Warm colors and rich textures cozy up a cottage. Rugs not only help tie a room together, but they also create a cozy atmosphere through their materials and color palettes that cannot be accomplished with wood floors and tile alone. According to Andrew Haltom of Rugs.com, fall is the perfect time to bring in rugs to your cottage or bungalow. He breaks down all the best tips and tricks for adding a cozy rug to any room to make it fit seamlessly into your existing décor and spaces, while highlighting the styling that fits great in fall.
Cottage Life
For larger spaces like living rooms where everyone gathers, add rugs that will be autumn showstoppers. “Our favorite fall colors start with the warm tones found in the changing leaves,” says Andrew. In these spaces you’ll want to add colors that fit the season. “Earthy tones like deep browns, oranges, and reds work well for this time of year,” he says. “You can also tap golden yellow hues and purple tones to add warmth to make any space feel cozy as the temperatures dip.”
But materials also matter. For your areas like living rooms with a lot of foot traffic, choose a rug made from natural fibers like wool to create a cozy environment. “Or tap hard-working jute rugs since they add a nice texture and warmth to any space,” Andrew says. These can handle the foot traffic while offering material that feels cozy for fall or lived-in, more rustic styles. “We also love a shag rug if you want a rug to ground a room where you want to gather and spend time as a family.”
Cozy Kitchens
Many kitchens are full of hard surfaces to avoid spills and messes. Wood floors are great because of their durability, but they can be a slippery surface for some rugs, says Andrew. “Always have a rug with a non-slip backing or get a non-slip rug pad to prevent slipping and sliding,” he says.
But you also want a material that pairs well with wood. “Wool or cotton rugs are great rug options for wood floors as they can withstand wear and tear and won’t scratch the wood,” says Andrew. “If you want to add some texture and warm up the hardwood surface, consider a shag or jute rug.”
Kitchens with tile floors make for a tough everyday surface ideal for the kitchen since they are easy to clean and stand up to spills. “But tile is only comfortable to stand on for a short time when cooking,” says Andrew. “Opt for highly supportive comfort mats designed to help with fatigue when standing for long times in the kitchen,” he says. “Comfort mats have come a long way, and many come with prints and designs that can bring personality to tile floors.” Also don’t be afraid to lean into washable rugs or rugs that are designed to be durable, like jute.
Other Spaces
Other areas of the home can still celebrate a rug. “For fall or winter, consider adding a washable rug to your entryway to welcome guests and prevent tracking in snow and slush,” says Andrew. Or, add a soft wool rug in front of the fireplace to create a cozy spot for reading or relaxing. Book nooks and other cozy cottage spaces can also pop in a small rug for instant appeal. “Every room needs a rug if you want it to feel personal, warm and inviting, but living rooms and bedrooms should top the list of rooms that need a rug in the fall,” says Andrew. Rugs add a sense of comfort to any room and define how a space is used that can’t be replicated. “This is especially true in fall since people tend to spend more time at home when the weather changes.”
Shop for all your cozy autumn rugs at Rugs.com.
