5 Unique Ways to Style and Use Rugs

5 Unique Ways To Style Rugs and Textiles

When you see a rug that you love, you likely think of which floor in your home it would look the best on. This is completely normal because area rugs are for the floor, right? They aren’t always! If you want to get creative, you can use rugs in a few different ways that challenge the idea of what a rug can be.

These are five unique ways to style rugs and other textiles as more than just floor coverings:

1) Use A Rug As A Bed Spread

A flat-woven rug with a bold design can serve as an interesting bed covering. Simply place the rug over the top of the bed. Then, when it is time to get in bed, fold the rug at the foot of the bed. This can work either down the length of the bed or across the width. This idea works best with minimalist room designs.

If you want to have a room that is free from clutter, having a traditional duvet or comforter can look out of place. However, having no decoration on your bed can look boring. Adding a bed spread rug is a nice middle ground. It works great for summer months when you may not want a traditional bed covering.

Rug as Bed Covering Nazmiyal

Add a flat weave rug or textile to the bed for a pop of color and texture.

2) Use Your Rug On The Wall

People have been hanging rugs on walls for about as long as rugs have existed. Many rugs and textiles around the world are designed to work as either a floor or a wall covering. However, this fell out of fashion in more recent years. Many people use rugs exclusively as decorative floor coverings and less so as tapestries. This design idea is most associated with antique rugs, especially those with Oriental  or antique Persian rug designs.

It remains common with more expensive rugs and early carpets that shouldn’t be used as floor coverings. However, you don’t need to make a huge investment in a rug to incorporate this interior design trend. A colorful rug with some rich, vibrant hues can really add energy to a room. Try using a rug with a clearly defined border that acts almost like a frame.

Moroccan Rug Hung Nazmiyal

Hang a rug on the wall for an unexpected way to style it.

3) Drape Your Rug Or textile Over A Loveseat Or Sofa

From time to time, we all crave a little change. However, it isn’t always practical to redesign an entire room just because it has now become boring. Sometimes the trick is to make a small change that redefines the space. Draping a rug or textile over a loveseat or sofa can add a new visual element to the room, bringing more vivid colors and patterns to the décor. Again, this works best with a flat woven piece.

Simply drape it over the back of the chair leaving some material hanging down the back. It can turn a and dress up bland sofa converting it to an eye-catching artistic focal point. This decorating approach can also be a practical way to more thoroughly protect your furniture.

Rug Over the Sofa Nazmiyal

Drape a rug over your sofa or loveseat for a fun pop of color.

4) Using Multiple Rugs By Layering Them

Try layering a rug with a bigger rug or layering the rug over a carpet. Technically, this is still using the rug as a floor covering. However, when rugs are layered together, they create a more unique look compared to a traditional area rug. This decorating approach can be used to subdivide a larger area.

If you have a substantial carpeted room, you may use a rug to designate a dining area, for example. Alternatively, you may use it to add a visually interesting element to the room. For example, if you have a big rug under your sitting area, you may add another layered rug under the coffee table. Often this works best when you layer a complex, patterned rug over a more subtle piece.

However, some people are starting to experiment with layering a bold rug over another bold rug or carpet. The latter is more challenging but can also be very eye-catching and quite rewarding when done correctly.

Rug Layering Nazmiyal

Layer your rugs for an unexpected, eclectic look.

5) Using Rugs Outdoors

Rugs don’t have to be exclusively used indoors. Try bringing one outside or into a sunroom to add some comfort and design to your natural sitting area. This can work almost exactly the same way that you use a rug indoors.

This outdoor rug concept works best with natural fiber rugs if you’re using it outside or in an open sunroom. Materials like sisal and jute tend to fare well in the elements. It isn’t a great idea to just leave the rug outside permanently. However, with natural fibers, you don’t have to worry as much about damage from sun fading, dirt, or a little rain.

Sunroom Rugs Interior Nazmiyal

Use rugs outdoors or in the sunroom.

Here are some Nazmiyal rugs that are perfect for using as a bedspread, draped over furniture, or hanging:

Blue Antique Balkan Embroidery Textile Nazmiyal

Blue Antique Balkan Embroidery Textile

Antique African Kuban Mat Nazmiyal

Antique African Kuban Mat

Antique Indian Shawl Nazmiyal

Antique Indian Shawl

Vintage Norwegian Tapestry Rug by Eevahenna Aalto Nazmiyal

Vintage Norwegian Tapestry Rug by Eevahenna Aalto

Antique Persian Silk Embroidery Textile Nazmiyal

Antique Persian Silk Embroidery Textile

Antique American Mennonite Quilt Nazmiyal

Antique American Mennonite Quilt

Antique Persian Tree of Life Rashti Embroidery Nazmiyal

Antique Persian Tree of Life Rashti Embroidery

Vintage Cotton Italian Dinner Textile by Josef Frank Nazmiyal

Vintage Cotton Italian Dinner Textile by Josef Frank

Antique Persian Silk Rashti Embroidery Nazmiyal

Antique Persian Silk Rashti Embroidery

Vintage Swedish Kilim Folk Art Pictorial Tapestry Rug Nazmiyal

Vintage Swedish Kilim Folk Art Pictorial Tapestry Rug

Antique American Ingrain Rug By John Kachel Nazmiyal

Antique American Ingrain Rug By John Kachel

Here are some rugs that are perfect for layering:

Black And Cream Flat Woven Vintage French Art Deco Rug Nazmiyal

Black And Cream Flat Woven Vintage French Art Deco Rug

Vintage Black Red Yellow Green And Cream French Art Deco Kilim Nazmiyal

Vintage Black Red Yellow Green And Cream French Art Deco Kilim

Antique Caucasian Karabagh Soumak Rug Nazmiyal

Antique Caucasian Karabagh Soumak Rug

Roomsize Antique Soumak Caucasian Rug Nazmiyal

Room Size Antique Soumak Caucasian Rug

Vintage Geometric Scandinavian Flat Woven Kilim Rug by Ulla Brandt Nazmiyal

Vintage Geometric Scandinavian Flat Woven Kilim Rug by Ulla Brandt

Find the Right Rug for Your Designs

With the right rug, you can make all manner of creative design ideas work. At Nazmiyal, we have a huge selection of antique, vintage and modern rugs to choose from. Our collection includes options for a wide range of budgets and goals. Whether you want something to liven up a room or are seeking an investment art piece, we can help you. Check out our collection today. If you need help finding the right rug for your needs, consult our experts. We are always happy to help you explore the world of rugs. Get started today and see what unique interior designs you can create with your floor coverings.

This interior design blog about unique ways to style your rug was published by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs.

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