Remember, while the plain rug holds its ground, the layered one goes on top, creating a visual treat that's both sophisticated and spirited.

Get the Rugs Direct Advantage

When looking for feature pieces for your interior design, the importance of a rug's quality cannot be overstated. At Rugs Direct, we offer rugs woven with dedication and passion. Our collection of plain rugs is meticulously curated, ensuring that each piece stands for premium quality and longevity – as well as creating the perfect focal point for any room in your home.

Every plain rug holds the potential to transform your space. So, as you contemplate your next home makeover, look beyond the patterns and embrace the powerful simplicity of plain.