How to Coordinate Rugs in an Open Floor Plan

Creating harmony in an open floor plan starts with thoughtful rug coordination. Whether you’re working with luxury vinyl plank flooring or carpeting, area rugs are key to defining spaces while still maintaining an open and cohesive aesthetic.

At Baker Bros, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners design beautiful, functional spaces. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on how to coordinate rugs in an open floor plan, striking the perfect balance between practicality and style to make your home shine.

Understanding Open Floor Plan Dynamics

The popularity of open-concept floor plans has transformed modern home design, with studies showing that 85% of home buyers prefer an open-plan arrangement. 

Open plans offer excellent versatility and natural light flow, but they come with unique challenges in creating defined yet cohesive areas. Think of your open floor plan as a canvas where each rug helps paint distinct living spaces without disrupting the overall picture.

In many homes we’ve worked with, the challenge isn’t just about selecting beautiful rugs – it’s about creating intentional transitions between spaces that feel natural and purposeful. A well-coordinated open floor plan uses rugs to guide movement, define functions, and maintain visual harmony throughout your home.

Ways to Coordinate Rugs in an Open Floor Plan

Stick to a Unified Color Palette

Your rugs should complement the overall color scheme of your open-concept space. Start by identifying a neutral color or primary tone that ties the room together.

Use rugs with similar base colors to create a seamless look. For example, a solid color rug in the dining area can complement a patterned rug in the living room if they share similar tones.

Pull inspiration from existing furniture or accent pieces. If your sofa is navy blue, incorporate touches of navy in your rug choices.

Vary the Scale and Pattern

To add visual interest without overwhelming the space, combine rugs with different patterns and scales. To anchor the space, use large-scale patterns for the largest area, such as the living room. In adjacent areas, pair a bold geometric rug with a subtler striped or floral design. This ensures a balance of visual interest while maintaining a cohesive flow from room to room.

If you’re working with different types of flooring, it can be helpful to learn how to incorporate area rugs effectively across various surfaces. Check out our guide on how to incorporate area rugs with different flooring for expert tips and tricks.

Choose Rugs That Define Each Area

Every rug in an open floor plan should have a purpose. Whether it’s anchoring furniture in the living room or highlighting the dining area, it needs to fit the size and function of the space. Here’s how to approach each area:

• Living room: A large area rug should fit all furniture legs or at least the front legs of the seating arrangement.
• Dining room: Choose a rug that fits the table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. A common rule is to leave about 24 inches of rug around the table edges.
• Hallways or entryways: Use smaller, neutral-colored rugs to guide the flow of traffic without overpowering larger feature rugs.

Consider Materials and Durability

High-traffic areas like the dining or living room require durable materials. Natural fibers like wool (perfect for the living room) or jute (perfect for dining areas) are excellent choices for style and resilience.

Common Rug Coordination Mistakes to Avoid

Coordinating rugs in an open floor plan requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some common mistakes homeowners make when arranging rugs in their open-concept spaces:

Using Rugs That Are Too Small

A rug that’s too small can make a room feel disjointed and cramped. In an open floor plan, rugs should anchor the furniture and visually define the space they occupy.

Overmatching Rugs

While rugs should coordinate, using identical rugs in every area can make the space feel monotonous. 

Instead, vary the patterns and textures while sticking to a cohesive color palette. For example, pair a bold geometric rug in the living room with a subtler jute rug in the dining area.

Ignoring Traffic Flow

In open-concept spaces, rugs that disrupt natural movement can create awkward transitions or become tripping hazards.

Place rugs in areas where they guide movement rather than block pathways. Consider using low-pile or flat-weave rugs in high-traffic areas for durability and easier maintenance.

Choosing Clashing Patterns

Mixing too many bold or unrelated patterns can overwhelm the space, making it feel chaotic rather than cohesive.

Balance bold patterns with neutral or solid-color rugs. For example, if one rug features a vibrant large-scale pattern, pair it with a subtler design or solid-color rug in an adjacent area.

Neglecting Proportions

Rugs that don’t match the proportions of the space can throw off the balance of your design.

In larger areas, consider layering rugs to fill the space effectively without overwhelming it. For smaller areas like entryways, choose rugs that align with the dimensions of the area.

Transform Your Open Plan with Baker Bros

Coordinating rugs in an open floor plan is both an art and a science. By carefully selecting colors, patterns, and sizes, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a space that feels harmonious, inviting, and functional.

By avoiding common mistakes, choosing the right materials, and properly maintaining your rugs, you can transform your open-concept layout into a harmonious living area that reflects your style.

At Baker Bros, we’re here to help you every step of the way. With decades of expertise and a curated selection of high-quality rugs and flooring solutions, we can help you achieve the perfect balance of beauty and practicality. Visit our website or stop by one of our showrooms to explore our wide range of rugs, pads, and flooring options tailored to your home’s unique needs.