Open floor plans have become a staple in modern home design. They offer flexibility, encourage flow, and create a sense of spaciousness that appeals to homeowners and designers alike. However, with that openness comes a unique design challenge: how do you define distinct spaces in an open-concept home without breaking up the flow?
Enter area rugs! Area rugs are not only functional, but they also serve as a stylish solution for defining separate spaces within an open floor plan. At Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring, we carry a vast selection of rugs that can help you create the perfect balance between distinct areas and a cohesive design. Read on for some expert tips on using area rugs to define spaces in an open-concept home!
1. Define Each Space With a Unique Rug
One of the most effective ways to create defined areas in an open floor plan is by using different rugs to anchor each zone. For example, in a combined living-dining space, placing a plush rug under the seating area can help visually separate it from the dining area, which may feature a more durable, low-pile rug beneath the dining table.
When selecting different rugs for each space, consider how they relate to each other in terms of color and pattern. While you don’t want them to be identical, choosing rugs that share a common color palette or complementary patterns will maintain a cohesive look throughout the room.
At Eastman’s, we have a range of area rugs in various styles and textures to help you define your spaces. Whether you’re going for a modern, traditional, or coastal look, our showroom has the perfect rug to suit your design needs!
2. Choose the Right Size
Size matters when it comes to choosing area rugs for an open floor plan. A rug that’s too small for the space can make the room feel disconnected, while a rug that’s too large can overwhelm the design. The key is to ensure that your rugs are proportionate to the space they’re anchoring.
For living areas, a good rule of thumb is to choose a rug large enough so that all of your seating pieces fit at least partially on the rug. This creates a cohesive seating area and helps define the living space within the larger room.
In dining areas, make sure the rug is large enough to accommodate the dining table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. This not only defines the dining area but also prevents the chairs from catching on the edges of the rug.
3. Use Rugs to Guide Traffic Flow
Area rugs can also be used to guide the flow of traffic in an open floor plan. For example, in a large space that connects the kitchen, dining, and living areas, a long runner or hallway rug can visually lead the way from one zone to another, creating a natural path for movement.
By strategically placing area rugs in high-traffic areas, you can subtly direct how people move through the space while keeping the overall design cohesive. This is especially important in homes with large or unusually shaped rooms where defining traffic patterns can be tricky.
4. Layer Rugs for Added Depth
Layering rugs is a popular interior design trend that not only adds depth and texture to a room but also helps define spaces in an open floor plan. This technique works especially well in large living areas where you may want to break up the space without using furniture as a divider.
Start with a neutral, large rug as the base, and then layer a smaller, more vibrant rug on top to add a pop of color or pattern. This layered look creates a sense of depth and dimension in the room, helping to visually separate different areas while maintaining the open feel.
5. Incorporate Coastal Charm with Area Rugs
For those living on the Crystal Coast or simply inspired by the coastal lifestyle, area rugs offer an opportunity to bring a touch of the ocean into your home while defining your spaces. Look for rugs with soft blues, sandy neutrals, and nautical patterns to create a relaxing, beach-inspired vibe.
A seagrass or jute rug, for example, can be the perfect addition to a living room or dining area, lending a natural, beachy feel while helping to ground the space. Meanwhile, a coastal-themed rug featuring anchors or stripes can bring charm and character to a bedroom or reading nook.
At Eastman’s, our coastal-inspired rug collection features a wide range of styles and textures that will help you define your spaces while capturing the spirit of the seaside.
Final Thoughts
Using area rugs to define spaces in an open floor plan is an effective and stylish way to maintain flow while creating distinct zones within your home. Whether you’re looking to separate a living area from a dining space or create traffic flow, the right area rug can make all the difference.
Visit Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring today to explore our extensive collection of area rugs and let our design experts help you choose the perfect pieces for your home. With our wide range of styles, colors, and sizes, we’re confident you’ll find the ideal rug to bring your open-concept design to life!