I know you’re all dying to hear the saga of how I chose the perfect carpet to go with my new walnut furniture.
Well, sit back and get comfy, because this is a tale of trials and tribulations, stunning successes, and yes, some epic failures.
It all started when I found an amazing deal on some beautiful walnut furniture online.
The rich reddish-brown color was exactly what I was looking for to warm up my space.
But then I realized – uh oh, what color carpet is going to work with this?
My current bland beige carpeting wasn’t going to cut it.
Thus began my quest for the perfect carpet hue.
Here’s an interesting fact for you: did you know that walnut wood has hints of both gray and red tones?
That means you need to choose a carpet color that will complement both undertones.
Easier said than done, let me tell you!
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Reddish-Brown Carpets
Next I tried some carpets on the redder side of the color spectrum.
I figured matching those reddish-brown undertones in the walnut would be a winner.
Well, not so much.
The problem is, the wood has these beautiful gray streaks that simply disappeared when paired with an equally reddish-brown carpet.
It ended up feeling flat and one-dimensional.
After striking out with gray, I figured a nice reddish-brown carpet with orangey undertones would really highlight those gorgeous warm tones in the walnut wood.
I found a burnt sienna carpet I thought would be perfect.
But unfortunately, when I laid it down next to the furniture, it was way too overpowering.
The orange-red carpet competing with the orange-red wood just looked like…well, a lot of orange.
It was too much reddish tone in one space.
My next idea was to try a more subdued reddish-brown carpet, closer to a merlot or chestnut color.
This muted down the orange tones but still had that nice reddish base.
However, the problem was that it concealed those beautiful smokey gray streaks in the walnut wood.
The gray tones got lost in the similarly darkened reddish carpet.
It just felt flat and one-dimensional.
Finally, I tried a middle auburn color with both red and gray tones.
But the gray undertones in the carpet didn’t quite match up with the grays in the wood.
Plus, the overall look was just too monochromatic.
There wasn’t enough contrast or visual interest.
So reddish-browns were out.
I realized I needed a carpet color that would harmonize with the walnut while still allowing both red and gray tones to shine.
Earthy-Toned Carpets
I struck gold when I found carpets in earthy, grounded tones like beige, tan, or light brown.
These colors complement both the red and gray undertones in the walnut wood.
The result is a warm, welcoming, and naturally beautiful look.
Trust me, earth tones are the way to go with walnut furniture!
I stumbled upon a light tan carpet with subtle striations in the pile, adding visual texture.
As soon as I laid it out next to the walnut furniture I knew I had found my perfect match!
The light tan background brought out the gorgeous reds in the wood, while still allowing those smokey grays to stand out.
It was the ideal neutral foundation that let the wood grain shine.
Next I tried a multi-toned beige carpet with flecks of browns and tans woven throughout.
This added more depth and dimension to complement the walnut’s complex undertones.
The varied beiges softened and warmed up the space while still letting the wood take center stage.
Finally, I tried a natural sisal carpet with golden-brown overtones.
The organic texture and earthy color proved to be another home run pairing.
The golden tones played up the walnut’s richness without competing with it.
And the woven texture provided a cozy, casual vibe that worked beautifully with the furniture’s natural patina.
All my experimenting proved that carpets in lighter beiges, tans and browns harmonize seamlessly with walnut while still allowing its complexities to shine.
The natural, grounded earth tones just work!
Here are my top tips:
- Look for light beiges, tans, or browns – these earthy tones work best
- Avoid going too light/gray or too red – you want a middle ground
- Bring home carpet samples to test next to your furniture
- Go for low pile carpet or small woven patterns
Soft Lavender
Lavender may not be your typical choice, but it can create a serene and elegant atmosphere in your space when paired with walnut furniture.
Picture a soft lavender carpet that’s as calming as a field of lavender in full bloom.
The gentle, purple hues add a touch of sophistication and tranquility to your room, creating a harmonious blend with the deep, rich tones of walnut.
It’s like sipping a cup of herbal tea while surrounded by the soothing scent of lavender, a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This pairing adds a touch of femininity and grace to your space, making it feel like a tranquil haven, where relaxation and elegance coexist seamlessly.
Mustard Yellow
Looking to inject some warmth and energy into your living space?
Mustard yellow is the way to go.
Imagine a rich mustard yellow carpet beneath your walnut dining table.
It’s like a burst of sunshine, instantly brightening up the room.
This bold color choice adds a playful and welcoming vibe, creating a striking contrast with the deep hues of the walnut.
It’s like a summer day with a glass of refreshing lemonade—a perfect blend of warmth and vibrancy.
The combination of mustard yellow and walnut is like a sunny picnic in the park—full of cheerfulness and joy.
