Rugs come in all shapes and sizes, but traditionally, most rugs come in rectangular or square designs. Much of interior design relies on boxes, angles, and perfectly round circles, but an unexpected oval can help you think outside the box and create something unique in your space. Oval rugs can seamlessly integrate into your design and shake things up a bit, providing some geometric freedom and an elegant surprise for those seeing your home for the first time.
Oval rugs provide some much-needed relief from the endless sea of squares, rhombuses, and trapezoids that modern homes rely on for structural integrity. In the world of contemporary design, oval rugs act as the ultimate neutral shape to contrast with the clean lines and angles that come with the rest of the decor. Bold, intricate designs woven into oval rugs can draw attention to their unique shape, or simple, natural colors can mute them into a gentle background for whatever style decision you make.
Oval Rugs: An Infinite Loop of Styles
Traditionally, hand-woven rugs in the earlier part of American design came in oval form, especially when they were braided. But these days, there are many different styles of oval rugs available to incorporate into your home design.
Moroccan rugs: The simple, geometric design of a Moroccan rug contrasts with the gentle curves of an oval shape. Whether you want a bold Moroccan rug or a soft neutral one like this Gray Moroccan Trellis Area Rug, an oval form will emphasize the unique symmetry in the rug’s design.
Striped rugs: The bold, aggressive stripes in a chevron-striped rug or the reflective, symmetrical herringbone rug can make a focal point in your room or reflect the natural light from a window. Place an oval rug like this Blue Reverse Herringbone Area Rug in your entryway to make it feel a little longer and a little bigger.
Braided rugs: Braided rugs traditionally came in oval form since they were made from cotton strips by both Indigenous tribes and early American settlers. These days, braided rugs come in all shapes, but their historical oval form is still the best, offering a restful, infinite sea of ovals to gaze into, like a natural pond in your garden. Rugs like this Natural Braided Bengal Jute Area Rug can be the background on which you build your entire design.
Design Ideas with Oval Rugs: A Cornucopia of Possibilities
Oval rugs lend themselves well to interior design. They help identify certain spaces that are meant to be used for specific purposes, fit into spaces that might be challenging to place a rug in, and offer endless design opportunities. Here are just a few ideas to try in your own home.
Pair with Other Geometric Shapes
The square tiles on your bathroom floor, the rectangular hardwood slats in your hallway, or the already-carpeted square in your living room can provide a geometric harmony with an oval rug. Consider a long, rectangular table on an equally long oval rug in your dining room, or perhaps an oval rug in your upstairs hallway next to the banister with thin, narrow lines. For even more geometric fun, choose an oval rug with a unique design like this Fading Herati Medallion Area Rug in beige and layer it with this Natural Natural Double Pelt Sheepskin 2′ x 5′ 7″ Area Rug.
Create a Craft Corner
Oval rugs, especially braided rugs, can inspire creativity. If you enjoy crocheting dolls or creating hand-carved pieces in the corner of your home, lay an oval braided rug like this colorful Braided Area Rug in ivory in the unused space in your kitchen that was meant to be a breakfast nook or the hard-to-decorate space downstairs in the basement. Set up baskets to hold your craft materials behind a table big enough to contain all your creativity.
The Perfect Bedside Rug
If you’re looking for the bedside rug of your dreams, an oval rug can help connect your bedroom to make it the oasis you’ve always wanted. Gentle curves extend under your bed and around your nightstand to encompass your side of the bed and make it a little island getaway when it’s time to get some shut-eye. This Blue-Faded Star Petal Emblem Area Rug can make your bedroom feel comfortable in the morning and the evening with its faded design and yet bold pattern.
Circle Back to Your Outdoor Space with an Oval Rug
Your front porch or your back deck can benefit from the gracious curves of an oval rug. Place a small oval rug in front of your front door, under your porch swing for a soft landing, or in the center of your potted plants border on your deck. Designs like this tropical Multi Tropical Foliage Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug can help make your outdoor space seem greener, especially during the months when the natural foliage isn’t in full bloom.
Find Your Oval Rug at Rugs USA
Whether you want to embrace oval rugs completely and make them the centerpiece of your living room or whether you want a simple, small oval rug to accent a doorway or a small hutch, Rugs USA has the vast selection of oval rugs you need to match your space.
