How to Decorate With Beach-Themed Rugs

Use the rug to set the theme for your room. For example, take cues from a rug with a shell pattern, and incorporate seashells into other parts of the room. Hang prints of seashells, or place jars of shells on tables and shelves.

Pair your beach theme rug with casual furnishings and accessories if it has a bold or busy pattern. If the beach theme in your rug is more subtle, such as an embossed or tone-on-tone pattern, either casual or formal furnishings are appropriate.

Purchase rugs that suggest a beach theme, without necessarily including beach motifs. Rugs made from natural fibers, such as jute, sisal or sea grass, reflect the textures and colors of the seaside for a subtle effect.

Add beach motifs to existing rugs to create custom beach-themed rugs to enhance your décor. Use stencils and paint to add a row of shells to the edge of a woven rug, for example. Most home improvement retailers carry the supplies for painting rugs.

Include a striped rug for a nautical theme. Blue and white stripes are often associated with beach themes, but rugs with multi-colored stripes can also help you achieve the look. Look for color inspiration in the colors of lighthouses and coastal cottages.

Pair your beach-themed rug with neutral rugs. If you have a large rug with a beach motif in the living room, pair it with a neutral or striped runner in coordinating colors in the hallway or on the stairs. Pairing the elaborate rug with more simple designs prevents the theme from overpowering the room but also creates a cohesive feel throughout your home.

Hang the rug on the wall if it has an intricate or beautifully detailed design. Some hand-hooked or woven rugs with beach designs are works of art and can add visual interest and texture to your décor. Only hang rugs that are in pristine condition to avoid drawing attention to stains or imperfections.

Use shaped rugs with a beach theme in kitchens or bathrooms, or in casual areas such as the mudroom or sun porch. If you are decorating your room with a beach-related theme, such as a lighthouse theme in your kitchen, a small rug shaped like a lighthouse can add a touch of whimsy to the décor.