So I just moved into my new apartment and got all this sick black furniture like a leather couch, a marble topped coffee table and some intimidatingly stylish mid-century chairs that were totally up my alley.
But now I’m totally stuck on what color rug to put in my living room.
See, I want it tie the space together but also make a statement.
Black goes with everything right?
Well not exactly sis!
You don’t want your place to look like a depressing void.
Let me tell you about the time I tried an all-gray monochrome look thinking it would be ~aesthetic~ but my space just felt dark and drab.
I had to change it up and learned a thing or two about color theory.
So pull up a seat, grab a cocktail and I’ll break down your rug options to make your black furniture really sing.
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Top 20 Carpet Colors for Black Furniture
| Rank | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Gray | 9.5 | Versatile neutral that adds depth without competing. Variety of shades available. |
| White | 9.0 | Brightens up space and makes small rooms feel bigger. Crisp and fresh. |
| Beige | 8.5 | Warm tone softens black decor. Natural and cozy. |
| Green | 8.0 | Vibrant color makes a bold counterpoint to black. Energizing. |
| Blue | 8.5 | Cool, calming color. Variety of shades like navy, powder blue. |
| Blush | 7.5 | Soft, feminine tone feels romantic. Inviting contrast. |
| Purple | 7.0 | Regal flair. Deep hues are sophisticated. |
| Patterned | 8.0 | Playful prints and global motifs add visual interest. |
| Orange | 6.5 | Warm, happy accent color. Punchy pop. |
| Yellow | 6.0 | Cheerful bright tone. Best in small doses. |
| Pink | 7.0 | Another feminine choice. Light pink is airy. |
| Red | 6.0 | Vibrant accent. Richer hues work best. |
| Turquoise | 7.5 | Vibrant blue-green with personality. Punch of color. |
| Tan | 8.0 | Earthy and natural. Great alternative to beige. |
| Ivory | 8.5 | Softer warm white. The new neutral. |
| Olive | 7.0 | Natural green tone with gray undertones. |
| Cream | 8.0 | Warm white that’s soothing and textured. |
| Charcoal | 8.0 | Deep gray makes a modern statement. |
| Taupe | 7.5 | Complex natural beige brown. Texture galore. |
Gray
Gray is such a versatile neutral that will blend in without being too matchy-matchy with black furniture.
I’d go with a medium tone like charcoal or dove gray rather than a super light or dark shade.
Lighter grays can wash the black out while very dark grays make the space feel cramped.
Textures to consider are flatweaves which are durable and classic looking.
Or you can layer a shag rug over a flatweave for texture and visual interest.
Braided rugs also feel cozy underfoot.
When styling, pair interesting sculptural side tables or a funky floor lamp to make the gray rug feel intentional rather than boring.
A friend of mine has all black dressers and a sleek ebony media console in her living area.
She chose a plush gray shag rug that’s just a few shades darker than the walls.
It grounds the space and provides cushion underfoot without distracting from the furniture.
She added throw pillows and a knit blanket in varying neutrals and taupes for warmth and playfulness.
The overall vibe is inviting and polished.
White
White may seem risky but when done right it totally works to make a statement.
Pops of white against inky black are striking and stylish.
The key is picking a high quality rug you don’t have to fret over getting dirty.
Materials like tightly woven jute, seagrass, sisal or bleached cotton blends will mask dirt longer than something fluffy.
Opt for chunky geometric patterns, bold stripes or perfectly plain styles that let the stark contrast shine through.
When choosing furniture, stick to dark wood, metal or glass to avoid color clashes.
My friend Lauren has an all-white flatweave area rug under her black leather sofa and linen covered armchairs.
The graphic lozenge pattern keeps it interesting without being too loud.
She accentuates the pops of white with coffee table books tied together with raffia and a rattan side table.
The vibe is fresh, modern and sophisticated thanks to the bold color blocking.
Navy
Navy adds depth and dimension to black without overwhelming the furniture’s intricate details or glossy finish.
Think of it like a sophisticated replacement for beige.
Flatweave synthetics hold color beautifully if worried about transfer from clothes or shoes.
Sateen weaves, herringbones or geometric patterns provide visual respite from solids.
You could even mix and match large-scale linear navys with moodier solid areas for visual interest.
I have a client who paired a dark walnut wood media console with a chunky navy and gray Turkish flatweave.
Tufted velvet ottomans and a burnt orange throw provide striking pops of color on the navy field.
Gold patterned drapes and a cool terrazzo lamp base complete the rich, eclectic vibe.
The blue-toned rug grounds things beautifully.
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Green
Black and forest tones like emerald, hunter and olive harmonize really nicely as analogous colors on the wheel.
