Learn How to Find the Perfect Rug for Your Island-Inspired Décor. Tips for Choosing the Best Materials, Sizes, Weaves & Patterns

When it comes to decorating a home, a rug should not be seen simply as an accessory. Rather, it’s an important component that serves many functions as it helps to set the tone and create a chic and stylish living space. Floor textiles create the perfect base which adds warmth, texture, and color to a room. They tie the whole look of the room together. Whether you want to achieve a coastal or lush tropical look, the right rug can recreate that feeling of being close to the ocean. It’s an easy way to bring the tropics into your home and to create relaxing visions of walking barefoot along the shoreline, feeling the warmth of white, gleaming sand between your toes as you gaze at the crystalline waters, while savoring the scent of the salty ocean air.

In the guide below, we’ll show you how to capture the spirit of the tropics using area rugs and how to integrate them into the aesthetics of your space for a complete and unified look. To help you find the best rugs for your needs, we’ll talk about different types of materials, sizes, and various exotic patterns that are available as well as common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also find tips about basic layering techniques and a few inspirational ideas that can help you to successfully use rugs in your own exotic getaway at home.

How Important Are Rugs In Styling Your Home?

Having floor coverings in your home unifies and finishes the whole space. You can place them under dining room tables, under the coffee tables, or in entryways to create balance and add functionality. You can pair them up with other furniture pieces like accent chairs and wall art to create cozy places for socializing, working, or simply relaxing. When used correctly, they can elevate any room, indoors or outdoors.

Here are some of the benefits of using area rugs:

• Added warmth and comfort
• Padded support for standing zones (kitchen sinks, kitchen islands, in front of stoves, etc.)
• Added visual depth, color, and textural interest
• Grounding spaces and anchoring furniture
• Protection of floors in high-traffic areas
• Additional brightness where natural light is limited
• Connecting and dividing separate spaces

Noise reduction (smaller ones can be used as wall art and will provide even more noise reduction!)

Livabliss long outdoor area rug. Photo Credit: Amazon.com

Tips About How To Decorate In Tropical Style With Area Rugs

Rugs are like floor art that complement the entire room design. If you are planning to decorate your space in tropical style, here’s how to choose the best rug for your space:

• Color palettes: If your furnishings are mostly in neutral colors or in natural wood tones, then you can easily opt for lively colored floor coverings which feature vivid oranges and corals, bold fuchsias and teals, and bright aquas along with other blues that evoke ocean colors. If, however, the majority of your furnishings already feature lots of bold and bright colors, then to keep things balanced and not have visual competition between your floors and furnishings, choose rugs that are more neutral with colors such as greys, beiges, off-whites, creams, and warm browns.
• Inspirations from nature: Choose rugs with natural or abstract patterns or designs that mimic the shapes found in the natural surroundings of exotic locations. These would include patterns with leaves, florals, palm trees, coral, ocean waves, etc. The idea is to bring the outside in and to create a serene connection with nature.
• Woven pieces: To keep things interesting, especially when you have more than one floor area which needs that special textured accent, include woven rugs or mats made of sisal, jute, or seagrass. These are excellent choices to achieve that authentic, beachy vibe.
• Consider light: If your room is bright and spacious and has lighter flooring, a darker colored rug can add some contrast and depth to it. For rooms with less natural light, especially those with darker floors, it’s best to go with light colored pieces.
• Accessorize with plants and wicker: If you are decorating in tropical style, you most likely have lots of indoor tropical plants as well. Whether these are real or fake, make sure the type of plants and their pots or containers pair well with your rug choices. Wicker furniture always blends in well with area rugs and enhances tropical looks.
• Consider patterns: Tropical patterns tend to be oversized. Motifs such as banana leaves, palm leaves, or florals are usually big and bold. If your rug has these large motifs or large pattern designs, other fabrics used in upholstered pieces and in window treatments should preferably feature smaller patterns or even better, be in solid colors. This helps to keep the overall look balanced and reduces visual competition.
• Tropical style woven rugs: Choose natural woven materials which are in earthy tones. Or if you prefer a more bold look, go for vibrant greens for a jungle vibe or shades of blue which bring in the feel of the ocean.

