“Rugs really set the tone in a room,” says Catherine Connolly, CEO of Merida Studio, a natural rug company that makes all of its rugs using natural materials. They can make a space feel cozy and warm in the winter or bright and fresh in the spring. A good rug has the power to pull all of your furniture pieces together and tie all of your decor elements into a cohesive look. So, there's no better time to put all of your cold-weather sheepskin rugs in storage and replace them with something lighter.
“Jute rugs are a great pick for the living room as they have tightly, industrial spun jute yarns for the ultimate in durability,” explains Connolly. “They are often braided and a pleasure to walk on with the ideal underfoot softness.” Another bonus of rugs made from natural fibers? They are so easy to clean—a factor that should be at the top of your list when you go rug shopping.
“This is especially important in living rooms and dens where one might like to entertain guests or have kids play as the weather warms up and the living room becomes more of a high traffic area of the home,” Connolly adds.
She also suggests looking into area rugs made from animal fibers such as sheep and alpaca as they have natural enzymes that facilitate cleaning as well. Plus, they are incredibly durable.
Now peruse our favorite rugs that will wow your guests and give your living room an instant makeover.
Serena & Lily Mardone Jute Rug
Rugs made from natural fibers like this handwoven jute one will breathe a fresh vibe into any room. While it is monochromatic, it is anything but boring—the quilt-inspired design, with its geometric forms, is eye-catching in an understated way. Jute rugs are also very beachy so if you’re looking to add a summer vibe to your home, you really can’t go wrong with this one.
To buy: $2,698; serenaandlily.com
Crate & Barrel Vaughn Modern Grey Rug
We love versatile rugs that can work in multiple rooms and this one fits the bill. Its color—an almost solid light grey—looks sophisticated and will add dimension to any room. It would perfectly complement a space with a modern or mid-century modern aesthetic. It is handwoven from a wool-viscose blend that is easy to clean and holds up well in rooms with a lot of traffic.
To buy: from $500; crateandbarrel.com
West Elm Campo Rug
This beautiful reversible flatweave rug is handwoven from a wool and cotton blend. We love the ethnic design and the sun-bleached look of the colors—it gives off a vintage vibe that would match well with a boho-inspired interior. The rug comes in nine sizes so even if you would just like to freshen up your reading corner and are looking for a small-size rug or a runner, West Elm has it in stock.
To buy: from $200; westelm.com
Horchow Sophia Hand-Knotted Rug
With its blues and yellows, it reminds us of a sunny day spent outside and it is exactly that bright and airy vibe that makes it so perfect for this season. It is a hand-knotted rug, which means it would shed considerably less than hand-tufted rugs so it is perfect for a high-traffic area such as your living room.
To buy: $6,299; horchow.com
Heja Home Caitie Vintage Moroccan Rug
Moroccan rugs are world-famous for their beautiful designs and great quality. But you don’t have to jet off to the Northern African country to get your hands on an authentic rug. This one-of-a-kind area rug has been made entirely by hand in Morocco and sports vivid diamond patterns in reds and neutrals. It is definitely a statement-making piece of décor so we would recommend you don’t place a coffee table over it.
To buy: $2,850; luluandgeorgia.com
Jonathan Adler Camel Crawford Reversible Peruvian Flat Weave Rug
Looking to add a pop of color to your living room? Jonathan Adler’s eclectic yet elegant aesthetic is always a sure bet. The Crawford rug dons a classic diamond pattern in camel and grey that will instantly revive any room and transform it into a (very stylish) oasis. This rug is hand-loomed in Peru by artisan weavers using llama and sheep wool.
To buy: $3,200; jonathanadler.com
Lulu & Georgia AnJolie Rug
If you live in a home with a modern aesthetic, this contemporary rug in black and white will fit right in. The pattern has architectural and geometric influences that will pair well with sleek, minimalist furniture. This is a low-pile hand-knotted rug made from viscose so shedding will not be an issue.
To buy: $170; luluandgeorgia.com
