If you’ve ever tried to buy area rugs online, you’ve probably noticed the wide range of colors and designs—from solid colors to intricate prints, vintage styles to chic and modern. We’ve really come a long way from the plain spreads that were popular back in the day. These days, when you walk into a rug store, the question isn’t really whether you’ll find what you need, but which of the many choices will work for you. Sometimes, with all the options on the shelf, it’s hard to choose just one.

But who said you had to limit yourself? In the age of modern décor, it’s all about variety. The best modern homes offer a stylish mix of the old and new, dark and light, simple and elaborate. If you can’t choose between one or the other, go ahead and get both—there’s always a way to make them work together. By adding contrast and variety to your home, you give it a lot more variety and loads of character. If you’re not sure you can pull it off, read on for a few easy tips.

Contrast in color

The easiest way to achieve contrast is to use contrasting colors. Simply take a pair of solid color rugs in clashing colors, and put them at different spots in the same room. As long as they both complement your existing room colors, they’ll fit in perfectly and add a nice splash of color. Some of the most popular pairs are yellow and black, pink and brown, and red and blue. Try to emphasize the contrast by getting them in similar shapes or sizes, or putting them on opposite sides.

If your room is too small to fit two rugs, look for a patterned rug featuring two or more contrasting colors. You’ll most likely find this in the modern rugs section, since modern design is all about bold color combinations. Stick to simple patterns like stripes, checks or polka dots so the colors can really stand out. Put them in the middle of the room or on a patch of bare floor so that the patterns are clearly visible.

Contrast in texture

What if your room already has lots of color and you want a more toned-down area rug? Try experimenting with rug textures instead. Many contemporary area rugs are made with texture variations; that is, some areas are thinner, thicker, or smoother than others. Often, the variations form a pattern or picture on the rug, so they keep the artistic touch going even if it’s just a solid color. This can come in handy when you want to add visual interest, but don’t want to overload your room with colors.

Can’t find a textured rug you like? Just get a couple of smaller rugs in different materials. A combination of synthetic and natural fibers will create a subtle contrast that’s very chic and elegant. For example, you can take a bamboo area rug and pair it with a shag or wool piece. Keep the contrast moderate by choosing similar shades or colors, and spacing them evenly around the room.

Contrast in patterns

Area rugs come in all sorts of patterns and prints, so it’s really fun to experiment with them. Before the advent of modern design, you wouldn’t even think of pairing geometric area rugs with vintage Persian pieces. But today, it’s not only possible—it’s actually fashionable. There are even so-called "transitional rugs" that combine elements from different design eras in a single stylish piece. And if they can pull it off, there’s no reason why you can’t do it on your own!

It does take a good eye to make pattern contrasts work. If you’re not sure you can do it, start with something simple, such as natural and contemporary patterns. Combine soft, nature-inspired designs like wood, floral or leaf with sleek, sharp geometric shapes. Even when put next to each other, they still look great together and create a nice focal point for the room.

Contrast in shape

You’re probably more familiar with square or rectangular rugs, but manufacturers have also started making shaped area rugs—from round and oval to stars, hearts and flowers. These shapes add an interesting dimension to the room and put it in a whole new perspective, especially when combined with more traditional pieces. If your room has plain walls and corners, a shaped rug does a great job of softening the space.

If your room is larcge enough, you can consider coordinating your space with similar colored or patterned rugs, but in different shapes. For example, you can put a round rug under a small coffee table, and a rectangular rug in the same pattern on the other side of the room. This keeps a clean, uniform look going without making the room look dull or boring.

Tags: contemporary area rugs | contemporary area rugs | buy area rugs online | buy area rugs online | geometric area rugs | geometric area rugs | solid color rugs | solid color rugs | shaped area rugs | shaped area rugs