It brings a touch of retro chic to your decor, giving your room a pop of personality and energy.
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Charcoal Brown
If you’re aiming for a cozy and grounded feel, consider a deep charcoal brown carpet.
This shade is like a warm embrace, enveloping your room in comfort.
The deep, rich brown complements the walnut furniture harmoniously, creating a space that feels like a rustic cabin in the woods.
It’s like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the crackling sound of a fireplace—an invitation to relaxation and coziness.
The combination of charcoal brown and walnut adds a sense of depth and warmth to your space, making it a perfect retreat on chilly winter evenings.
This pairing feels like your favorite sweater—a familiar and comforting presence in your home, providing a sense of security and relaxation.
Grayish-Toned Carpets
First I tried going with some light gray carpeting, thinking it would pick up on the subtle gray hints in the walnut wood.
Let’s just say this was an epic fail.
The grays ended up looking dull and lifeless next to the rich walnut furniture.
It was like all the warmth was sucked right out of the room.
No bueno.
I first tried a very light heather gray carpet, thinking the subtle hints of color would bring out those gray undertones in the walnut.
Well, as soon as I rolled it out and placed it next to the furniture, I knew it was all wrong.
The gray carpet made the whole room feel cold and sterile, like a hospital waiting room.
The rich reddish hues of the walnut almost disappeared against the pale gray backdrop.
It was like all the personality had been wiped away!
Next, I tried going a shade darker with a charcoal gray carpet.
My thought was that a deeper gray might feel warmer and cozier.
Unfortunately, the charcoal gray seemed to emphasize the red tones in the wood too much.
The contrast was jarring, and the walnut looked orangey against the dark gray carpet.
I could tell that gray was most definitely not the move.
As a last ditch effort, I tried a medium gray carpet with blue undertones, thinking the cool tones would complement the walnut better than warm grays.
But the blue-gray completely washed out the wood finish and made the whole room feel icy cold.
At that point, I threw in the towel on gray carpets.
The lesson learned?
Gray and walnut just don’t mix well.
The gray creates too harsh of a contrast and fights against the natural warmth of the walnut wood.
If you go with walnut furniture, do yourself a favor and skip the gray carpet!
Oceanic Teal
If you’re looking to infuse your room with a sense of depth and tranquility, consider a beautiful oceanic teal carpet.
This color is like a tranquil sea, offering a soothing and sophisticated atmosphere.
Imagine a deep teal carpet under your walnut coffee table.
It’s like a calm ocean on a clear day—serene and inviting.
Teal’s blend of blue and green creates a peaceful backdrop that enhances the richness of walnut furniture.
It’s like an art gallery where each piece stands out against a beautifully painted wall.
This pairing adds a touch of elegance and relaxation to your space, creating a haven of tranquility.
It’s like a quiet lakeside retreat, where the deep teal waters mirror the rich hues of the forest, creating a harmonious and balanced environment.
Muted Coral
For a unique and stylish option, consider muted coral as your carpet color.
Coral is like a breath of fresh, tropical air in your home.
Picture a muted coral carpet under your walnut bed frame.
It’s like a coastal sunrise, exuding a sense of relaxation and happiness.
The soft coral tones create a playful and inviting atmosphere while adding a subtle pop of color that complements the warmth of walnut.
It’s like a tropical vacation right in your living room—a space filled with vibrancy and comfort.
This pairing feels like a summer getaway, where the coral hues mirror the beauty of a sunset, creating a cozy and cheerful ambiance.
Muted coral adds a touch of character and vitality to your room, making it a space that radiates joy and charm.
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Deep Blues
Now, I get it, blue might not be the first color that comes to mind, but it can work wonders with walnut furniture.
Dark blue shades, like navy or midnight blue, are like a night sky full of stars—they add a touch of drama and sophistication to your room.
Imagine a luxurious navy blue carpet under your walnut dining table.
It’s like a fancy gala dress for your room, exuding opulence and grandeur.
The deep, regal blue enhances the warm, rich tones of the walnut, creating a visual feast.
It’s like the elegant pairing of a tuxedo with a sleek black tie – a combination that oozes timeless elegance and sophistication.
For a more casual vibe, think about a denim-inspired indigo carpet.
It’s like your favorite pair of jeans that you can’t live without—comfortable and versatile.
The contrast between the deep indigo and the walnut creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
It’s as if you’re stargazing on a clear summer night, where the deep blue sky beautifully complements the warmth of the wood.
Green – Bringing Nature Indoors
Have you ever noticed how the color green brings a sense of tranquility and nature into a space?
Well, it works wonders with walnut furniture.
You can choose various shades of green, from deep forest green to muted sage.
Imagine a deep forest green carpet that’s as lush as a secluded woodland.
