White rugs: They can be an aesthetically clean, calming, neutral addition to your home, adding a soft touch to kids’ rooms, living spaces, and anywhere in between. However, many people see white rugs and only see a mess to clean up. And we get it! If not properly cared for, white and cream rugs can become stained over time. But if you follow simple care instructions and take appropriate precaution, white rugs can stand up to the wear and tear of your household for years to come.
Here, we’ll walk you through why white rugs can make a great addition to your home, how to care for them, and a few of our favorite ideas for incorporating them into your space.
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Are white rugs a bad idea?
They’re not—we promise! So many of our favorite spaces have white or cream rugs rolled out. If you’re extra worried about yours getting dirty, we have a few tips to help keep them clean. First: Consider rolling them out in places in your home that have less foot traffic, like an office or in bedrooms. This way, they’re less likely to get stains from dirty shoes or an unexpected spill.
And second: Try a white or cream washable rug! Each style in our washable collection is designed to hold up to whatever life throws its way. Spaghetti sauce? A glass of red wine? Muddy shoes after playtime? No matter what is spilled or caked on our washable rugs, all you have to do is toss them in the wash and they’ll be good as new. You can learn more about washable rugs here!
How to Clean a White Rug
First things first: Whenever you see a spot on your white rug, don’t panic! Cleaning up messes off furniture and rugs is an inevitable part of living, and we’ll get through this together! Here’s how:
For regular maintenance, vacuum. This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s even more important to include your white and cream rugs in your regular vacuuming rotation. That’s because dirt and dust can pile up in the rug’s fibers and cause discoloration over time. So give your rug a good vacuum every week to keep it looking sharp!
For spills, mud, and accidents: Spot clean.
- Blot, don’t rub! Grab a clean cloth and gently dab at the stain to get up as much liquid as possible before applying a cleaning solution. Rubbing could force the mess further into the rug and make it more difficult to get out.
- Clean the spot. Find your favorite rug detergent or a diluted solution of clear dish soap. Dip a clean cloth into the solution, and blot at the spot again, gently rubbing but not scrubbing. Dab at the area with a cloth and clean, warm water to remove the soap. Repeat for especially stubborn spots.
How to Decorate with White Rugs
Round Out a Neutral Palette
Are you a fan of the all-neutral look? We definitely are! Rolling out a white or cream rug is a great way to keep the neutral theme going in your space, creating a background layer that feels warm but doesn’t overpower what’s happening in the rest of the room. Try a rug with subtle texture or pattern woven in the pile for a little extra visual interest.
Layer Away
One of our favorite ways to add a little extra oomph to a space is by layering one rug on top of another. It’s the perfect way to create a character-filled, cozy space worthy of a magazine. We love the idea of using a white or cream rug as the base to a busier, patterned style. It’ll ground the room and make the space feel cohesive and warm.
Add Tactile Texture
If you’re worried about a white rug feeling too boring in your space, turn to texture to add extra interest! White and cream rugs come in a number of wonderfully cozy, tactile textures—think carved geometric motifs, sumptuous shags, tasseled edges, and so much more. Try one out, and prepare to be amazed at all the character and charm it brings in!
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Cozy Up a Kids’ Room
We’re constantly seeing white rugs rolled out in nurseries and kids’ rooms. And for good reason! Their subdued look pairs perfectly with the sweet, soft decor you often see in these types of spaces. Our tip is to try a style with shaggy, sumptuous textures, which will feel great under little feet during playtime.
Create a Soft Spot
If you’re wanting to just dip your toe into the white and cream rug trend, here’s how to do it: with a thoughtfully placed faux sheepskin rug! Go with a larger size like in the living room above for an all-over look, or try out a smaller size to add a cozy, comfy vibe to petite spots. Feel free to move it around until you find the perfect place!
