In small spaces, it can be a challenge to create a balance between delineating zones and preserving as much of an open, airy feel as possible. Recently, as we have been adding some truly gorgeous smaller rugs to our collection, we’ve been inspired to share our best tips regarding how to decorate a small home or apartment using oriental rugs. For everyone embracing living in smaller spaces, including apartments, tiny houses, and small open-concept minimalist lofts—today’s recommendations are for you!

Geometric Rugs | Use Pattern to Your Advantage

When you think about delineating between two spaces within your home or apartment, you may jump to color first. It can be easy to add rugs in contrasting colors to create zones but staying within your established color scheme may help create this desired contrast while preserving the feeling of an open space.

Define Your Space with Oversized Rugs

If you are separating the living room from your nearby dining or kitchen area, consider choosing a piece similar to this oversized area rug. By laying a rug that occupies nearly the entirety of your living room, it will instantly feel like a distinct, pulled-together zone

Distressed Rugs | Be Bold and Intentional

In an apartment or loft that’s industrial or urban, a richly-patterned rug with depth and texture provides a feeling of warmth and a sense of intentionally making this space your own. With the bold pattern and time-softened colors combined with just the right amount of age wear, our Distressed Rug Collection is poised to impress. Kelly Wearstler used several vintage Turkish rugs from our Sivas Rug Collection to furnish many of the Proper Hotels.

Get Creative- Diagonal Rug Placement

You may choose to use larger rugs to create zones, as we discussed above, but in this kind of space, may we suggest one from our Gallery Rug Collection? Place it at an angle to the walls, then place a statement chair on it at that same angle. Add your current read (the thicker the better), a lamp, and a plant on staggered drum or log side tables, and you have an arresting and inviting space in which to spend your weekday evenings.

Hang a Rug as Art

Real talk: anyone with a puppy, kitten, or young children may be feeling anxious at the thought of laying down a precious antique rug. Never fear! You can choose to hang a rug as a bold piece of statement art. Consider a piece like this Chinese pictorial rug or this peaceful, silk Chinese tapestry . Rugs from the Chinese Art Deco period, especially pictorial rugs, are ideal as wall hangings.

Esmaili Rugs specializes in curating unique, hand-made antique and vintage rugs from around the world. For further assistance choosing the perfect piece for your small space, please contact us.