For petite mudrooms, a small 2′ x 3′ area rug should do the trick. Since this size can easily fit in a load of laundry, you get bonus points if you find one that’s machine washable. You can also opt for a rug with a little pattern or a darker color to hide the dirt between cleanings.
20 Mudroom Rug Ideas That Add a Cozy Flair
By
Published: March 3, 2024
Updated: February 21, 2024
Mudrooms are such useful spaces in a home. They corral everything you need for a day out, like your shoes, coats, umbrellas, and perhaps those packages you must remember to return. You most likely use this space every day, so why not make it a room you love coming home to?
It can take a healthy budget and some labor to complete a project that makes a big impact in your mudroom. For example, giving it a fresh coat of paint or installing a custom built-in will breathe new life into the room. But there’s actually an easier way to make a big change. Adding a rug to your mudroom can completely transform the space from basic to beautiful. However, knowing exactly what size, shape, color, and style to opt for isn’t always an easy feat. It may take some trial and error, but these mudroom rug ideas are here to help.
02 of Pull Accent Colors
PHOTO:
When choosing an accent rug for your mudroom, consider options that show off colors that match the paint already in the space. Or, you can work the other way around. If you already have a rug you love, look at the hues present and pick up matching paint samples to swatch. Cohesive colors will help elevate the style of the space with a few simple switches.
03 of Using a Rug as a Welcome Mat
PHOTO:
Rugs that are easy to clean make for great door mats in a mudroom. Choose one with just a little surface texture, and you can use it to scrape your shoes off before entering your home. You can also apply mudroom rug ideas with bold patterns and colors to your entryway to make an impact as soon as you enter your home.
04 of Display a Pair of Boots on It
PHOTO:
If you’re a shoe-free home, keeping a pair of shoes in your mudroom will signal your guests to remove their own pair. We love the look of a pair of beautiful work boots resting on a matching rug. Just be sure to add a bench nearby to make shoe removal easy.
05 of Go With Jute
PHOTO:
When in doubt, choose jute. This material makes for a low-maintenance rug option that will match any style. It works especially well on hardwood flooring since tan and brown go well together. Jute is a durable material that can withstand a lot of foot traffic, so it’s ideal for the spaces you traverse every day, like your mudroom.
06 of Cow Hide Adds a Western Flair
PHOTO:
The shoes, hats, coats, and scarves you wear on rotation often become fixtures in your mudroom, so why not match your decor to them? For example, an animal hide is right at home next to cowboy boots and hats. Or, you can always choose a rug in the same color as your go-to winter coat.
07 of Off Center the Rug
PHOTO:
When brainstorming your mudroom rug ideas and placement options, centering it with the door might be your first instinct. However, it might not be the most ideal spot depending on your home’s layout. For example, if you also want to fit in an entry table, you may need to slightly off-center your rug for the best flow.
08 of Fringe for Added Flair
PHOTO:
If your decorating style leans a little boho, consider looking for a rug with a little bit of fringe on the ends. You can find rugs with knotted, braided, or just plain fringe. Just keep in mind that this might not be a great option if you have a robot vacuum that you run in your mudroom, as the fringe can catch in it.
09 of Consider Your Floor Color
PHOTO:
When choosing your mudroom rug, don’t forget to consider how it will look against your floor. If you’re concerned about your rug color clashing with your tile color, you can always go the matching route. You can still find neutral-colored rugs with beautiful and intricate designs if you’re trying to avoid a basic look.
10 of Change Your Rug Seasonally
PHOTO:
Decorating seasonally is such a great way to give your home a much-needed refresh. Since small mudroom rugs tend to be on the more affordable side, you can put together a collection of different decorations and stay within budget. In the fall, you can display a vintage rug that shows off burnt oranges. In the winter, you could switch to a plaid red and green version.
11 of Pair It With Other Textiles
PHOTO:
Mudrooms can feel a bit cold and sterile, which is why a rug adds such a soft and cozy feel to the space. However, there are other ways you can use fabric to liven up the space. Consider displaying a basket filled with a picnic blanket nearby. You can even choose a rug and a blanket with fringe for a matching moment.
12 of Think Beyond a Rectangle
PHOTO:
Rectangles are the most common shape of rug you can put in your mudroom, but they aren’t your only option. Round rugs will break up the straight lights of the room and create a nice contrasting shape. Half-circle rugs are ideal for small mudrooms. You can put the flat side facing your door or a piece of furniture.
13 of Match It to the Existing Fabric Accessories
PHOTO:
Matching your rug to your paint isn’t your only option for creating a cohesive look. One of the best mudroom rug ideas you can implement is to choose one that already matches the existing fabric in the space. For example, if you already have jute baskets in your mudroom, select a jute rug. Window treatments and upholstery cushions are other fabrics you can pull from.
14 of Layer Furniture on Top
PHOTO:
Large rugs can look amazing in a mudroom, even your space is on the smaller side. We love the look of an oversized rug that runs straight to the baseboards. To complete the design, you can add other furniture pieces on top of it, such as an ottoman, mini bench, or plant.
15 of Hide Your Floors
PHOTO:
If you don’t exactly love your mudroom’s tile or perhaps the stain on your hardwoods, you can use a rug to draw attention away from this feature. For example, if the orange tones in your oak floors aren’t your style, a large charcoal gray rug can tone down the warm tones and cover the majority of the floor.
16 of Try Out a New Color
PHOTO:
When assessing all the different mudroom rug ideas you want to experiment with, don’t be afraid to play with color. Even if you don’t normally decorate with red, you just might find that you love a red rug. A vintage rug with a bold pattern is a timeless way to add this rich hue to your home.
17 of Create Contrast
PHOTO:
A rug that is the same color but a few shades darker or lighter than your mudroom’s flooring will pop in a subtle way. So if you have dark stained floors, go with a pale, tan rug. If you have white tile in your mudroom, consider a gray rug. The contrast will add some dimension to your space and create a focal point you can’t miss.
18 of Select a Low-Maintenance Color
PHOTO:
Mudrooms are notorious for garnering dirt, hence the name. For the ultimate low-maintenance rug that won’t show any grime, go with a black rug with a little bit of a design present. A solid black rug will still show specks of dried grass and pet hair, so the design will mask everything until it’s time to vacuum.
19 of Experiment With Different Vintage Styles
PHOTO:
If your mudroom is the entrance to your home, a beautiful vintage rug can help you curate a grand entrance. There are so many different vintage rugs out there, so do your research to determine which type is your favorite. For example, you might be more drawn to ones with Aztec shapes rather than floral designs.
20 of Laundry Room Runner
PHOTO:
There’s something comforting about the feeling of a rug under your feet in those places where you tend to do a lot of standing, such as in front of your kitchen sink. In terms of your mudroom, try adding a rug in front of your washer or dryer or perhaps where you do your laundry folding.
