The biggest rug trends of 2024
If you follow us on Instagram or flick through any copy of House Beautiful magazine, you will find fabulous examples of rugs of all shapes and sizes – the rustic jute rug that softens a kitchen floor, soft and buttery wool rugs that sit under sofas and beds, and the bold flourishes of colour and pattern that double as artwork. Rugs are a staple of the modern home and the House Beautiful team are of the unanimous opinion that a room is incomplete without one.
For 2024 we continue our love affair with decorating from the ground up, embracing both nostalgic and graphic motifs, taking our rugs outdoors to soften patios and terraces, and investing in super practical washable rugs.
Read on for more on the biggest rug trends this year...
Checkerboard rugs
Checkerboard patterns are part of a resurgence in sweet vintage detailing in the home – alongside scalloped edges (more on that below), ruffling and candy cane stripes – that feel playful and nostalgic in equal measure.
Checkerboard rugs tend to lean bold and bright – highly saturated pinks and reds, inky navy and lovely buttercup yellows – reflecting a broader trend towards colourful flooring.
'Bright colours and eye-catching patterns are back,' says Paul Herbert, head of buying at Carpetright. 'Full of personality, more and more people are choosing to inject colour into their homes from floor to ceiling. We're seeing an increase in customers opting for jewels colours such as gold, ruby, forest and midnight blue, that make a statement in any room.'
If traditional checkerboard feels a bit too youthful in your home, there are more graphic and sophisticated takes on the theme, like this fabulous Plum Punch rug from artist Evelina Kroon's collaboration with Layered.
Washable rugs
Washable rugs are still a relatively new concept – popularised by the viral US brand, Ruggable – but technological advancements are such that washable rugs have become a real must have for busy households.
A washable rug needs to be slim enough to fold up and fit into the washing machine, which means they are usually low pile and considerably less plush than their non-washable counterparts. Some clever brands counter this by designing their rugs in two parts – a decorative and washable cover and a spongey non-slip pad that attaches underneath to provide a bit more comfort underfoot.
'More people are definitely putting convenience and ease of care at the top of their wishlist when it comes to buying a rug,' says Daniel Prendergast from The Rug Seller. 'When there are pets and children walking dirt and grime into the house daily, having the flexibility of putting a rug in the washing machine every month or so is extremely appealing. It really is as simple as washing at 30 degrees and then hanging out to dry.'
Interesting motifs
2024 will see rugs display contemporary takes on classic patterns.
'The Greek Key motif dates back to ancient Greece, so it's certainly not new, but it has been revisited many times throughout history,' say the experts at Ruggable. 'For 2024 we are seeing a resurgence of this classic geometric pattern within interior design, reimagined with on-trend colours to create a contemporary mood.
'On the other hand, another trend that is capturing the the interior design world currently is more fluid, rounded patterns, such as ribbons, which capture movement and lend a calming, glamorous accent to any space.'
Bows and ribbons were one of the biggest stories of Christmas 2023 – great big velvet examples in candy cane colours looking fabulous adorning trees and front doors – and we have seen this rising trend appear in homeware, adorning glasses, candles and duvet covers, and trimming seat cushions and wallpaper.
Jute rugs
Jute rugs are a creative asset when decorating for their ability to add considerable texture to a room without relying on colour or pattern. They are neutral and unfussy and organic in nature, or what design enthusiasts might refer to as 'grounding' in a space.
From a purely practical standpoint, jute rugs are robust and durable which make them perfect for high-traffic areas, and often come at modest price points relative to other materials.
Jute rugs can really live anywhere in the home – we've seen lovely examples in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways – and they are a good choice as a base if you want to layer two rugs together.
Rug styling tip: 'Both practical and playful, layering rugs is a beautiful way of making a design statement that is uniquely individual and allows you to express your creativity through pairing different colours and patterns. Layering rugs wonderfully ties a room together bringing additional warmth and colour into a space,' says Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons.
Outdoor rugs
The popularity of outdoor rugs really reflects our evolving approach to designing outdoor spaces – our balconies, terraces and patios are becoming seamless extensions of our homes, and we are decorating them as we would any other room. Cushions, mood lighting, patterned tiling and robustly weatherproof outdoor rugs provide a softening and decorative effect.
'In the past three years outdoor rugs have become something of a must-have garden accessory and the popularity shows no signs of waning,' says Daniel. 'As such there is more choice in colours, pattern, size and shape than ever. We've seen trends mirror that of interiors – bestselling geometrics have started to make way for bright pops of colour and florals, whereas textured and sustainable materials are also growing in popularity.
'We have seen a surge in outdoor rug sales as people also start to understand the versatility of using them with their inside spaces – their durability make them perfect for high-traffic areas such as conservatories, kitchens and dining rooms. They are also really easy to transition between indoor and outdoor spaces as the weather allows.'
Scalloped edges
Much like checkerboard patterns, scalloped edges – as well as the softer wavy or wiggly edges – are part of a broader trend of nostalgic design references. They have appeared across home accessories, in cushions, throws, trays and picture frames, and as decorative motifs in wallpaper and blinds.
'Scalloped details inspired by vintage fabrics have made a comeback across homewares,' says Andrew Tanner, head of design at Habitat. 'It’s a great, unexpected way to inject colour and soften the edges of typically straight-edged items like rugs, cushions and lampshades. Layer up in spaces full of prints and patterns to achieve a modern, fresh vintage, eclectic style.'
We are really taken with the Tate & Darby jute range with coloured piping, where the tougher jute material offsets some of the sweetness of the scalloped edge.
Berber rugs
Berber rugs continue their grip on the design world for their unique ability to fit different styles and tastes – a monochrome Berber rug with a simple diamond pattern is seen in many a minimalist home, whilst colourful and densely patterned Berber rugs are perfect for the maximalists.
Berber rugs have been handwoven for generations by women of the Berber tribes located across the Atlas Mountains of North Africa. Often called Beni Ourain rugs – a term that denotes a collective of Berber tribes – these 100 per cent un-dyed wool rugs are known for their exceptional quality and distinctive geometric patterns.
Authentic Berber rugs can cost thousands, but there are options across the high street to suit every budget, as well as clever reinterpretations of traditional Berber patterns and colours.
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