7 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Home With Abstract Rugs

The funny thing about abstract rugs is that there’s no one way to define them. They utilize lines, colors, and shapes like abstract expressionist art. In other words, there’s no specific or recognizable pattern, a method to their madness, if you will. For this reason, abstract designs are a great way to infuse your space with personality and give it a boost of visual entertainment.

For inspiration, we’ve rounded up eight abstract home decor ideas, plus tips to incorporating them into your space.

1. Mix color and pattern

We love how exciting and upbeat this dining room is to the eye. Immediately, you’re drawn to the sculptural velvet dining table chairs, situated atop an equally compelling black and white abstract rug in a quirky single-line design. This space is the perfect example of how you don’t have to invest in a ton of different furnishings to make a statement — mixing bold colors and patterns alone can make a big impact.

2. Create a clever contrast

This eclectic space has no shortage of influences and is bursting with color — but that’s not to say there’s no rhyme or reason for its furnishings. Notice how the botanical-printed walls are dark, but the designers choice of an abstract area rug is light. Not only does this create balance, but it makes you want to study every little detail, from floor to ceiling!

3. Stick to a color scheme

A foolproof way of decorating with abstract rugs is sticking to a color scheme, evidenced by this lively living room. Note how this person’s choice of throw pillows and wall art mirrors the blue and orange hues seen in the colorful abstract rug. We like how they chose a white sofa and marble coffee table, which keep the area light and bright.

4. Play with abstract shapes

What’s not to love about this kitchen? Here, this interiors expert plays on the idea of shapes, which are seen throughout the space. The runner features abstract shapes in an orange and red palette, complemented by a large piece of wall art in similar hues. It’s worth noting that the brick backsplash and tiled island also reflect this theme of shapes. Cool, right?

5. Channel the room’s aesthetic

Yes, you can still decorate with abstract rugs if your space is decked out in neutrals. Take this dreamy living room, for example, which boasts relaxing wood tones and white furnishings that you probably think of pairing with a low-key design, like a plush monochrome rug. But instead, this designer opted for a marble-motif area rug featuring swirls of cream and gold-like hues that amp up the cozy factor while adding even more visual interest.

6. Mix modern and antique styles

This living room is rich with character thanks to the unique mix of modern with vintage (or vintage-inspired) elements. The modern abstract rug oozes sophistication à la the curved white chairs, but both are a sharp contrast to the distressed marble fireplace and dark wood china cabinet. Despite the obvious differences between these pieces, they work well together because their colors mirror each other. The colorful wall art is a risky outlier, but there’s no denying that it’s a cool touch.

7. Use an abstract rug to add texture

Need to take an ordinary corner of your home from drab to fab? Use this narrow space as inspiration. This designer got über creative in maximizing this area of their abode by adding a three-tier shelf full of decor for visual interest, a mirror for depth, and a blue abstract runner for texture.