Okay, Should a Rug Be Lighter or Darker Than Your Floors? Here's What Designer's Say for Achieving the Most Cohesive Space

Image of a dark rug on a light wooden floor. The rug is under a dark dining table with a corner bench seat upholstered in burnt orange velvet fabric and black leather chairs on the other side.

I know, I know, choosing the right rug is already a hard decision. Do you want a flatweave or a soft, high-pile floor covering? Do you want a bold color or a timeless neutral? There is a lot to consider, and not to muddy the water any further, but have you ever considered whether a rug should be lighter or darker than your floors?

In all honesty, whether your rug should be lighter or darker than your floors is pretty dependent on the mood you are going for and the color scheme you are working with. As interior designer Vanessa Alexander of Alexander Design says, "I wouldn't get too caught up in whether the rug 'should' be lighter or darker than the floor. There really isn't one right answer." It's more important to consider the overall balance of the room and, again, the mood you're trying to create. "Sometimes the rug should quietly blend in and create continuity. Other times, it can be the element that grounds the entire space," adds Vanessa.