Rugs are a fundamental element of interior design—but picking the right one is more than just measuring your space and choosing a color that matches your decor. “The right rug can elevate any space by adding color, pattern, and texture,” the design team at Ernesta, the go-to brand for high-quality, custom-sized rugs, tells us. “You can really let your style and personality shine through with a statement of bold color or pattern, or choose something understated that highlights your chosen furniture and art.”
Here, Ernesta’s design team provides insights into current rug trends, the personalized experience the brand offers its customers, and common rug mistakes that even experienced home decorators might make.
2025 Rug Trends
With so many options available, it helps to know what’s trending to find a rug that complements your home decor. The Ernesta design team breaks current rug trends down by colors, patterns, and more.
• Colors - Oatmeal, Warm-Neutrals, and Pantone’s Color of the Year: In the world of neutrals, oatmeal—the softer, warmer sister of gray—is taking center stage. Alongside this, warm-neutral shades like flax, caramel, rich brown, and even Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, continue to be important.
• Patterns - Go for Texture: When it comes to patterns, designers are gravitating towards more textural, atmospheric designs. These range from rugs so distressed and tonal they almost feel like solids to modern, abstract line work patterns that blur the line between pattern and texture. These versatile, “chameleon” designs make it easy to layer and complement a variety of styles.
• Overall - Go Natural: As always, nature remains the best source of neutrals, making natural fibers a go-to choice for adding sophisticated color this year. Rich, undyed wools, soft marled jutes, and rugged, basket-like sisals are perfect for introducing both color and texture into your space. Think of it like switching from cool LED to warm overhead lighting—upgrading from synthetic to natural fibers can truly elevate a space.
Choosing the Right Rug Material
Whether you go trendy or timeless, choosing the right rug texture is always key. For the best rug material, the Ernesta design team advises: “It really depends on the room where it will be placed and your personal lifestyle. Factors like durability, aesthetic, and ease of cleaning may also influence your choice.”
Picking a Rug Color or Pattern
Rug colors and patterns seem like two simple elements, but according to the Ernesta design team, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your rug really pops.
• Think about the mood you want to create in the room. Consider the atmosphere you’re aiming for—do you want the rug to be a bold focal point, or something subtle that complements your existing decor?
• Take into account the colors already present in the space. The rug should either match or complement the room’s color palette. You can also draw inspiration from other elements in the room, like curtains, throw pillows, or furniture, to create cohesion.
• Consider contrast as well. For example, a light-colored rug can make a room feel more open and airy when paired with darker furniture, while a darker rug can add a sense of depth and even be the focal point of the space.
• Ultimately, the goal is for the rug to work harmoniously with the rest of your decor, whether it's making a bold statement or quietly enhancing the overall design.
Layering Rugs in Your Space
Once you’ve chosen your ideal rug style, consider layering to add even more dimension. Layering rugs seems complicated, but the Ernesta design team breaks it down with three rules to keep in mind when it comes to scale, design and texture, and color:
• Scale: For a layered look, opt for rugs of different sizes, with one being larger than the other. Make sure both the rugs and the furniture are proportional to the size of the room to maintain balance in the overall design.
• Design and Texture: The style of your rugs—whether Moroccan, vintage, or Persian—will guide your layering choices. A bold, textured rug works well as the top layer, complementing a simpler, solid rug underneath. Conversely, a more subtle rug on top can pair nicely with an intricate, patterned rug beneath.
• Color: Consider the dominant colors in the room when selecting your rugs. Choose one that complements the existing color palette to tie the space together. If you want to add contrast, mix neutral rugs with bold patterns or vibrant colors to create depth and visual interest.
The Most Common Rug Mistake
Even with the perfect style and material, getting the size right is crucial—and the Ernesta design team says that choosing the wrong rug size is the most common mistake people make. “While a pattern or color might grab your attention right away, the right-sized rug is key to achieving a well-balanced, inviting space,” the Ernesta design team advises.
So, why is size important when it comes to rugs? “Going too small can leave your furniture floating in the room, while going too large can leave it floating on an island, preventing the rug from truly grounding the space,” the Ernesta design team tells us. “The right rug-to-room ratio is crucial for creating a sense of balance and harmony. The ideal rug size should enhance your furniture arrangement and optimize the room’s layout.”
Why Custom Rugs Matter
One of the best parts of purchasing a rug through Ernesta is the ability to create a rug in a size that’s customized to fit your space. “Far too often, we are limited by standard sizes that have a negative impact on the overall appearance of a space,” the Ernesta design team says. “The ability to choose a custom-sized rug maximizes your room's potential. The fact that we offer a beautifully curated selection of styles custom-sized to your space that can arrive at your home within as little as two weeks allows customers the opportunity to fully realize their design vision.”
Shopping With Ernesta
In addition to creating a rug that's custom-sized to fit your needs, shopping with Ernesta has other advantages, too. Online shoppers will easily find what they want with Ernesta’s intuitive website and virtual guidance. Or, visit one of Ernesta’s three showrooms to experience design support in person.
Bring Ernesta rug samples home to try them out with your space’s lighting, finishes, and decor. The Ernesta design team offers precise measurements and 3D visualizations to support your selection. Once you order, your custom rug will arrive quickly—in just 2-4 weeks. Just be sure to share it on social media and tag Ernesta to show it off!
Ernesta’s showrooms are located at: 1052 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 11021; 4816 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814; 24 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830
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