Decorating With Area Rugs Through the Seasons and Holidays

Arsh's Rug Library · Decorating

Warm tan rug in a cozy living room with a lit fireplace — Shown: Eclectic Jeanine, 7'10" x 9'2"

Swapping a rug is one of the quickest ways to change how a room feels from season to season, and a little planning keeps your rugs looking their best through the busy holidays.

Spring and summer: light and easy

Lighter rugs make a room feel airy when the weather warms up. Flat-woven kilims and soft transitional rugs in ivory, sand and pale blue feel cool underfoot. Summer is also a good time to have heavier rugs washed and stored properly.

Fall and winter: warm and layered

When it gets cold, bring out deeper reds, rusts and golds and thicker wool pile. A plush rug in front of the fireplace, or a smaller rug layered over a larger one, makes a room feel cozy. See our layering guide.

Light striped flat-woven rug in a bright summer living room — Light and breezy for summer; deep and warm by the fire for winter.

Navy floral rug by a fireplace in a winter living room — Light and breezy for summer; deep and warm by the fire for winter.

Getting ready for holiday guests

Entry: put a durable rug and a coarse outdoor mat at the front door to catch snow, salt and grit. See our entryway guide.
Dining room: make sure the rug is big enough for chairs to slide back, and keep a clean white cloth handy for spills. See our dining room guide.
Hallways: a runner protects the busiest path through the house.
Color: reds and golds feel festive all season without needing to change after the holidays.

After the party

Blot spills right away with cold water, never rub, and vacuum the next day. For wax, wine or anything that won't come out, call us before trying harsh cleaners. Our cleaning mistakes guide explains what to avoid.

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