Black rugs

The black rug is a statement. Where neutral colours quietly go along with a room, black takes up real visual space, structures the room and commits you to a point of view. It is a choice with character, right when you want to give your home a graphic signature, create a visual anchor or bring urban polish to a contemporary space.

The shades of black

Yes, black has shades:

• Deep black: the most saturated, dramatic, thoroughly minimalist
• Anthracite: very dark, but with a warm undertone
• Anthracite: almost black with grey lights, gentler on the eye
• Marled black: black and grey fibres mixed together, a lively texture
• Matt black versus glossy black (viscose): two very different effects

Where to be brave with black

A black rug does come with a few conditions:

• A bright room: black absorbs light, so steer clear of an already dark space
• Pale walls: the contrast is essential
• Coloured or light furniture: avoid the all-black look, which quickly feels heavy

It comes into its own in a contemporary living room, where it frames a beige or white sofa; in an entrance hall, where it sets a graphic signature; in an adult bedroom, for a luxurious urban feel; and in a dining room, under a pale wood or marble table.

Pairings that work

Black combines remarkably well with:

• White: the timeless one. Black rug, white walls, white furniture is graphic design at its purest
• Pale wood (oak, beech): a warm contrast, very japandi
• Brass and copper: Art Deco chic, quietly luxurious
• Green (sage, emerald, bottle): a sophisticated botanical mood
• Dusty pink: a soft, urban contrast that feels very now
• Terracotta and cognac: autumnal warmth

Which style of black rug?

There are several routes:

• A plain black modern rug: the last word in sophisticated minimalism
• A black-and-white geometric pattern: energetic and thoroughly contemporary
• Textured black (looped, carved): depth without monotony
• Black shaggy: a cinematic touch of luxury in a bedroom
• Patterned black oriental: tribal character, contemporary attitude

The one drawback: dust

One word of warning: a black rug shows up dust, fibres, pet hair and crumbs far more than pale tones do. It is the exact opposite of a beige rug, which hides everything. In practice: vacuum two or three times a week at least, and think twice in a home with a moulting cat or dog. Short-pile polypropylene versions are easier to keep clean than black shaggy designs.