When you think of a farmhouse, you probably think of wood beneath your feet. Definitely not carpet and certainly not cold marble or chic tile. Although wood flooring brings to mind warmth and coziness, having a few area rugs keeps your toes toasty and can really tie a room together.
In This Article We'll Discuss
An Assorted Mix For Farmhouse Rugs
One of the hallmarks of this popular trend is that there is a good balance of old and new. Definitely don’t go “country kitsch” and don’t buy everything at the same store. Part of the farmhouse style’s charm is that it looks as though the furniture and décor have been acquired over time: a wedding gift here, a store-bought item there, and a flea-market find thrown in.
Farmhouse means different things to different people—after all, farms exist everywhere from the European countryside to the Western prairies.
Here are a few of the more common styles:
- French Farmhouse
- Coastal Farmhouse
- Colonial Farmhouse
- Traditional Farmhouse
- Modern Farmhouse
Once you have decided on the style you want, it’s time to pick your rugs.
Farmhouse Rug Materials
Jute:
Avoiding bright colors is a must in the farmhouse style. Jute is naturally neutral, as its fibers are a shade between off-white and cocoa. Designers refer to it as the “golden fiber” due to its pleasing color and stellar reputation. Jute rugs are more durable than most, which is great if you have children or pets. Shake to clean.
Wool:
Wool rugs are the ultimate low maintenance choice. An advantage of wool is that it is naturally stain resistant because of the natural lanolin coating which protects the wool from dirt. Also, wool is sustainable (eco-friendly). Vacuum to clean.
Cotton:
There are a lot of color and pattern choices when choosing classic cotton. Cotton rugs are less expensive than jute or wool, and have a more casual, softer look. They feel softer, too. However, cotton rugs may fade and will not last as long as the above-two popular choices. Put in a washing machine to clean, then air-dry.
The above are just a few of the most popular materials. You can also find rugs made of sisal, seagrass, bamboo, hemp, silk, and even animal-skin. Most handwoven, natural-fiber rugs will look fine as they have the homespun quality which evokes the simple farmhouse style you are going for.
Plush vs Low-Pile Farmhouse Rugs
Plus isn’t practical and brings to mind a penthouse in a high-rise more so than a rambling farmhouse. Therefore, choose low-pile whenever possible. Even the thinner mat-style is preferable to plush. But if you must, use plush rugs sparingly and in smaller sizes.
Top Farmhouse Rug Sizes and Shapes
The size and shape of your farmhouse rugs depends on where they will be and how high-traffic the area is.
Large:
Big rugs are best in big rooms, like the den. Some people like to place their sofa and coffee table on top of the rug, making these items to the centerpiece of the home. While it can look great, the drawback is that it makes it harder to clean the rug.
Medium:
Medium sized rugs look great by themselves and can add more personality to a room when they sport a nice, understated pattern (remember: no bold designs in the farmhouse style). Since they are less likely to be anchored by furniture, it’s a good idea to tack these rugs down to avoid slippage.
Small:
Littler rugs are perfect for your feet in front of the sink while doing dishes, or to be waiting for you when you step out of the shower or bathtub. Cotton is probably your best choice here, as moisture is not good for jute and wool.
Oval:
This shape compliments the easygoing country style, avoiding sharp angles and straight edges. It is best for small and medium-sized rugs.
Square:
This shape is best for large rugs.
Round:
This shape is good for large and medium rugs.
Runner:
These rugs are long and narrow. Runners are usually used on staircases, narrow hallways, and the entrance of the home.
Top Colors For Farmhouse Rugs
While eclectic is good when it comes to your farmhouse aesthetic, certain color-schemes will work better than others with the style you have chosen. For example, if you like the French Farmhouse flair, then you probably have a lot of whites and pastels. Coastal Farmhouse chic favors blue-grays, while the Rustic Farmhouse boasts earth tones. Just be careful to avoid the matchy-matchy look.
Best Patterns for Farmhouse Rugs
The patterns you choose can help break up any overly matched colors. For example, if you have solid colors and no patterns on your smallest area rugs, then go with a distinct design on the bigger ones.
Herringbone:
Herringbone is a favorite, because it can be texturized on a same-colored surface and still give the impression of a pattern without actually being one.
Southwestern:
This pattern offers some pops of color without being too flashy. Look for one that is distressed and faded; you can get away with color combos of cream, coral, turquoise, fuchsia, navy, soft pink, olive green, terra cotta, red, and butterscotch without overwhelming the eye.
