How to choose a carpet for a modern interior
Design trends change pretty quickly. What we are used to seeing in our grandmother’s house may no longer be relevant. Such a story happened with the carpets we are used to. Until recently, they were in every apartment: on the floor, walls, and in some cases even on the ceiling. Now this element is considered an atavism of the past. But what about soft surface lovers? It turns out that this subject is not completely a thing of the past. Carpets in the interior are used in modern design, but have undergone some changes.
The carpet is back in fashion! Now it is not just a functional item, but a central element of interior decoration
Do you need carpets in a modern interior
In modern design, carpets are not a necessity, but not everyone can decide to opt out of this addition. In new projects, the carpet has two main functions:
- Practical. The additional floor covering serves primarily to keep warm. Not every apartment has an opportunity to install underfloor heating. In this case, the carpet performs its functions. But even with this system, additional coverage does not become superfluous..
- Aesthetic. When used correctly, this element becomes part of the decor, and helps to create a complete image..
As you can see, the functions of carpets are relevant to this day. Now we will choose a style suitable for such an accessory..
The carpet should not cover more than one third of the floor area
Choosing an acceptable style
After analyzing new design projects, we concluded that carpets in modern interiors are used in different styles. We will divide the existing directions into 3 main groups and select a suitable carpet.
Group | Styles | Colors of textiles |
Classics and antiquity | Classicism, modern, baroque, gothic, renaissance, greek, provence. | Luxurious gold in combination with red, burgundy and crimson; for some directions pink, blue and pastel shades. |
Ethnic | Egyptian, African, Japanese, Indian, Moroccan. | The whole spectrum of brown, displaying the colors of natural materials. |
Modernity | Hi-tech, pop art, minimalism, fusion. | The restrained palette is predominantly two or three colors. Most often used white, gray, black, brown. |
The basic criteria for choosing a carpet are size, shape, color and compatibility with the environment.
Let’s consider each style in more detail.
Classical and antique trends
Let’s start with classics and antiquity. The date group most often uses carpets in the interior of the living room. From these directions, the origins of this type of flooring and even walls come out. This group has several styles.
Classicism
This style has its origins in France since the days of the existence of the royal apartments. Here is a place of luxury and chic to the fullest. Classicism is distinguished by expensive natural materials.
A rug with clear shapes looks great in a classic interior.
When choosing a carpet for the classics, give preference to three materials:
- Natural fur. This bedding will be a real boon for lovers of warm and soft floors. This option is perfect for a living room with a hot fireplace or a bedroom..
- Wool. High quality natural wool will decorate any room in classicism style. Various patterns can be easily made on this material, which is well suited for the direction in question..
- Silk is considered a truly royal privilege. Despite its softness and lightness, it is quite durable. Silk is used to make carpets for both the floor and the walls. Considering that fabric-covered walls are an indicator of this style, silk wall hangings will come in handy.
Despite all the luxury and chic inherent in classicism, the style is notable for its severity and restraint. Clear lines and regular geometric shapes prevail here, the furniture in the room is arranged according to a certain pattern and each item has its place.
Carpet, curtains and upholstery are matched to the same style
The color scheme of the classics is quite simple and restrained. There is no place for variegated shades. Most colors are muted and paler. Choose a carpet that matches color and style.
Baroque
This style originated in Italy during the late Renaissance, when pomp, pretentiousness and luxury were at their peak. The Italian language defines this word as “quirky”. The interior has a corresponding focus.
Luxurious patterned carpet in the baroque style bedroom
Here we are introduced to true luxury. And if in the previous version it was restrained and canonical, in this case the pomp has no boundaries. It is this style that is characterized by an abundance of carpets of various colors and purposes. Only cheap modern materials and leather in any of its manifestations are forbidden..
Round rug as the centerpiece of a luxury living room
For the baroque, choose a carpet of good quality, preferably made of natural material, with various patterns, elite threads may be weaving, the presence of expensive metals or stones. The colors should correspond to the general color scheme of the style: gold, yellow, red, burgundy.
Gothic
Initially, Gothic is a designation of a rough medieval culture, from where the modern style takes its origins. Gloomy, mysterious and religious motives prevail here, there are notes of a village mood.
In Gothic, textiles play an important role
So, as a floor covering, fur skins of animals or capes that imitate them are appropriate. Long pile of dark color will help to create the atmosphere of the gloomy Middle Ages. Add this look with overweight carved furniture and subdued lighting.
The light carpet will stand out against the dark floor and soften the gloomy Gothic interior.
The color range is predominantly dark: carmine, brown, black, raspberry, dark blue. However, carpets can dilute the atmosphere with light colors: white, milky, cream (but always in combination with a dark color: usually blue).
Renaissance
If the Baroque is a manifestation of the late Renaissance, then the Renaissance in the interior is its beginning. In the first case, we have a whimsical, flashy style replete with variegated elements. The Renaissance, although all in gold, is somewhat more restrained. Deliberately strict lines and regular figures are inherent in it, of which the most common rectangle and square.
Small rug made of natural material, in harmony with the upholstery of upholstered furniture
The color gamut is displayed predominantly in blue and yellow. Gold or gilded plating is commonly used here. Precious metals are also found. Speaking of carpets: for wall options, choose brocade, velvet or leather; outdoor ones accept mainly cotton and wool.
