Cattle are meant to roam free. Furniture? Not too much.

Without something to include it, furniture can end up feeling … adrift. This is especially true in an open floor plan, where there aren’t walls to differentiate 1 space or operate from another. That’s why area rugs are such a precious advantage in an open program. They create the illusion of containment without the actual need for walls and dividers.

However, when you have many rugs in perspective of one another, it’s important to consider how they will look together. The simplest solution is to utilize matching rugs. While that can be ideal in certain circumstances, occasionally it can be dull and aesthetically limiting. The secret is to learn when it’s OK to mix up things and how to do it right.

Harte Brownlee & Associates Interior Design

When you have many area rugs in a frequent space, the simplest approach is to use matching rugs. This separates the spaces but keeps the atmosphere harmonious. In this case, the areas serve the exact same function, so there’s no need to make a great distinction between them.

Tara Seawright Interior Design

Matching area rugs can feel a bit predictable and safe. Utilizing an unusual rug is 1 way to prevent that issue. Here a graphic is repeated on either side of the room. The repetition can help to temper the high-contrast pattern therefore it doesn’t overwhelm the space.

Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC

Two different floor coverings were used within this interior to help differentiate the dining area from the living area. The rugs share a similar colour palette, promising harmony.

Zack|de Vito Architecture + Construction

1 rug is patterned; another is strong. However they look great together, because they share a frequent colour.

Begrand Fast Design Inc..

It is simpler to combine strong rugs than ones that are patterned. Just choose two colours that look good together, like this pair. Pairing is always simpler when one of the rugs is a neutral.

Carolyn Miller Interiors

Although both of these area rugs are very different, they are harmonious because they share a similar colour palette. They also share a similar sensibility,which can be almost as important. Had one been a contemporary geometric or overtly reduced in quality than another, this wouldn’t have worked as well.

Webber + Studio, Architects

Oriental rugs can be easier to mix than other rugs, because they often share a frequent sensibility and colour palette, and the patterns are so comprehensive, they are not as likely to fight different patterns. The mix works best when there’s a common dominant colour, like this yellow-based pair.

Architect Mason Kirby Inc..

I wouldn’t expect to see an Oriental rug together with a flokati, however, the combination works. Again, it’s simpler to combine carpeting with different textures if both are a neutral colour.

More: 11 Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them

See related