What Is a Scatter Rug?

Practical Uses

• Scatter rugs typically lie in well-trafficked areas, such as doorways. The floor in front of a couch, below a sink or countertop, and beside a shower are also naturals place to put a scatter rug. People typically pause in those areas, and the rug adds warmth and softness, keeping them comfortable. Scatter rugs also soak up water, making them ideal for bathrooms. When people step out of the shower, the rug protects the floor from dripping water.

Accents

• Scatter rugs serve as accent pieces, too. The rug that sits in front of the couch draws attention to the seating area, helping to define the space. Rugs beside a bed do the same. Frequently a room contains more than one scatter rug in the same style, creating a sense of continuity throughout the space. The rugs add color to a room, although changing the rugs modifies the look easily.

Styles

• These rugs come in various styles such as hooked, braided and woven. Often, they have tassels at the ends. Scatter rugs can also be flatter and smoother, like carpeting. They can have ornate designs, like Turkish rugs, or be a solid color. Usually, they have a rectangular shape, and they commonly come in sets, so you can place them around a room. Bathroom scatter rugs usually have a rubber backing, so they don't slip. Rugs in any area of the house can have a nonslip backing, too. You can wash this style, but it's best to hang them outside to dry, so you don't damage the rubber.

Tips

• Choosing bold colors for your scatter rugs, and neutrals or muted colors for your furnishings, lets you change a room's look easily. Don't choose patterned rugs if you want to place them near patterned couches, curtains or bedspreads. Instead, choose solid colors. If a rug has a pattern that truly complements the patterns already present, you can use it, but this is rare. One pattern would need to be more muted than the other, so the patterns don't become overwhelming, and the colors must match or complement each other.