Choosing the Perfect Rug for Dark Wood Floors

Natural Area Rugs Blog Staff

Natural Area Rugs Blog Staff

When looking to complete the design of a room, one of the most important aspects is choosing the perfect rug. This task becomes especially difficult when you have dark wood floors, as you must find a rug that will help to bring out the beauty of the wood without clashing with it. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that you can follow to ensure you select a beautiful and complementary rug that enhances the look of your dark wood floors.

rug on dark wood florring

Natural Area Rugs Blog is supported by our users. We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through the affiliate links on our website.

In this blog post, we will answer the question “what color rug for dark wood floors”, along with the best ways to choose the perfect rug for dark wood floors, ensuring you create a stunning, cohesive look throughout your home.

What Color Rugs Look Best on Dark Hardwood Floors?

Dark hardwood floors are a beautiful and classic addition to any home. They provide a warm, inviting atmosphere and can bring a level of sophistication to any room.

But what color rug looks best on dark hardwood floors? While the answer can depend on personal taste, there are a few colors that are particularly well-suited to dark hardwood floors.

Neutrals like beige, taupe, and white can provide an excellent contrast against dark hardwood floors. Not only do they look great, but they can also make the floor look even darker, bringing out the rich, dark tones of the wood.

If you’re looking for something a bit more eye-catching, consider adding a patterned rug in shades of black or gray. These will help to bring out the natural wood tones, and create a more striking look.

Choose a Rug with a Contrasting Color

Choosing a rug with a contrasting color to your dark wood floors is a great way to add a unique touch to your home décor.

Dark wood floors can be quite striking on their own, but when paired with the right rug, they can really become the statement piece in any room. Whether you’re looking for something bold and bright or something more subtle and muted, there is sure to be a rug out there that will work perfectly with your dark wood floors.

Consider choosing a rug with a vibrant color that will pop against the darker wood, like a bright red or yellow. Or, if you’re going for a more subtle look, you could choose something in a light gray or beige hue that will provide a gentle contrast.

Lulu and Georgia: Woburn Rug

Available in 8 sizes. 
$158 to $3,598

Rugs USA: Salt and Pepper Handmade Braided Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Available in 34 sizes

$35 to $821

Rugs Direct: Area Rug

Available in 10 sizes

$50 to $876

Rugs Direct: Polly Area Rug

Available in 9 sizes

$50 to $876

Select a Rug with a Texture or Print

Dark wood floors can be both beautiful and intimidating to decorate. When selecting a rug to go with dark wood floors, an eye-catching texture or print can really bring the room to life.

Choose a rug that contrasts the dark wood flooring, such as a light-colored print or a fluffy white shag.

Or, you can opt for something more subtle, like a herringbone pattern or a neutral solid-colored rug.

Textured rugs, such as jute rug or sisal rug, can also be great choices for dark wood floors. 

Lulu and Georgia: Uma Rug

Available in 6 sizes. 
$458 to $3,098

The Citizenry: Asha Flatweave Rug

Available in 7 sizes

$475 to $2,495

Rugs Direct: Jules Area Rug

Available in 11 sizes
$30 to $546

shag rug

SAFAVIEH: Milan Shag Collection

Available in 36 sizes

$38 to $790

Pick a Rug with a Neutral or Light Hue

A great option for dark wood floors is a rug with a neutral or light hue. This can help to create an airy, inviting atmosphere in a room, while also helping to lighten the overall look. Plus, the light color can help create the illusion of more space and make the room appear larger.

Neutrals like beige, cream, and even grey are great options and can work with a variety of decor styles.

Depending on the size of your room, you may also want to consider a larger rug in a neutral color.

Rugs USA: Handwoven Jute-Blend Area Rug

Available in 19 sizes. 
$40 to $808

Rugs USA: Off White Jute Braided Area Rug

Available in 35 sizes

$69 to $988

SAFAVIEH: Adirondack Collection

Available in 47 sizes. 
$25 to $429

rug under table

The Citizenry: Nehal Flatweave Area Rug

Available in 5 sizes

$495 to $1,795

Consider a Rug with a Geometric Pattern

Geometric rugs are incredibly versatile and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes, so you can easily find something that complements your décor.

Not only do these rugs provide a beautiful visual contrast against the dark wood, but they are a classic choice that can work with a wide range of interior decor styles.

Some may be subtle and monochrome, while others are bright and eye-catching. You can also find geometric rugs in a variety of materials, from natural fibers like wool and cotton to synthetic fibers like olefin and polypropylene.

geometric rug

The Citizenry: Tejal Flatweave Rug

Available in 5 sizes. 
$795 to $2,495

Rugs USA: Moroccan Trellis Area Rug

Available in 35 sizes

$34 to $632

geometric rug

Rugs USA: Paddle Rug

Available in 10 sizes. 
$48 to $564

Rugs USA: Moroccan Diamond Pinstripes Tassel Rug

Available in 31 sizes

$33 to $729

Opt for a Rug with a Dark Border

To bring out their unique beauty and make them stand out even more, think about adding an area rug with a dark border.

By adding a dark border, the eye will be drawn to the center of the rug, creating a bold contrast and making the hardwood floors pop. Dark borders also help to define your space, helping to keep the area looking neat and organized.

An area rug with a dark border may be just the thing to bring out the depth of your floors, while also adding an extra layer of comfort and coziness to the room. Plus, darker colored rugs tend to be easier to match with furniture, wall colors, and other decor.

seagrass rug dark border

nuLOOM: Elijah Natural Seagrass Farmhouse Area Rug

Available in 29 sizes. 
$23 to $664

Rugs USA: Sisal Border Area Rug

Available in 13 sizes

$98 to $482

jute rug dark border

Rugs USA: Jute Braided Saturn Border Rug

Available in 21 sizes. 
$74 to $717

rug with dark border

nuLOOM: Asha Simple Border Area Rug

Available in 14 sizes

$52 to $113

Consider the Size and Shape of the Rug

An area rug with the right size and shape can fill a space, create visual interest, and serve as a focal point for the room.

The size of the rug should be appropriate for the room, taking into account the furniture and any other elements that will be in the space. Depending on the size of the room, a small rug may be enough to serve as an accent piece, while larger rooms may require a larger rug to fill the space.

The shape of the rug can also have a big impact. Rectangular rugs are classic, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box.

Take into Account the Color of the Decor in the Room

When you’re looking for a rug to place on your dark wood floor, it’s important to take into consideration the room decor and style as well.

Different colors, textures, and patterns can all make an impact on the overall look of the room, so it’s important to make sure that your rug ties in with the rest of the decor.

You can either choose a rug that complements the existing colors, or go for a bolder look with a rug that stands out from the rest of the room.

Think about how the rug will interact with the other elements in the room, such as furniture (especially wood furniture), paint color, wall art, and other decorations.

The Size or Shape of Rug You Need May Differ by the Room

The size or shape of rug you need can vary greatly depending on the room you’re shopping for. For example, if you’re looking for a rug for a large living room, you’ll likely need something larger and more rectangular.

On the other hand, if you need a rug for a smaller bedroom, you’ll likely need something more petite, such as a round or square option.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a rug for an area with heavy foot traffic, such as a hallway, you’ll want to go for something durable that can stand up to wear and tear. The same goes for rugs in high-moisture areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

More Articles