This summer, home décor is all about bright-colored area rugs that celebrate the warm, breezy weather. Designers are favoring reds, yellows, and oranges, all powerful hues representing the energy and passion of the season. But sometimes, all that warmth can be overwhelming—who would really want a fiery red rug when it’s already scorching outside? If you want to be a bit different this summer, try decorating with blue area rugs instead. It’s a great way to keep things cool around the home while still staying in style for the season.

Not all blue rugs will work for your home, of course. Before taking your pick, you’ll want to consider your décor theme and decide what kind of rug will best fit in. Do you want a bold modern rug, or a medium-toned one in a classical design? Could you use more than one rug in a room? Blue rugs come in all shades and patterns, so there’ll always be one that suits your tastes. If you’re not sure how to start, here’s a quick buying guide to help you out.

Decide where to put it.

The great thing about blue rugs is that they can work pretty much anywhere in the home. You can even put one in every room and create a sort of unifying theme. But that doesn’t mean you can just grab one rug and place it anywhere. Just as every room has a purpose, so does each rug—and you want to make sure it matches up. That’s why your first step should be to determine the room’s purpose and what kind of rug would best serve it.

If you want something that’s all-purpose, you may want to look into outdoor area rugs. Usually made from tough polypropylene, they’re designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and look like new even after years of regular traffic. Look for a material that’s colorfast, or able to retain its colors. Since blue rugs are usually dyed, you want to make sure they don’t blot onto your floor or fade with subsequent washings.

Choose an interesting pattern.

Blue works well as a solid color, but sometimes it helps to give it a bit of variety. If most of the room consists of plain solid surfaces, choose a blue rug with a pattern that incorporates other colors or shades. That way the room doesn’t get overpowered with blue, and you get a nice new texture to give your space more character. There are all sorts of patterns to choose from, so just go for one that suits your current décor theme.

If you like a lot of color in your room, consider getting braided rugs. Braided rugs are made by knotting together several pieces of cord, rather than the cut pile used on other rugs. This gives it a flatter, more even finish, and creates an interesting abstract pattern. Most people associate braided rugs with country décor, but a blue braided rug can work pretty much anywhere. Use it in the middle of the room to accent your floor, as a pad for your furniture, or as a centerpiece for a small gathering space.

Pair it with warm colors.

Blue is considered a cool color; some people even call it the coolest color in the spectrum. It evokes images of water, ice, freshness and wind, all the things we miss in the summer season. To make your blue rug the perfect summer piece, pair it with warm colors to add a nice contrast and really bring out its appeal. Use a blue rug with red or yellow accessories for a striking visual effect that’s sure to impress.

If your room is large enough, try using a blue rug on one side and southwestern area rugs on the other. Southwestern rugs are known for their vibrant, sunset-inspired colors, offering a mix of cool green and purple with warm red and rust hues. With a blue rug, this makes the perfect accent piece for your room. Just make sure they’re close enough together so the contrast is noticeable, but not so close that they overlap.

Set the right mood.

One can evoke all sorts of moods with a blue rug. A pale blue piece evokes a serene, relaxing atmosphere, while a royal blue one conveys elegance and sophistication. A bluish gray can make your room look soft and ethereal. That’s why you should choose your rug wisely—it has to accurately reflect your style, but also look good with the rest of the room.

For a nice summer piece, try the Prairie Rugs Aqua Marine Blue Cotton Rug. Light and cheerful, it offers a refreshing splash of color to a wood or tile floor. The sky-blue color makes it ideal for dim or enclosed spaces where natural light is limited. And it’s made from 100% cotton, so it’s also great for temporary outdoor use when you want to enjoy the sun.

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