Do I need a rug or not?

9 years ago

I need something to liven up this living room. Do I put a rug on top of the carpet or just cushions? If a rug, should it be a darker shade or lighter shade?

Featured Answer

abbyjean

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I am not a fan of rugs on top of carpet. I would rather you got the pattern and life with pillows, a throw and something colorful on the mantle. Teal blue, gold or even coral work well with what you have started here. Try the accents first and see what you think.

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Comments (40)

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ASVInteriors
9 years ago
I think you need some pattern here, and it should be in a rug plus cushions...
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lisaclough
9 years ago
I completely agree with ASVInteriors, pattern and pops of colour are needed in this room. I would try some patterned cushions in a complementary colour, maybe some shinier accents on the coffee table and mantel, art work. If you went with a rug, it could even be smaller to fit the coffee table area, just to bring more colour. An apple green with silvers would look nice!
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PRO
Jim Hicks Home Improvement
9 years ago
I agree that you need an area rug with color to brighten up the space as well as bright throw pillows.
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decoenthusiaste
9 years ago
Rug, pillows, large art above mantel, chandelier to replace fan, end tables, lamps; all would help. Put the TV stand against the wall and place the TV on a swivel base. Try a sofa table behind the sofa whose back is to the windows. A tall piece (bookcases, secretary, etc.) is needed on the wall right of the windows. Bar stools look to be additional seating for TV watching. Once you move the TV stand you may have room to put a pair of small scale swivel glider chairs on that stair well wall. They can turn easily towardTV.
Luxe Slipcovered Swivel Glider · More Info

Grazia Swivel Glider · More Info
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L Koike
9 years ago
I think a solid color rug would look great. It looks like you are a simple/ neutral type person:)
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all so much for the invaluable advice and suggestions. Yes L Koike, I'm a neutral type person so I find myself stuck with neutral items all the time (LOL!!)
chrisinky
9 years ago
If you want to stay neutral: Go with a cream rug to match your fireplace but it needs to have some pattern. Very dark gray or black with cream pattern or trim for your cushions. Also throw in a couple of cream cushions. You need some chunky dark accessories for your mantle & something like a large cream bowl for your dark coffee table. Put some metal work art on your walls. You can stay neutral but also have some interest by having dark & light.

If you want to get a little bold: Go with red, lime green, turquoise, orange, or whatever color you are drawn to for accessories. Start small to see if you like it. Get some throw pillows and a vase or bowl in similar colors. Live with it for a week or month to see if its something you want to invest in. If not, you haven't spent much. If you do like more color, start adding more accessories, artwork & a patterned rug to pick up your chosen color. Spread coordinating colors into your kitchen & dining room. I suggest you do it slowly to not overwhelm yourself if you are used to neutrals. Either way, have fun!
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Geneviève
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It looks like you have carpet already or am I wrong?
If you do then just add some colour with pillowes
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PRO
DC Interiors & Renovations
9 years ago
Pattern and color in both area rug and pillows!
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PRO
The Persian Carpet
9 years ago
I would put a contemporary rug in there with a lot of color. You could easily pull it off and the right piece would really pop in there.
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes Genevieve, that's carpet indeed. It's been a dilemma of whether I should put a rug on carpet or leave as is...
chrisinky
9 years ago
Try adding other things first like pillows, a throw & accessories. After you do that you may be satisfied with the look without a rug. You wouldn't need it unless you just want it for design purposes.

If you're still thinking about a rug, find one you like in the correct size & bring it home to see what it looks like. Make sure you can return it if you don't like it.

You have a very nice room. It just looks like a blank slate right now.
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chrisinky
9 years ago
Some inspiration maybe.....
Traditional Family Room · More Info

West Newton Living Room · More Info

https://www.houzz.com/photos/2012-parade-of-homes-traditional-living-room-new-york-phvw-vp~1501552
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Carolina
9 years ago
My two cents: no rug, no curtains. Or lighter coloured curtains if you must. But art on the walls and a bunch of flowers or a beautiful bowl on your table.
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you chrisinky. Yes I think that's what I will do. Add some cushions first and slowly build it up. Also thank u for the inspirations. :)
angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Carolins. Like the flower idea. I might consider going for a lighter shade for the curtains if not for the fact that I've already bought them and can't return them. Probably will take them off to see how the place look without them.
Meet Me at the Wrecking Ball
9 years ago
You need colorful accessories--is there some reason your drapes are staggered? Can you push two panels to each side instead?
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SoCal Contractor
9 years ago
I agree, come patterns and textures will liven this space up a lot. Also, art, accessories, etc.
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It's a Beautiful World!
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Art will certainly add interest and color to your room. You may want to find the artwork first and then add pillows and other accessories in colors of your art. Please check out our page for art and color inspiration... Raisa
http://ben-and-raisa-gertsberg.artistwebsites.com/galleries.html
PRO
Slightly Quirky Ltd
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A rug is a good focal point and the colours can be kept very subtle.
I think soft pastels would work here.
I would also try to make the window treatment more minimalist by pulling the center panels to the sides and having the central section clear.
groveraxle
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I also am not a fan of rugs on rugs, and I wouldn't do it here. You've got a nice minimal thing going, so let's go with that and skip the rug. BTW, minimal does NOT mean put the smallest things you can find on an enormous fireplace. I took your tiny plants away and fed them to the dogs.

