An area rug can pull together a room’s design elements, ground the space, and give it a cohesive look. A quality rug can be a big investment, though, so it’s important that you find ones that best suit your style and space. Before you commit to purchasing a trending look, be sure to read my other article, “How to Choose the Right Rug” to get some smart rug ideas.

The Right Area Rug Can Complete Your Space

Whether you’re looking for the perfect area rug to finish off a room, or just want to know what’s trending for 2023, I’ve got your back. Here is a sampling of five rug trends that will set your space apart in the new year.

Rug Trend #1: Vintage-Style Rugs

Whether it’s a hand-me-down from your grandmother or just made to look that way, vintage-inspired rugs are still in style and trending strong. Their traditional patterns, intricate designs, and soft florals lend a warmth that makes any room feel homey.

Just because it has a vintage look doesn’t mean it has to be stuffy. Pair your favorite vintage style rugs with contemporary furniture for a traditional-meets-modern look that infuses your home with cozy, chic style.

A new take on this repeat trend features distressed rugs in monochrome palettes that have varying hues of all one color, or shades that are similar to each other like blues and purples, orange and reds, or even shades of gray. New vintage-inspired rugs can even have modern, abstract or geometric patterns, but will have a well-worn patina and/or distressed look.

Rug Trend #2: 70s Shag Style

The 70s are having a heyday in fashion, with everything from shaggy haircuts to crochet tops becoming popular again. This resurgence in the 1970s aesthetic has influenced home design trends too, by inspiring interior designers to use materials with interesting textures, earthy hues, and even curved furniture and decor. Perhaps none of these trends are more quintessentially 70s than the shag carpet.

Named after its shaggy rug piles, this ultra plush carpet is often seen in vibrant colors, but looks great in neutrals too. Once the disdain of new homeowners, shag carpeting has gone in and out of popularity over the years. Now, it’s back, but with a modern look and more palatable color options. Whether bold or neutral, shag rugs will infuse your home with personality and a lush look.

Rather than wall-to-wall shag, try strategically placing shag rugs in lower-traffic areas like bedrooms and offices for a pop of irresistible texture. They’ll last longer and are less likely to trap unwanted dirt and objects in their snag-able pile. Also, look for shag rugs made of natural fibers like wool rather than synthetic ones. While wool rugs are more expensive, they’ll last longer and keep their fluffy texture better than alternatives.

Rug Trend #3: Mixed Pile Rugs

For transitional areas and multi-functional spaces, a mixed pile rug might be just what you need. This trend is taking off, with more rugs featuring a blend of both high and low piles. They’re great for a variety of uses because they incorporate the coziness of a high pile rug with the clean look – and durability – of a low pile one. With fibers at varying lengths, these rugs add low-key texture and undeniable interest to your space.

For a fresh take, check out the biophilic design trend which is a philosophy that incorporating the outside world into interior decor can increase mental health and decrease stress. This popular trend is slated to continue growing through 2023. Applying a biophilic design approach to area rugs would be as simple as finding rugs made of natural materials and those with textures and designs that mimic organic objects found in nature.

Rug Trend #4: Mismatched and Layered Rugs

Another retro-inspired look that we will see more of in 2023 is the mismatched and layered rug trend. Taking cues from boho and maximalist styles, this trend is all about creating a relaxed yet eclectic vibe in your home. Layering a patchwork of smaller rugs lends great texture and coziness to your space. Group rugs with similar colors together for a toned-down vibe or pair rugs with varying weave, patterns, and colors for a more bold approach.

Great for apartments, this look gives you the benefits of all-over carpet while staying fresh and flexible. You can rearrange your rugs with the changing seasons for an updated look. This trend is perfect for those looking for new ways to use their old rugs and works well with the vintage trend too.

Trend #5: Rugs in Unexpected Places

This final rug trend for 2023 includes placing rugs in unexpected places, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or unused corners. We’re seeing more designers doing this, as it adds ambiance, comfort, and style to areas that tend to be devoid of personality.

This trend makes it easy to carry your style throughout a space, including the oft-ignored and high-traffic areas of your home. Small area rugs work well for this and are often more budget-friendly and easier to refresh or replace as trends change. If you aren’t sure what size rug you need, click the link for a really handy Rug Size Guide.

Freshen Up Your Floors with an Area Rug that’s Perfect for Your Style.

Whether shopping for something completely new for next year or just looking to revive your current decor, take these 2023 area rug ideas and customize your space with a fresh look and beautiful floors that match your favorite aesthetic. And just let me know if you’d like me to help you with that.

It’s easy to reach me! You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some exciting living room decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.