Types of Weaves

In this section, we’ll talk about different weaves, their properties and defining characteristics, and how they can fit your needs. But first, it is important to understand what “pile” means when it comes to carpets and rugs because pile height and thickness do effect where certain types of rugs will work in your home and where they won’t.

The word “pile” defines the height of carpet fibers and is used to describe the thickness of the rug or carpet. The pile is measured from the backing of the carpet or rug to the surface, this can be measured using a ruler or tape measure. Carpets and rugs have either a low, medium, or high pile. Low pile carpet is less than 1/4 inch high, medium pile carpet is 1/4 to 1/2 inch tall, and high pile carpet is over 1/2 inch tall. The higher the pile, the fluffier the carpet or rug will feel. The thicker the pile, the more full and luxurious they will feel.

Rugs and carpets with higher but thinner piles will still be fluffy but not as full. A good example of this is shag carpet which was hugely popular back in the 1960’s and 70’s. Shag carpets have a low density weave which means you can spread the fibers apart more easily to find the backing. They also have a very high pile of 1 to 2 inches. They are fluffy and comfortable but they are no longer as commonly used as they once were. They are harder to vacuum and keep clean, they are not the best choice for people with dust allergies, and they can easily create a dated look.

Orange shag carpet. Photo Credit: iStock by Getty Images

Regarding weave density, this matters because when combined with pile height, you need to be sure that what you are envisioning with rugs actually ends up working with the amount of foot traffic and other conditions they will have to endure. So whether you want solid colored rugs or those which are more heavily patterned, let’s briefly “get into the weeds” about densities. Otherwise, you could end with some very expensive rugs that are wearing out sooner than expected!

When rugs and carpets are made, it is the knot density that determines the density or thickness of the pile. If you are looking for rugs with a lot of patterns and  designs, this requires a higher knot density because that is what creates very detailed designs. But in order for the design to be fully visible, the rug cannot have a high fluffy pile. It has to be trimmed to a lower pile so the full design can be visible. This is why Turkish and Persian rugs which usually have very intricate designs are dense but typically have a low pile. They are usually not fluffy and soft.

It is also important to know that most lower pile rugs cannot withstand high foot traffic or have a lot of heavy furniture on them over long periods of time. Even if they have a high knot density, their low pile height makes them vulnerable to being worn down to the backing which is what makes many older rugs and carpets look thin and threadbare. So while they can be used in entryways and hallways, they need to be replaced over time if there is a lot foot traffic.

Dark Southwestern indoor area rug.  Photo Credit: Walmart

On the other hand, rugs with medium to higher piles do not require thicker densities to withstand heavier foot traffic and heavy furniture. These are better for rugs choices that have very simple patterns or are solid in color. They are fluffier and softer. If you would rather have rugs and carpets with thicker densities which also have medium or high piles, those are also available. As mentioned above, these are very full and plush. They have a luxurious feel when you walk on them and they are usually more expensive.

• Flatweave – These are typically thinly woven textiles. Since these are flat, they do not have a pile. They are very versatile and ideal for high traffic areas such as living rooms, entryways, or playrooms. Sometimes they are often reversible but since they are thin, it is advisable to use an anti-slip pad underneath. This helps to reduce any sliding around that may occur when used on smooth floor surfaces.
• Tufted – These rugs are tightly woven, they are thicker and have a higher pile height. Because they are soft, they are ideal for creating a cozy and comfortable feel in family rooms, bedrooms, lofts, dressing areas, and walk-in closets.
• Hand-knotted / hand-woven – These have the most durable construction and can last for decades when properly cared for. They are made on a large loom and have an organic look and texture. For the best results, place these in low traffic areas as most of these are low pile. Most Turkish and Persian rugs fit into this category.
• Hand-hooked / hand-looped – Hand-hooked carpets are made by pulling small loops of fiber through canvas. They have a soft, knobbed texture and a casual, coastal look. While these have a higher pile, due to how they are constructed, they are best suited for low traffic areas. To avoid damaging them, they should also not be used in spaces where chairs are frequently moved such as in dining rooms or under desk chairs in home offices.
• Machine-made – These are made using power looms and are the most versatile. The design options are endless. Since these are made in factories, they are more affordable than handmade alternatives. They are typically made of polyester and other synthetics which makes them less expensive but options made from wool and cotton are available. Different pile heights and densities are available.