Greek
This style is classified as antique, since it has existed for quite some time. He successfully maneuvers between majesty and restraint, expressiveness and simplicity. Several trends are mingling here. Textiles predominantly reflect the part that is responsible for the luxurious style. Expensive fabrics for upholstery, curtains and pillows prevail here..
A simple rug that serves as a dining area zoning
Striped walkway in the interior of a snow-white bedroom
But flooring is an exception. In this case, simpler and coarser materials are welcome. Craft rugs, hand-knitted rugs, and sheep skins will work. Loom-woven cotton variegated carpets are also welcome. Such an element will bring a fun and unusual touch to the predominantly two-tone soft interior..
Modern
The heyday of this style came at the end of the 19th century, so it contains the luxury of previous styles and modern trends to come. Here, the fashion for bas-reliefs, curved lines, stained glass windows, forged decorative elements remained..
Carpet with natural ornaments in front of the fireplace of the living room in Art Nouveau style
Getting out of bed in the morning, it’s nice to lower your feet into a warm carpet.
Walls in Art Nouveau can be covered with silk carpets. In this case, the floor ones take on simpler outlines. Oval beddings, two or three colors, with simple geometric patterns are widespread. Wool works well from materials.
Provence
This is, first of all, simplicity and comfort. Different kinds of textiles in this case are of great importance. Curtains, tablecloths, pillows, napkins are found in abundance here. Additional flooring is required.
One of the options for decorating the floor would be a rug made of rough material.
A couple of knitted rugs in the kitchen in the Provence style
The carpet in the interior of Provence should correspond to the general color scheme and the delicate mood of the style. The basis is made up of pastel colors: beige, milky, peach, ivory. Combine them with blue, pink, green. The leitmotif of the style is a floral and rustic theme, which can be fully displayed on any textile.
Ethnic destinations
Many national styles have existed for many years, so the described accessory is present in their design..
Middle Eastern
Initially, Iran, a republic located in the Persian Gulf zone, was called Persia. And, as you know, this territory is considered the birthplace of carpets. To this day, Persian carpets are highly prized..
Persian carpet is an obligatory attribute of any interior in oriental style
Here carpets are appropriate both on the floor and on the walls.
This style, adhering to the canons, accepts carpets on the floor, on the walls and even on the ceiling. Upon entering the living room in the Middle East, you will see an abundance of assorted rugs. Woolen products of variegated color with many small patterns prevail here..
Egyptian
Another ethnic style in which textiles play an important role. The rugs here are simpler and thinner, made from natural materials. They are characterized by strict forms and patterns characteristic of the Egyptian theme..
Wall art and striped carpet on the floor are standard features in Egyptian style.
Thin white carpet in harmony with light walls
Thin tapestries depicting ancient Egyptian gods or animals are used on the walls. The color scheme is represented by bright and rich natural shades: yellow, orange, red, crimson, brown, blue, green, an abundance of gold is welcomed.
African
African fantasy is a mixture of modernity and the primitiveness of the “black continent”. The basis here is made up of simple and natural shades that imitate natural materials (clay, sand, burnt soil, dry grass). In such colors, the walls, ceiling and floor are monotonously painted. The furniture is also predominantly monochromatic, but in darker colors (brown, black).
Products imitating the skins of wild animals are often placed on the floor.
Decorations and textiles serve as elements that relate this style to the ethnic past. Carpets, pillows and curtains have patterns and prints characteristic of different African tribes. More bold and vibrant colors are added to these elements, but the most common combination remains yellow with dark brown..
Japanese
This is the embodiment of clarity and rigor. It is dominated by cleanliness and order, clear geometric outlines and straight lines. The Japanese interior can be considered the epitome of minimalism. Only the essentials are present in the room. This applies to both furniture and decorations..
Japanese style loves everything natural
Bamboo carpet is water-resistant and does not require delicate maintenance
It is worth noting the ecological orientation of the style. This determines the choice of materials for the various elements. The furniture is mainly made of natural wood. Rice, reed and bamboo carpets. The fibers from these plants produce durable, rough and simple pieces that maintain a minimalist style..
Modern directions
Despite the fact that modern design refuses additional flooring, replacing it with beautiful tiles or laminate, the carpet in a modern interior still takes its place and regularly performs its functions.
Minimalism
The most widespread modern trend. Minimalism is the rejection of everything superfluous, freeing up maximum space, simple furniture, the absence of various decorations.
In minimalism, the carpet often compensates for the lack of curtains on the windows.
Tiles, laminate and linoleum are mainly used as flooring without additional elements. However, in some projects, the carpet has also successfully taken root. In this case, he accepts the basic laws of style, acquiring clear geometric outlines (the most used shape is a rectangle), neutral colors. In minimalism, the carpet is not a decor, but fulfills a certain practical function and creates the completeness of the image..
For this style, the carpet must be large, mostly made of tough synthetic fibers. Its color palette is limited to gray, white, black or brown and their shades. A non-removable covering is also widely used – carpet. This is a convenient option for a bedroom or living room..
Synthetic carpet in the bedroom, decorated in a solid white color scheme
It is worth noting that there are varieties of minimalism: eco, industrial, Scandinavian, Japanese. Considering the characteristics of each subspecies, you can add appropriate elements and color notes.
As you can see, the carpet as such has not yet outlived its usefulness, and is well suited for creating images of various styles..
Video on how to choose the right carpet
Photo: carpets in the interior