An entry runner that won't make me crazy, or our crazy rug even crazier

January 25, 2015 7:21 PM

Years ago, I couldn't resist purchasing a huge, multi-colored, very shaggy area rug, and I'd like to keep using it in our main room. We need to get a runner for our entryway, but it will sit very near this rug, and I cannot figure out what color and texture will work best. I spend a lot of time in this room, and will look at these rugs side-by-side all the time. I don't want them to look awful together. Can it be done?

We prefer to spend under $200, but are willing to consider up to $300 for a perfect fit. The runner should probably be 10'-12' long. I prefer to shop online even if it means purchasing a few options and returning what doesn't work, but we live in large metro area and can access lots of stores in person, too.

This is the area rug. The colors in that picture seem true-to-life to me, most notably that the light green is blended enough with the surrounding blues that it's not really quite as bright as it may otherwise appear online or in the images below.

Our floors are light oak, and we've tried to style neutral shades and fabrics around this crazy rug.

Here is an off-center picture of the entryway, where you can see the blue-purple part of the area rug.

Here is a picture of the green-ish TV stand that sits on that side.

Here is a picture of the blue-ish chairs and beige-ish couch on the lime-green side, opposite the entryway.

I suspect we should pick up a solid runner in one of those teal, slate, or beige shades and select a pile height/weave that is as opposite of shag as possible. Like this? Or this? Or maybe we match the shag but avoid a real color like this?

I am totally willing to be wrong about all of those things.

Other factors: We have cats but no kids, and this will obviously be a highly trafficked area. I don't mind vacuuming, but I don't want the runner to fall apart from high-traffic use. We already own a high-quality pad for the runner.

posted by calcetinporfavor to Home & Garden (8 answers total)

I want to rub my feet on that rug and never stop.

For me, I think you're unlikely to find something that really 'goes' with such a bold piece. So I'd either go really really neutral and flat, or find something similarly bold--too much is too much, but way too much is just right.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 7:52 PM on January 25, 2015 [1 favorite]

I think I'd go for an absolutely neutral color in a totally different texture and weave. I did a google image search for sea grass runner and there were a lot of nice examples.
posted by Klaxon Aoooogah at 7:53 PM on January 25, 2015

I would go dark blue. I think the runner in the first image is too casual though, if I'm not mistaken it's got a rough weave to it?
I wouldn't go too flat either, I'm thinking mid height pile.
I think neutral not fit the feel of the room, based on the other rug, chairs, and coffee table, which have a very slightly moddish feel to them.
posted by newpotato at 8:35 PM on January 25, 2015 [3 favorites]

Not neutral. Too jarring a change. Try a dark blue first, or maybe the darkest green. Buy and try--ask if you can return if it doesn't work.
posted by BlueHorse at 9:22 PM on January 25, 2015 [1 favorite]

What color are your cats? I've had several navy blue carpets over the years and ye gods, it is essentially impossible to vacuum all the light colored pet hair out of it such that it doesn't look gross.

My personal recommendation would be slate gray in a flat weave or low pile.
posted by drlith at 5:09 AM on January 26, 2015

I would definitely got for a dark blue. I find that going too neutral often highlights exactly what you are hoping to neutralise. Embrace the colours you have rather than go "eeep, crazy rug, must have calm colours next to it".
posted by kariebookish at 6:20 AM on January 26, 2015 [1 favorite]

I like the idea of going green in a different texture. Something like this, assuming the color is close to the green in your fabulous rug.
posted by idest at 6:42 PM on January 26, 2015

What about a sisal or jute rug? They're neutral and durable, but naturally have texture so they're not super boring or anything.

I bet you could even get away with one with a geometric pattern - your current rug is bold, but the transition between the colors is soft and gentle, so a neutral colored, flat woven, geometric jute might provide a nice contrast.

Something like this, this, this, or this? This is a little bolder, but could work (depending on the rest of your decor.)
posted by cimton at 3:58 PM on January 28, 2015