Resort-style bedroom.  Photo Credit: Dallas Pro List

Materials Rugs Are Made From

Good quality rugs are not cheap and you obviously want them to last as long as possible, especially if you are using them in a busy home with lots of foot traffic. Understanding the materials used will help you to determine the functionality you need in a tropical rug and will also help you to achieve the look and feel you are after. Also, a lot of manufacturers today are focusing on more organic and sustainable materials which are more environmentally friendly.

Here is an overview of some of the more popular materials that are available which will help you to determine which ones best match your preferences.

Natural fiber and eco-friendly alternatives

• Cotton – Natural and soft, cotton is lightweight and relatively easy to maintain. However, colors do fade more quickly so these rugs do lose their vibrancy, especially when they are exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. These are best used in lower traffic areas such as in home offices and bedrooms.
• Wool – Wool rugs add luxury and insulation to the room. They are soft, warm, and are more naturally resilient to wear and tear. However, they can be more expensive to clean. They should not be used in spaces with high humidity such as in bathrooms and laundry rooms because they absorb moisture and take a very long time to dry. As with cotton rugs, they should also not be exposed to regular direct sunlight or else they will fade. With regular maintenance, these can be used in higher traffic areas such as living rooms and entryways because wool fibers are durable.
• Silk – Silk rugs are naturally lustrous as the fibers have a natural sheen to them. These rugs are rich in color and are very versatile because they take on different looks depending on the angles from which they are viewed. The direction of the nap (the side of the fibers that are visible) also can create a lot of visual interest because each side of a silk fiber has a different sheen to it. This is why when you brush a rug in one direction, it can look lighter and then when brushed in the opposite direction, it looks darker. Silk rugs are known for this so make sure this feature fits into the look you are creating. They can last a very long time when properly maintained but should be kept in rooms with low traffic areas to avoid permanent fiber damage. These are typically some of the most expensive rugs to purchase.

100% wool hand tufted rug in coral. Photo Credit: Perigold

• Natural jute, sisal & seagrass – These eco-friendly, biodegradable materials are awesome when used in tropical styling. They truly do help to achieve a relaxed and breezy oceanside ambiance. They are a great way to introduce natural texture and an organic roughness into the design. They are also wonderful when used in minimalist and modern design because they provide all the texture that is needed when other furnishings and decor are sleek, smooth, and contemporary. These natural fiber rugs are environmentally friendly, they are very durable, and they can easily be used in high traffic areas such as dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, family rooms, and living rooms.
• Hemp & bamboo – Hemp and bamboo mats are exceptionally durable, naturally resistant to moisture and have raw and earthy texture. They are also biodegradable when it comes time to replace them. They are excellent choices for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
• Recycled materials – Rugs made from different recycled materials are waterproof and sturdy which makes them perfect for outdoor living rooms, patios, decks, and poolside lounge areas. Many of them are very weather resistant and will not fade in direct sunlight.

SynSisal (recycled nylon) rug. Photo Credit: Sisal Carpet

How to Choose the Right Size

Choosing the correct rug size is critical because it directly impacts the way a room will look and feel. A poorly sized rug can make the room feel smaller if it is too big, chopped up if it is too small, cluttered if too many are used, and simply unbalanced. In order to find the appropriate rug size, we have compiled a short list of guidelines for you. Keep in mind that a slightly larger rug is always better than one that is too small. So, before going shopping:

• Living room: Measure the seating area. If you have a sofa that is floating (meaning it is not up against any walls), the rug should extend about 8 or more inches beyond it and any other floating pieces, on all sides. If your sofa is positioned against the wall, place the rug so that at least 1 foot of it is underneath the sofa. All other furniture pieces should be completely on the rug if possible.
• Dining room: Choose a size that is large enough so that all chairs remain on the rug when pulled out from the table, preferably at least 3 feet on each side of the table. Small dining tables typically pair well with 5’ x 8’ rugs. Standard 6 chair dining tables will need at least an 8’ x 10’ rug while larger tables with 8 seats or more require rugs that are at least 9’ x 12’.
• Bedroom: The rug should be wide enough to extend as far as the ends of the nightstands (18 to 24 inches past the sides of the bed) and ideally 3 feet past the foot of the bed. It should cover the area where you walk around the bed. Common rug sizes for bedrooms are 5’ x 7’ for a twin bed, 8’ x 10’ for a queen bed , and 9’ x 12’ for a king bed.
• Large rugs: When you are looking for rugs that will cover most of a room’s floor space, some free floor space between the edge of the rug and the wall should be visible. Ideally, this should be anywhere from 12 to 24 inches with 18 inches being the most common distance.

