When choosing a rug for your home, selecting a neutral color is often a smart move. Neutral colored rugs can provide a blank canvas and seamlessly blend with a variety of decor styles. They also disguising dirt and stains better than bold colored rugs. But with so many shades that could be considered neutral, how do you choose? Here we will explore popular neutral rug color options, ways to use them, and tips for styling them in your home.
Beige
One of the most common neutral rug colors is beige. Ranging from pale tan to warmer brown, beige rugs work with a wide range of furniture and decor. Lighter beige rugs pair well with white-painted walls and furnishings. Use them to ground a soft, airy space. Warmer toned beige rugs complement wood furniture and antiques. The earthier beige adds coziness to farmhouse or traditional rooms. Beige rugs are perfect for high traffic areas because they readily hide dirt, footprints, and pet hair. Just be aware that while beige rugs are versatile neutrals, they can also read as bland if not styled thoughtfully.
Grey
Grey is a go-to neutral rug shade for many. It balances warm and cool undertones, blending into both beige and white color schemes. Light greys work well in rooms with white, black, and wood tones. Darker charcoal greys match black furnishings and industrial decor. For a soft look, use greys with creamy whites and pale woods. To make grey rugs pop, pair them with colorful art, pillows, and accessories in contrasting jewel tones. Grey floors ground bold painted walls without competing. And like beige, the muted grey color disguises high traffic wear and tear. Just vacuum greige regularly since dirt shows more easily than on mid-tone beige rugs.
Ivory and Cream
For a light and airy feel, ivory and cream rugs set the tone. Lighter than beige, with a warm hint of yellow, ivory rugs feel sophisticated and refreshing. Pair ivory with painted white woods, soft blues, and natural linen. Use in bedrooms, living spaces, and sunrooms. Cream offers a true neutral that works with any palette. Match with whites for a coastal cottage look. Accent with navy blue and camel for nautical flair. Cream rugs also transition well from season to season, working through winter holidays into spring. Just note ivory and cream show every speck of dirt. Spot clean spills promptly on these lighter rugs.
Tan and Khaki
Slightly warmer than beige, tan and khaki rugs add a subtle earthy feel. Both work well with wood furniture, leather, natural fibers, and terra cotta. Use tan rugs in casual family spaces and khaki rugs in studies or offices. Pair tan with rich navy blue – the colors complement each other beautifully. Khaki adds a sophisticated touch to transitional spaces. These colors work for indoor-outdoor rugs too. Just note tan and khaki show dirt, dust, and pet hair readily. Routinely vacuum to keep them looking clean.
Choosing the Right Neutral for Your Space
With so many neutral rug colors to select from, choosing the right one involves assessing both your decor and lifestyle. Here are tips to guide your decision:
- Factor in your flooring – contrast floors and rugs for definition. For example, pair light beige rugs with dark wood or tile floors.
- Consider your furnishings – match rug color to woods and upholstery for a cohesive look. For example, khaki rugs suit rooms with black leather furniture.
- Assess lighting – dark rugs can feel gloomy in dim rooms. Light rugs keep things bright.
- Think about high traffic areas – beige and grey hide dirt best in entryways or family rooms.
- Keep pets in mind – again, beige and grey disguise pet hair well.
- Decide on a mood – warm beige is cozy, cream is airy, grey balances both.
Testing out rug swatches can help finalize your perfect neutral. Once you select a shade, incorporate visual interest through varied textures and patterns.
Ways to Style Neutral Rugs
While neutral rugs offer flexibility, they still require thoughtful styling. Here are ideas to make beige, grey, cream, tan, and khaki rugs visibly interesting:
Layer textures
Go beyond flat weave rugs – add nubby jute rugs or shag pile for tactile appeal. Incorporate sheepskins or faux fur rugs for coziness.
Play with patterns
Neutrals allow bolder prints and patterns to shine. Try global-inspired motifs on cream rugs or geometric shapes on grey. Stripes and chevrons add movement.
Add visual contrast
Anchor light rugs with dark furniture. Pair medium rugs with black accents. Or place a vibrant Turkish kilim on tan floors for a pop of color.
Incorporate natural fibers
Hand-knotted wool rugs add organic texture. Jute and sisal rugs complement beige hues. Cotton flatweaves keep things casual.
Use high-low mixing
Ground pricier furnishings and rugs with budget-friendly neutral accents. Or splurge on custom sized wool rugs for high-traffic spaces.
Define boundaries
Designate spaces with area rugs – try beige in dining rooms, cream in bedrooms, and grey in living rooms.
| Neutral Color | Best Room Locations |
|---|---|
| Beige | Living room, bedroom, entryway |
| Grey | Living room, dining room, office |
| Ivory/Cream | Bedroom, bathroom, nursery |
| Tan | Bedroom, family room, mudroom |
| Khaki | Office, study, basement |
Conclusion
When selecting a neutral rug, consider the room’s purpose, furnishings, flooring, and lighting. Beige, grey, ivory, cream, tan, and khaki are all versatile options that pair well with varied decor styles. Incorporate visual interest through mixed textures and patterns. And don’t be afraid to add pops of color and contrast to really make neutral rugs stand out. Thoughtfully styled beige, grey, cream, tan, or khaki rugs can serve as timeless, flexible foundational pieces that work throughout your home.