It’s like stepping into a serene forest glade, where the deep green of the carpet enhances the natural beauty of your walnut furniture.
This combination creates a space that’s reminiscent of a forest retreat, filled with peace and rejuvenation.
It’s like bringing the outdoors inside, where nature’s tranquility meets the warmth of your home.
If you prefer a lighter touch, consider a soft sage green carpet.
It’s like a breath of fresh air on a spring morning.
This shade of green brings a sense of calm and balance, making your room feel like a peaceful oasis amidst the chaos of daily life.
It’s akin to a gentle breeze, providing a soothing backdrop for your walnut furniture to shine as the star of the show.
Warm Reds
Feeling bold and adventurous?
Go for a warm red carpet.
It’s like adding a splash of excitement to your room.
But make sure it’s a deep, rich red, not fire-engine red.
We’re aiming for cozy, not chaotic.
Picture this: a luxurious wine-red carpet beneath your walnut bed frame.
It’s like a glass of your favorite merlot—rich, relaxing, and inviting.
The deep, velvety red complements the wood’s warm tones, creating a space that’s reminiscent of a luxurious retreat.
It’s like sinking into a plush, velvet chair by a crackling fireplace, where the rich red adds a touch of opulence and comfort to your room.
For a more vibrant option, consider a terracotta or burnt sienna carpet.
These shades are like a warm, sun-kissed sunset.
The rich, earthy tones of these reds create a lively and inviting atmosphere, perfectly accentuating the depth of your walnut furniture.
It’s like a piece of art that you can’t take your eyes off, capturing the essence of comfort and coziness in your living space.
Smoky Purple
For a touch of luxury and sophistication, consider a smoky purple carpet.
This shade of purple is like a fine glass of red wine – deep, rich, and inviting.
Picture a smoky purple carpet beneath your walnut dining table.
It’s like dining in a chic, upscale restaurant.
The combination of smoky purple and walnut creates a sense of opulence and refinement in your space.
It’s like adding a hint of glamour to your living room, making it feel like a stylish penthouse.
This pairing adds depth and elegance, creating a space that’s both cozy and upscale.
It’s like stepping into a luxurious boutique hotel, where every detail exudes class and style.
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Soft Grayish-Blue
If you’re aiming for a serene and calming atmosphere, a soft grayish-blue carpet might be your go-to choice.
This color is like a clear, tranquil lake on a sunny day.
Imagine a soft grayish-blue carpet under your walnut coffee table.
It’s like creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of your home.
The gentle blue tones add a sense of relaxation and harmony, beautifully complementing the warmth of walnut.
It’s like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day, where everything feels fresh and inviting.
This pairing creates a space that’s like a serene spa retreat, offering a haven of tranquility and comfort.
It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day, much like a cozy bathrobe or your favorite book on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Rustic Terracotta
If you’re drawn to earthy and warm tones, a rustic terracotta carpet can be a fantastic choice.
Terracotta is like a walk through an old European village, full of history and character.
Picture a rustic terracotta carpet beneath your walnut bed frame.
It’s like adding a touch of Mediterranean charm to your space.
The rich, earthy terracotta tones create a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements the deep hues of walnut.
It’s like having your very own cozy villa in Tuscany.
This pairing adds depth and a sense of timelessness, making your room feel like an ancient yet comfortable hideaway.
It’s like having a cozy fireplace in an old stone cottage, where the terracotta carpet warms the heart of your home.
Sage Green
If you desire a color that brings the outdoors inside, look no further than sage green.
Sage green is like a walk through a lush garden.
Imagine a soft sage green carpet under your walnut coffee table.
It’s like strolling through a serene botanical garden, filled with calm and natural beauty.
The soft green tones create a peaceful backdrop that enhances the warmth of walnut furniture.
It’s like having a little piece of nature in your home, where tranquility and comfort coexist.
This pairing feels like a springtime retreat, where the sage green hues mirror the beauty of a blossoming garden, creating a balanced and refreshing ambiance.
Sage green adds a touch of elegance and nature to your space, making it feel like an inviting haven filled with serenity and life.
Soft Mauve
For a dash of elegance and subtlety, consider a soft mauve carpet.
Mauve is like a gentle brushstroke on a canvas, creating a soothing and timeless effect.
Picture a soft mauve carpet beneath your walnut dining table.
It’s like dining in a charming French bistro, where every detail exudes grace and sophistication.
The soft mauve tones create a sense of serenity that beautifully complements the rich walnut wood.
It’s like enjoying a glass of fine wine while surrounded by beautiful art.
This pairing adds depth and a sense of refinement, making your room feel like a classic, timeless space.
It’s like wearing a delicate piece of jewelry that enhances your overall look, adding a touch of charm and elegance to your decor.
