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What Color Area Rug Goes With Light Hardwood Floors – 15 Ideas

By: Nishtha Sadana

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular and in-demand options for homeowners. They are durable, strong, and extremely aesthetical. However, depending upon the overall theme and style of your room, the stain of the wood varies. From lighter-toned white birch and ash to darker-toned red oak and hickory – choosing a rug to complement can be another tedious task.

As opposed to the darker floors, light hardwood floors complement well with the darker colored rugs. Majorly, it’s the deep purples, greens, reds, grays, blacks, and blues that tend to protrude out and define the palette of the room. Not exactly sure what specific tones and patterns to lay out? Well, let’s have a look at these x color area rugs for light hardwood floors.

Blue Winter Abstract Rug

Using a blue and black abstract rug will beautifully complement and contrast with the light hardwood floors. It tends to steal the focus from the floors to this majestic piece of rug that defines the character and color palette of the room.

So, in case you want to make your room feel smaller and confined, this abstract rug is a great way to achieve that look.

Charcoal Area Rug

For high-traffic areas such as the entryway halls and casual living rooms, the lighter hardwood floors have the tendency to attract dirt and dust very quickly. And that is when you have the opportunity to lay a darker-toned charcoal area rug like above to maintain your space.

Furthermore, this rug has a low-pile height and an intriguing pattern to hide the stains and meanwhile, create an illusion. Lastly, note that you can even use this rug for outdoor purposes! 

Scarlet Red Rug

Bring timeless elegance into your space with this traditional Persian rug on board. It is tinted in bold and vivid hues of rich reds, pops of chocolate brown, light yellow, and intriguing animal figurines and hexagonal patterns. It exhibits a bold and splendor look, thus – when laid on the light hardwood floors, would play fabulously!

Although, you must note that this deep color is bound to make your space feel warm and cozier. Hence, a great solution for northern states and colder regions. 

Black Ring Around The Rosette Area Rug

This black area rug plays two major roles. The first role involves the color protruding out from the light hardwood floors and playing phenomenal. Whereas, the second is the versatility and timeless role this rug plays.

Moreover, this tone pairs beautifully with modern and contemporary backdrops. So, let this monochrome rosette brighten your home!

Sage Green Abstract Rug

Taking inspiration from Bauhaus artist Joseph Albers, this modern area rug amalgamates the intriguing tones of emerald greens, sage greens, and basil to very well complement the light hardwood floors. The off-white background on the rug tends to blend with the floors to create a cohesive balance.

And since this rug is stain-resistant, water-resistant, and machine washable, you can use it in the high-traffic areas of your home.

Hand Braided Denim Rug

Love the feel of monochromatic hues with a tinge of contrast? Well, this ivory and blue area rug is bound to add a spark of joy and nature to your space. Combined with extreme comfort and rich texture, this hand-braided rug feels absolutely soft and warm underneath the feet.

This rug will blend with your existing light hardwood floors to foster a wholesome experience. Moreover, this unique piece of a rug is pet-friendly and is quite easy to clean.

Navy Blue Eden Rug

Navy blue is a timeless and sophisticated tone that will undoubtedly add charm and elegance to your light hardwood floors. The existing blue, ivory, beige, gold, and light blue tends to add a cool, relaxed, and calm aura to the room.

So, whether you have white oak, red birch, ash, or soft maple floors – this navy blue area rug will shine bright phenomenally! Also, don’t ignore the authentic medallion in the center of the rug.

Chocolate Jute Tasseled Rug

If you have kids and pets at home, this chocolate-toned jute tasseled rug is something to have an eye on. With a rustic and organic feel, this tone is a great option to choose if you are looking for a bold monochromatic hue.

Thick and durable, this is one of the best color rugs for light hardwood floors. And do you know why it feels so cohesive and seamless? Well, that is because it belongs to the same color family as your floors.

Pink Medallion Area Rug

Quite unique, quirky, and feminine – this pink medallion rug adds a bohemian flair to your home. With your existing beige-base lighter hardwood floors, the beautiful pink tends to protrude out and make a subtle and calm backdrop.

Moreover, this rug has a low pile height and can be used with kids and pets at home. Lastly, you must note that this rug can be incorporated anywhere in your home – from kitchens, entryways, dining room, living room, to kid’s rooms. 

Gray Solid Shag Rug

To contradict your existing lighter hardwood floors, this solid gray shag rug is bound to play eye-catchy and phenomenal. So, if the existing hardwood floors have a dominant warmer tone, you can add a cool-toned rug to play a contrast.

This rug has a simplistic and delicate design which feels quite soft and plush underneath the feet. Furthermore, the tassels around the rug will add a playful yet chic character to the floors.

Amalfi Multicolored Rug

Well, you don’t always have to look for darker-colored rugs for light wood floors. Sometimes, you can play quirky and creative by splashing multicolored hues on your rug. The amalgamation of blues, reds, golden, and green definitely complements your lighter hardwood floors here.

Moreover, you can always add multicolored prints and patterns on your throw pillows, throw blankets, and decorative accents to create a cohesive background.

River Black and White Rug

One of the best color rugs for light hardwood floors is a combination of black and white in an intriguing mid-century style pattern. Not only does this rug add visual interest to the floors but also complements the light hardwood floors, seamlessly.

Generally, this is a great option if you don’t want to introduce a hint of color. Remember, black and white will always play timeless and sophisticated! 

Purple Mosaic Rug

A bright tone like purple, mauve, and wine can be a gorgeous addition to light hardwood floors. Apart from proving to be a game-changer in the room, this rug can also add a sense of vibrancy and vividness!

So, whether you want to embrace a traditional, Shabby Chic, or vintage style – this rug is a good-to-go product for all the above circumstances. And it will never disappoint you! 

Jora Gold Rug

Not necessarily the yellow, but sometimes gold plays magical with your light hardwood floors. However, not to ignore the dark navy backdrop that captures the illustrating depth and texture of the rug. 

And since the fall season is right around the corner, why not create an aura to get you all excited for the upcoming winter season? 

Off-White Flokati Rug

If you want to add a cozy touch to your hardwood floors, one of the best ways to achieve the look is by simply laying out an off-white fur rug that feels both soft and plush to the underneath of your foot.

It tends to sustain the hue of your original hardwood floors while making the space look welcoming and warm. Even though darker rugs look dashing on lighter floors, there is no doubt that these lighter rugs equally play magic!

Summing It Up

Darker rugs or lighter rugs? Well, everything boils down to one simple question – what vibe do you want to create in your space? You can choose to be as free-spirited and relaxed as boho or as stringent and sophisticated as contemporary. So, with these above-mentioned color rugs for light hardwood floors, are you particularly convinced to use any?