I chose art that is bold but not too colorful, and keyed off that for the pillows and the bowl thing on the coffee table. This is probably enough. Be sure to punch it up with some black, though. The inkiness helps make the colors work.
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Geneviève
9 years ago
Good :) then leave it as is , just add some pillows .
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Laurie
9 years ago
I'm not a fan of carpet on top of carpet. instead, you could get curtains in the same beautiful style but with a really bold pattern. I think that would really bring some life to the space
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Wow, thank you groveraxle! I suppose I really should ditch those small items on the mantel.

I will definitely check out the site you recommended, It's a Beautiful World.

To: Meet Me at the Wrecking Ball and Slightly Quirky Ltd - About the drapes, the reason they are this way is because there are actually 3 separate windows divided by walls. To save some cost, we DIYed plantation shutters from Home Depot resulting in a not-so-polished look so I hung the drapes this way hoping to take attention away from them. You can see in between the curtains, the windows are not framed.

To: decoenthusiaste, love your suggestions of how I can put more pieces of furniture.
PRO
Leanne Michael L U X E lifestyle design
9 years ago
I always start my design process with an exceptional area rug. It grounds the space plus adds color, pattern and texture to the room even in a monochromatic room such as this one. Also, it's important that all the furniture sits on the rug with at least 12 inches extra all the way around. More importantly though, this room needs accessories, art and life. Good starting points... but needs inspiration and character from the homeowners lives ~ happy designing!
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doctornancy
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Well, I am going in a totally different direction. My first thought when I saw your room was to paint your fireplace - to add some drama without taking away from the clean lines of the room. Painting stone/brick usually elicits outcries from Houzzers but perhaps not this time since your fireplace is already painted. I love the contemporary vibe you have going in the room. Your drapery panels are actually drawing attention TO the windows, because of the contrast in color between them and the wall and windows. Sorry - might be worth throwing some more money to fix that problem. Love your room. It's going to be fabulous.
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Carolina
9 years ago
I do like the doctor's painted fireplace and added lamp. You do need lamps. I can only see the fanlight?
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PRO
Affreschi & Affreschi
9 years ago
Change the walls colour
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valeriepro
9 years ago
Where did you get the sofas? I like Doctornanny's ideas. Tying the drapes to the brown in the table is great - otherwise I would get another table. Can you face the sofas across from each other?
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soto01
9 years ago
I'm not a fan of area rug on carpet either. Seems easier to trip over when it is not as flat as on wood floors. I loved Doctornancy's ideas. But if you don't want to paint the fireplace, first try the patterned throw pillows and some art and accessories as Chrisinky suggested. It may be all you need..... I DO love the contrast of the dark fireplace. I'd hate to change out the curtains, since they are lovely and you probably paid quite a bit for them, so try the other suggestions first. You may find you are quite happy with just a few tweaks...Lovely space, by the way! Good luck and please post some "after" shots for us to see.
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bcappa
9 years ago
I love all the ideas- very interesting. The only thing I didn't see so far- maybe add
a Banana Tree or tall Palm tree in the corner by the windows. As far as drapes, I would
change them to white or cream to fill the room with light.
angbeebee thanked bcappa
angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you doctornancy for the beautiful image. Never thought my living room could look like this! I get the idea now of having a bit of drama added to the room.

Hi veleriepro, I got the sofa from Gage Furniture at Austin, TX. I could face the sofas across but its positioned for watching TV at the moment.

Yes, soto01, I would post some after shots. Great advice and thank you for the compliment.

Yes, bcappa, the room feels a little dark. I have thought about adding plants too. I might remove the drapes and use them for another room and then get lighter ones. Thank you for the ideas and suggestions

I so love this site!!! I'm getting really psyched up now about doing it up
60sunshine
9 years ago
Yes, you need texture and some color. Remember pillows are cheap changes. I order a few yards of beautiful fabric each year from a local window decorator and have old pillows recovered. Then add some color with decor.
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you 60sunshine. Yes, I will add some colored cushions.
L Koike
9 years ago
If you want color I would def go orange with matching pillows . I am a neutral person too. If you want to go neutral I would def go for an off white with some subtle design in it. :)
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angbeebee
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes I do like the off white cushion idea. Thank you L Koike.
PRO
Fiona Cochran
2 years ago
From your question, it feels as if you do not feel the room is complete. I would say the rug is an opportunity to bring in some subtle colours to lift the scheme, you could tie in the colours of the rug with some cushions on the sofas. My inclination would be to stick with the more muted tones, rather than stark contrast at this point. I would say lighter tones, darker would feel too heavy in my view.
valeriepro
2 years ago
where did you buy the sofas?
bcappa
2 years ago
Curious to see how the room turned out after 7 years. Maybe added a playpen, child's swing, and toys to the design?