Diamond:
Diamond is a classic that will never go out of style. Even though its angles are sharp a straight, when paired with an over shape and/or fringed ends, this pattern looks like a million bucks.
Vintage:
Soft, muted, even faded, vintage designs are perfect for evoking the farmhouse feel. Think of grandma’s handmade quilt when you go bargain-hunting for a vintage rug.
- The oushak pattern often has a center medallion with a complimenting border.
- Swedish style has a folk-art vibe, showing off overlapping geometric patterns.
- Oval braided rugs with contrasting colors scream vintage.
While the pattern choices can be overwhelming, here are a few to avoid:
- Farm animal-shaped rugs. Cows and pigs belong in the barn, not under your feet.
- Sheepskin. Yes, it’s natural, and yes, sheep live on farms, but it’s not P.C. (politically correct). If you love the look, it’s easy to find faux.
- Hearts. Whether it’s in shape or pattern, hearts are just too cutesy and too 1980s for the practical, no-nonsense farmhouse feel that is on-trend now.
Now that you have an idea of the material, shape, size and pattern of the rug or rugs you’re going to buy, get out there and find them. Online shopping is certainly convenient (Etsy and Wayfair are real rabbit-holes!), but we suggest you try thrifting or going to a swap meet where you can see and feel the rugs in real life. Bricks and mortar stores like Pottery Barn or World Market are good bets, too.
12 Cool Farmhouse Rugs You’ll Love & Should Consider
Safavieh Adirondack Collection Ivory and Silver
This Oriental-inspired rug is perfect for the rule-benders who have a more bold, eclectic farmhouse. Crafted of enhanced polypropylene yarns, this rug is both stylish and has that vintage vibe.
Safavieh Natura Collection NAT102A Hand-woven
This rug is more traditional farmhouse than the one above, boasting the diamond pattern we highlighted. The fact that it is handwoven gives it a homey feel. The rug is vacuumable and, according to reviewers, it does not shed.
Safavieh Adirondack Collection ADR104N
This rug has a chevron pattern that is reminiscent of the art deco design era, which will add style and class to your farmhouse aesthetic. It is power-loomed and the polypropylene pile fiber adds durability and longevity.
Safavieh Montauk Collection MTK341D
Handwoven using premium cotton, this delightful design comes in several colors, including a not-too-bright red. One reviewer writes, “Not only does the natural cotton material give it a soft, full-bodied feel, the colors are also soft with just the right amount of geometric interest.”
nuLOOM Vernazza Striped Area Rug
Simple, but stands out. This pretty striped rug is kid and pet friendly, and is easy to clean, as it is made from polypropelene. (Polypropelene rugs are designed to look like sisal, but they are actually made from synthetic fibers.)
Luxe Weavers Euston Gray
his rug would look great in a French or Coastal farmhouse, thanks to its design which are reminiscent of clouds or the ocean. “The carpet is beautiful and went so well with my living room. My only complaint is that it’s a little thinner than I expected. But overall great quality for the money spent,” says one online consumer.
nuLOOM Sarina Diamonds
Here is a slightly different diamond pattern, putting the smaller shapes closer together and bisecting them with wide lines. Reviews say the gray color shown in the picture is not always what they got, so be prepared for some variation.
Artistic Weavers Bohemian
Even though this rug is billed as bohemian, it will be right at home in almost any farmhouse. The patterns are varied, without clashing. It is machine-woven in Turkey and is made of synthetic fibers for toughness and minimal shedding.
Iron Gate Handspun Jute
Here we go with a true classic—handspun jute! Not only that, this rug is reversible and durable, plus it comes in a variety of neutral shades. While some reviews say the natural fibers are a bit stiff, one purchaser wrote, “It matches my farmhouse theme perfectly and for that I love it.”
Hunter Fan Company 59264
This is a lovely rug featuring a genuine farmhouse feel with a faded, distressed design. It offers the best of both worlds with a mix of cotton and polypropelene, making it water and stain resistant, and non-shedding.
Unique Loom Trellis Frieze Collection Lattice Moroccan Geometri
This rug is pretty modern-looking, but its design could be thought of as honeycomb, bringing to mind bees and nature. You can get it in dark gray or ivory.
EARTHALL Cotton Buffalo Plaid Check
This pattern and color may be a little darker than you’d like for a soft, muted farmhouse style, but it could be perfect for an entryway or a place in your home that you want to draw attention to (and it’s even outdoor-friendly). It’s made of 80% cotton and is described as a “rag-rug.”
What is your preferred farmhouse style, and what is your own favorite decorating tip? Let us know in the comments below.