Proper rug sizes for the living room. Photo Credit: Lone Fox.

Common Motifs and Patterns And The Inspirations Behind Them

While every well-made tropical rug is beautiful on its own, many have common patterns which are worth considering because each has its own special symbolism. To truly understand their beauty, let’s take a look at the some of the patterns found in tropical rugs.

• Tribal motifs and patterns – Floor coverings with tribal motifs and patterns are very popular not only among interior designers but also with collectors from all over the world. They are not seen only as decorative accents but also as expressions of tradition, symbolism, and the weaver’s creativity. Inspired by Polynesian and other indigenous civilizations of the South Pacific, they depict the deep cultural heritage of these island communities. They often include themes that represent strength, associations with wildlife, and historical roots. They tell the tales of the people, their land and their craftsmanship. They represent a piece of their ancestral history.
• Rainforest foliage – Palm leaves, monstera leaves, and other jungle plant leaves are typical of this decorating style. They symbolize the serenity and relaxation that occurs when one is surrounded by lush tropical plant life which is what makes them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and relaxation areas. These exotic leaf patterns blend very well with both modern and traditional decorating styles making them suitable for any tropical space.
• Floral patterns – Images of exotic flowers such as orchids, hibiscus, and bird of paradise symbolize beauty, fertility, growth, and prosperity. These patterns are often associated with the warm and welcoming peaceful energy of the indigenous people of Hawaii, Micronesia, and Melanesia as they bring an inviting and friendly vibe to any room.
• Ocean-inspired motifs – Ocean scenes, wave patterns, and images of marine life all mimic the fluidity, wildlife and the dynamic beauty of the ocean. These designs and images evoke a real sense of calmness and tranquility, one that only come from the amazing blue waters of the tropics.

Blue and alabaster seahorse indoor/outdoor rug by Jaipur Living. Photo Credit: Plush rugs

4 Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing the right floor rugs is so important when you are decorating your home in tropical style because they enhance your furnishings and decor, soften your step, and add more comfort to your space. However, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when decorating with rugs.

1.      Choosing distracting or outdated patterns

While palm trees, seashells, and other beach motifs may be the first thing that comes to mind when deciding which rug will work best, avoid choosing prints and images that appear commercialized, touristy, or gimmicky because these will just cheapen your space and look tacky. Also, be very careful with prints and images that appear to have a “retro” theme or look to them because unless you have other pieces in your space that reflect the same retro concept, you can end up with something that looks out of place or outdated. In tropical spaces, you should always strive for as much authenticity as possible. So look for realistic designs that capture the true elements of tropical nature as these will complement your space in ways that are truly amazing.

Solid color rug in home office. Photo Credit: Architectural Digest

2.      Choosing the wrong colors

Vivid tropical palettes can infuse a space with warmth and a soothing energy as long as you don’t introduce too many bold colors that might clash with each other. Try to avoid visual competition. A room with too many bold colors is overpowering and chaotic. The whole color scheme should be balanced with everything complementing each other. Color schemes in rugs should enhance other design elements rather than compete with them. To avoid visual competition, we recommend sticking to no more than 3 or 4 colors which complement each other. If your room already features bold colors in paint, wallpaper, upholstery and/or wall art, then a neutral rug is your best option. However, if the rest of your space is mostly neutral, then go with some bolder colors and let your rugs do the talking! If you are unsure about whether or not you have too much or not enough color, we have a very helpful blogpost about color palettes which is sure to provide assistance!

3.      Buying high maintenance rugs

Some rugs look awesome but are not at all practical. They might absorb spills and stain easily, they might shed or won’t stand up to high foot traffic. As mentioned earlier, understanding what your rugs are made of is critical in determining where you should use them. It will also help to save you a lot of money. If you have kids, pets, and/or high traffic areas, make sure you choose rugs that are durable and stain resistant. They should be washable or at least easy to spot clean while lasting for a very long time.