Dark mossy shades work better than bright kelly greens here.
Materials like jute, sisal or cowhide feel earthy and raw.
Paler greens mixed in add breathability.
Personally I love a tweed emerald rug paired with black leather for maximum drama.
Or plush velvet pillows and poufs in deep jewel tones enrich the space.
A client mixed an offset diamond patterned emerald jute rug with her black walnut dining set and olive velvet dining chairs.
Brass candlesticks and succulents in rustic pots livened things up.
The pop of unexpected green made the whole room feel grounded and glamorous all at once.
- Consider the shade of green.
A deep forest green can create a cozy feel, while a bright lime green can add a pop of color.
- Think about the other decor in the room.
A green carpet can complement other natural elements like wood and plants.
- Pair with complementary colors.
Green pairs well with black and white, but can also be paired with other earthy colors like brown and beige.
Red
Now red may seem bold but paired with black it has such intensity and visual interest.
Think burgundy, oxblood or wine tones rather than bright primary reds.
Look for styles woven with other jewel tones like navy, emerald or plum for balance.
Richly dyed flatweaves or hand-tufted styles add so much warmth.
Once I styled a merlot shag in a guest room with black lacquer furniture, pom pom throws and antique mirrors.
It felt moody and glamorous all at once.
My friend Sarah did the unexpected by layering an patterned oxblood flatweave area rug in her living room under a black leather sofa and suede wingback armchairs.
The graphic, Moroccan-inspired patterning blocks of emerald, crimson and ebony felt totally perfect and lifted everything up.
Copper accents and a loaned art print completed the sultry layered look.
- Consider the shade of red.
A deep, rich red can create a luxurious feel, while a brighter red can add energy to the space.
- Think about the size of the room.
A large room can handle a bold, patterned red carpet, while a smaller room may benefit from a more subtle red accent.
- Pair with complementary colors.
Red pairs well with black and white, but can also be paired with other warm colors like orange and yellow.
Yellow
Now yellow may seem jarring at first but when paired with black certain shades provide the perfect pop of sunshine.
Look for buttery yellows rather than bright lemongrass tones.
Materials like flatwoven or knotted sisal add texture without being high maintenance.
I personally love a yellow and white ikat pattern feeling sunny yet still pulled together.
Greige and mustard tones also feel cozy and upbeat without overwhelming the space.
A friend styled her charming breakfast nook with black wicker furniture and a soft butter yellow jute rug woven with graphic white stripes.
E namelware, beeswax candles and bold ceramic planters in blush pinks felt feminine and cheerful.
Blue
Just like navy, blue tones provide dimension to black without overpowering its intricacies.
Think deeper ceruleans, midnight and indigo hues rather than robin’s egg shades.
Structured loopy sisal styles feel grounded and earthy.
Intarsia or woven patterns allow bolder pops within a neutral field.
I once layered an indigo jute rug in a living room under graphic black velvet lounge chairs – the colors sang wonderfully together.
Another friend mixed a medium toned blue flatweave embossed with a subtle botanical motif under her lacquered black dining table and velvet upholstered dining chairs.
Brass light fixtures, potted palms and a pale blush banquette made the space feel tropically glamorous.
- Consider the shade of blue.
A deep navy blue can create a sophisticated look, while a lighter blue can add a playful touch.
- Think about the style of the room.
A coastal-themed room may benefit from a blue and white striped carpet, while a modern room may benefit from a solid blue carpet with a unique texture.
- Pair with complementary colors.
Blue pairs well with black and white, but can also be paired with other cool colors like green and purple.
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Pink
Now pink may seem an unusual choice but certain blush and rosewood tones feel utterly romantic against black tones like patent leather or glossy lacquer.
Truly plush chopped karastan pile grounds the space.
Opt for a cropped round or abstract oblong shape.
Once I styled a custom blush shag rug in a client’s bedroom with quilted black velvet headboard and matching bed skirt – romance defined!
A friend mixed chunky knots of deep rose pink and ivory jute for an elegant yet lived in appeal under her black walnut media console.
Pale sage walls, mercury glass accents and velvet pillows in blush, rose and sage completed the layered, luxe vibe.
Beige
For a more soothing vibe, bring in beige carpet.
The warm neutral softens the dark furniture while adding texture.
From camel to tan, beige offers the perfect laidback complement.
Go for a wool or cotton blend with flecks of brown and cream to keep things casual luxe.
Berber is always a solid choice, though a loop pile feels boldly plush and inviting.
For boho glam, try a Moroccan trellis pattern in creamy ivory and beige.
Or find a sisal floral rug with golden accents.
