Who wouldn't want a home that is cozy, trendy, and full of good vibes? It's often said that area rugs "anchor rooms" and "tie rooms together," but they can be quite expensive. So the question naturally arises: is it even possible to decorate without area rugs?
Decorating without area rugs
I still remember moving into my first apartment. I was excited, happy, and optimistic - but also completely broke. With so many other things to take care of, area rugs were not a priority on my shopping list, even though I wanted my home to feel cozy, inviting, and stylish.
Rooms without Area Rugs
Lack of financial resources may resonate with many, but it's not the only reason you might consider going without an area rug. Here are a few more reasons why you might be better off without one:
- Your bare floor looks amazing: If you have beautiful floors like Mediterranean-style tiles, vintage herringbone hardwood, or wide-plank floors, why would you want to hide them with an area rug?
- You have a tiny space: In a studio apartment where your dining room, sofa, and bed occupy the same space, adding area rugs might make the room feel even smaller.
- You frequently rearrange stuff: Area rugs can be a hindrance when you frequently rearrange your furniture, as they limit your options with their fixed sizes and shapes.
- You simply don't like rugs: Some people just have a personal preference for not having rugs, and that's okay.
While area rugs are considered essential by many, it's clear that having a well-decorated home is perfectly possible without them. This is particularly true for homes decorated in modern, minimalistic, Scandinavian, or japandi styles.
When considering decorating without area rugs, keep the following pointers in mind:
- If your apartment features plenty of wood and natural, earth-tone colors, decorating without area rugs will be easier.
- Hardwood floors without area rugs are more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing compared to tiles without area rugs.
- If you have a living room without an area rug, ensure that your space has other design focal points such as wall art or furniture with character and style.
Hardwood Floors without Area Rugs
Among the most popular flooring types, hardwood floors go well without area rugs. They don't feel as cold underfoot as tiles and have a cozy, natural, and homely feel even without an area rug.
Decorating without area rugs is much easier when you have a warm, cozy, and homely floor to show off
This is especially true if the hardwood floor has warm yellow or red tones. Lighter Scandinavian-style pine or oak shades can also be showcased without an area rug. Just be aware of the different look and feel of a space without a rug and make sure to coordinate with other natural fabrics, earth-tone colors, or even black and white accents.
Epoxy Floors without Area Rugs
Another type of flooring that begs to be displayed without a cover is epoxy. Epoxy flooring is popular in both industrial and private homes, and going without an area rug can showcase its unique qualities.
Living Room without Area Rugs
Not having an area rug in the living room, which is often the most important space in a home, can make a striking statement. However, it's crucial to make it evident that the absence of a rug is intentional and well-thought-out.
Living room without area rugs
Bedrooms without Area Rugs
Decorating a bedroom without area rugs can be a bit more challenging since you might eventually want the comfort of a rug when you step out of bed. However, from an aesthetic standpoint or in warm climates, having a bedroom without area rugs is perfectly acceptable.
Dining Room without an Area Rug
The question of whether or not a dining room needs a rug is already debated. If you prefer a rugless dining room, you can still have a well-decorated, trendy space. However, without an area rug, you'll need other visual cues like wall art, lighting, or furniture placement to define the separate areas in an open space setting.
Entryway without an Area Rug
Entryways are often high-traffic areas that collect dirt and dust from the outside world. Rugs help maintain cleanliness, and they also provide a welcoming look and feel. If you choose a rug-free entryway, it may appear less homey, but it can still be trendy, chic, and cool, both literally and figuratively.
So, Should You Go with or without a Rug?
While it is definitely possible to create beautiful designs without area rugs, I would still argue that, unless you have a specific reason not to, the default should be to incorporate area rugs in your home. However, if you make a conscious decision to display your bare floor - well, you have my permission.