4.      Overlooking the climate factor

When choosing rugs, don’t forget to consider your indoor and outdoor climates. If you live where it gets hot and humid, pay attention to where you place your rugs in your home, even if you have the latest in central air and heating systems. Humidity levels can rise and fall depending on how often doors and windows are open and even on how often hot showers occur. Some rugs which have a thick pile can trap moisture, especially if you live near the coast. This can result in rooms developing a musty odor as mildew or even mold develops. To avoid this, choose breathable, moisture-resistant materials such as cotton, jute, hemp or sisal for high humidity areas. These materials allow for air circulation and will prevent moisture buildup and any resulting mildew or mold.

Tropical dining room. Photo Credit: Muse

Layering Rugs Like A Pro

If you have large rooms which do not have a lot of oversized furniture which allows for more open floor space, or you have a home with a large open concept, you may want to consider layering your rugs. There are specific technique for this and the results can be truly amazing. Just be very mindful about where you layer your rugs because you don’t want to create any tripping hazards or obstruct any doorways.

When done correctly, rug layering can make the room more cozy and comfortable. It will also help to beautify it in a very unique way. This technique gives you a chance to add character to your room in a world where most floors are either completely bare or are covered in wall-to-wall carpet.

Layering principles do depend on the room where they will be applied. For instance, in high traffic areas, such as living rooms or hallways, you want to use materials that can handle a lot of foot traffic. Softer and more gentle rugs are perfect for bedrooms and guest rooms.

Different layering guidelines will produce different results. Here are a few to consider:

• Start with a neutral base – Begin with a large neutral-toned rug as your foundation. It will provide a clean earthy base that can be beautifully combined with other contrasting neutral rugs or those with coast and tropical colors.
• Mix sizes and shapes – Feel free to mix and match various shapes (round, rectangular, oval) as this will break up the monotony of using the same shapes on top of each other. This also increases the unique appeal to the room. You also want to be sure that each layer is visible with the right proportions. If you do choose to use the same shape such as with rectangular rugs, an easy rule of thumb is to have an 8′ x 10′ for the base and then either a 5′ x 8′ or a 6′ x 9′ as on top. When mixing shapes, layers do not have to be equal on all sides as some asymmetry can create a really cool look!
• Use contrasting colors – Don’t be afraid to play with colors as there is no right or wrong way with this in layering. The idea is for the space to show off your character and personality. If you are concerned about possibly having too much color, simply blend in some neutral tones or more muted color tones with those vibrant pops of color. This kind of contrast makes the space feel very inviting and more lively.
• Pay attention to patterns – Although there are no set rules about this, it is best to use busier patterns such as animal prints, foliage designs, and floral motifs on top of solid or lightly patterned bases. Doing this allows for the busier top patterns to pop against a visually quiet background. If you put a busy pattern over another busy pattern the two will clash and will compete for attention. Again, visual competition is not a good thing.
• Using different textures – Combine rugs with that are made from different materials and which have different pile heights to create a more dramatic look. For a balanced look, use a woven rug as your base and add a patterned or textured rug with a thick pile on top.

Layered rugs in bedroom. Photo Credit: The Citizenry

We found an excellent article about rug layering which has some awesome images as well. It is sure to give you plenty of ideas!

Final Thoughts

The ideal tropical rug is not only about being the prettiest one available. It is about being functional, easy to maintain, and truly stylish so that it adds to your tropical ambiance. Whether you are drawing your inspiration from clear azure ocean waters, the bold and vibrant colors of a jungle rainforest, or the unique textures of a volcanic landscape, having the right rugs is vital to achieving the best results. Finding the right materials, shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors is key as these will ensure your space is cohesive, warm, welcoming and simply beautiful.

Gain More Information About Tropical Design:

1. Guide To Tropical Style Furniture: Designing Your Own Beach Paradise at Home
2. Tropical Kitchen Ideas & Styling Tips: Bring The Look Of The Islands Into Your Home
3. Inspiring Tropical Lighting Ideas: Create A Cozy & Relaxing Beach Vibe At Home
4. 10 Tropical Bedroom Design Ideas & Practical Advice
5. Sea Turtles: An Eternal Symbol of Wisdom, Patience & Longevity
6. A Guide to Kava Bowls: Origins, Styles, and Where To Get Them