Five rug colors predicted to fall out of favor in 2025 by interior designers:
Ready for a rundown on rug colors that might be outdated by 2025? Without further ado, let's dive in.
All-out on Bright Red
Interior design mavens predict that pleasant and spicy red hues, akin to dynamite in their intensity, are quickly losing their charm. Ashley Stark, creative director of STARK and Ashley Stark Home, reveals her insights:
"Bright red decor wasn't just a flash in the pan in 2024 (don't forget the unexpected red theory), offering a powerful burst of drama. Yet, it's starting to feel a bit too extravagant and robust, often appearing heavy or conventionally traditional. In contrast, homeowners and designers are embracing colors that deliver elegance and adaptability without the added weight."
So, what should you embrace instead? Ashley wisely advises, "Emerald green could be a fantastic substitute! Emerald imbues a freshness and refinement, making it a go-to for those wanting a less conventional yet eye-catching rug."
Kathy Kuo, an interior designer at Kathy Kuo Home, echoes this sentiment: "Bright red and orange tones are on their way out. While color preference is subjective, I've observed a trend towards rugs featuring organic modern aesthetics, warm earthy tones, and natural woven materials."
Although it may seem audacious, emerald green is surprisingly versatile. It could integrate seamlessly with neutral layering in a more restrained environment or act as a magnificent counterpoint to rich hues like browns and terracottas.
Say "So long" to Charcoal Gray
Jo Rich, a designer from J Rich Designs and Raydoor Sliding Walls & Doors believes that charcoal gray rugs have overstayed their welcome in modern design. "Charcoal gray has dominated interior schemes for many years, making spaces feel overly somber, especially as homeowners are now reconsidering dim, stuffy rooms. I suggest swapping charcoal gray for a muted terracotta or warm clay tone," she suggests.
Terracotta is a delightful alternative that adds dimension and anchors a room. It could lend a calming, nurturing feel to your bedroom space.
Bid adieu to Cool Blue
Interior and product designer Rachel Blindauer urges a reconsideration of fresh, cool blues when selecting rug colors: "Blues, especially icy or nautical tones, have dominated coastal and transitional interiors for a while. However, they are now perceived as too crisp and impersonal, as clients lean towards emotionally resonant spaces."
If you're searching for something new, Rachel proposes: "Stormy slate, muted indigo, or sea-glass green. These shades provide a tasteful whisper of color while exuding far more depth. They evoke memories of nature, making them a more fitting alternative to the cold, sterile undertones of traditional blues."
This subtle pale blue rug could be a cozy addition to any design. It carries hints of orange that enrich its warmth.
Skip the White
Ashley Stark expresses concern about white rugs' impracticality: "Although pure white rugs can be visually stunning, they struggle to maintain their clean appearance in daily life. As the snarl of footprints descends on them, they resemble Swiss cheese. Thankfully, homeowners and designers are turning to more forgiving, neutral shades like soft cream, warm tan, and grays with intricate patterns."
A soft cream rug offers a more inviting texture while also being more practical for real-life use, especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms.
Au revoir to Jewel Tones
Although we previously recommended emerald green, Rachel Blindauer has some cautions about certain jewel tones: "Jewel tones, such as amethyst purples, sapphire blues, and ruby reds, have been celebrated for their drama. However, due to their overwhelming saturation, they can quickly become visually heavy and excessive when paired with evolving design trends. It's time to make way for earthy, organic materials like ochres, washed terracotta, and soft tobacco tones."
A warm, rich brown rug, synonymous with timelessness and on-trend in 2025, ticks all the right boxes. It adds an elegant touch to lighter neutrals and also boasts practicality due to its spill-proof and machine-washable features.
- Ashley Stark suggests that homeowners and designers might want to shift their focus from deep jewel tones, such as amethyst purples, sapphire blues, and ruby reds, towards earthy, organic materials like ochres, washed terracotta, and soft tobacco tones, finding these to be more harmonious with evolving interior-design trends.
- The growing preference among interior and product designers is moving away from cool blue rugs, specifically icy or nautical tones, towards stormy slate, muted indigo, or sea-glass green, as these shades provide a more depth and emotional resonance compared to the cold, sterile undertones of traditional blues.