Beige provides that effortless earthy contrast next to black decor.
Feel free to layer different beige rugs for dimension too!
Play with texture here – a nubby woven wool ivory rug makes an inviting foundation for black lacquered end tables and minimalist chairs.
Blush
Make it feminine with blush pink carpet!
The soft rosy hue feels romantic and inviting next to dark furniture.
Try a plush wool rug in a subtle dusty rose.
Or opt for cotton candy vibes with a shaggy pastel pink carpet.
Add pops of brass accents and metallic details for that glam yet cozy aesthetic.
Layer different pinks and creams in Moroccan trellis or boho print rugs.
Blush carpet brings playful personality to moody black decor.
Go ultra feminine with a velvet shag pink rug and silk cherry blossom pillows.
The richness balances the sweet hue.
Or try a faded Turkish area rug in rosy red undertones layered over weathered hardwoods.
Purple
Regal purple carpet adds flair next to black furniture.
Go for bold jewel tones like amethyst or deep wine hues.
Try a muted lavender wool rug for chic contrast.
Or make it eclectic with a vibrant Moroccan floral or paisley print.
The key is balancing richness with liveliness.
Add brass accents and metallic details to enhance that luxe vibe.
No matter your purple preference, this majestic carpet color pops perfectly against black.
A pale lilac flatweave style lightens up the space in an airy, ethereal way.
For drama, opt for a silk and wool blend area rug in deep plum.
The sheen and color saturation make a bold pairing with black.
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Patterned Carpets and Black Furniture
When it comes to pairing patterned carpets with black furniture, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider the scale of the pattern.
A large-scale patterned carpet can be overwhelming when paired with black furniture, while a smaller-scale pattern can create a more balanced look.
Another thing to consider is the color of the pattern.
A patterned carpet with black and white or neutral tones can create a classic and timeless look when paired with black furniture.
On the other hand, a bold and colorful patterned carpet can add a pop of personality to your space.
To tie the look together, consider adding accent pieces in coordinating colors or patterns.
For example, if you choose a patterned carpet with shades of blue, consider adding throw pillows or curtains in a complementary shade of blue.
When it comes to choosing the right patterned carpet for your black furniture, remember to keep the scale and color of the pattern in mind, and don’t be afraid to add in coordinating accent pieces to tie the look together.
Carpet Texture and Black Furniture
When it comes to pairing black furniture with carpet, texture is just as important as color.
The right texture can create a sense of balance and harmony in the room, while the wrong texture can create a jarring contrast that detracts from the overall aesthetic.
For a sleek and modern look, consider pairing your black furniture with a low-pile carpet.
Low-pile carpets have short, tightly packed fibers that create a smooth surface.
This texture works well with black furniture because it creates a clean, streamlined look that complements the furniture’s minimalist aesthetic.
If you’re looking for something a bit cozier, consider a plush carpet with a high pile.
High-pile carpets have longer fibers that create a soft, fluffy texture that feels great underfoot.
This texture works well with black furniture because it creates a sense of warmth and comfort that balances out the furniture’s starkness.
Another texture to consider is a textured carpet.
Textured carpets have a patterned surface that creates visual interest and depth.
This texture works well with black furniture because it adds a touch of complexity to the room, breaking up the monotony of the black furniture.
When selecting a carpet texture to pair with your black furniture, keep in mind that the texture should complement the furniture, not compete with it.
A texture that is too busy or overwhelming can detract from the furniture’s impact, while a texture that is too plain can make the room feel flat and lifeless.
Lighting & Room Size Considerations
When choosing a carpet color to go with black furniture, it’s important to consider the lighting and size of the room.
Lighting can greatly affect the appearance of the carpet color.
A room with plenty of natural light will make colors appear brighter and more vibrant, while a room with limited natural light will make colors appear darker and more muted.
If your room has limited natural light, consider choosing a lighter colored carpet to help brighten up the space.
Lighter colors will reflect more light and make the room feel more open and airy.
On the other hand, if your room has plenty of natural light, you can choose a darker colored carpet to add depth and richness to the space.
Room size is another important consideration when choosing a carpet color.
If your room is small, choosing a light colored carpet can help make the space feel larger and more open.
Darker colors tend to make a room feel smaller and more intimate.
If you have a large room, you have more flexibility in your carpet color choice.
You can choose a light or dark color depending on your personal preference and the overall style of the room.
Keep in mind that the color of your walls and furniture can also affect how the carpet color appears in the room.
A neutral colored carpet can work well with any wall or furniture color, while a bold or patterned carpet may clash with certain colors.
When in doubt, choose a neutral colored carpet that will complement your existing decor.
