11 Stylish Rugs from Our 2022 Small/Cool Experience That’ll Instantly Elevate Your Space

Alyssa LongobuccoContributor
Alyssa LongobuccoContributor
Alyssa is a freelance writer, editor, and stylist living in New York. When she's not diving into the latest in food and home decor, she's restoring an 1820s farmhouse in the Hudson Valley alongside her husband and son.
published Apr 29, 2022
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room with pale blue walls, graphic artwork, a rattan dresser, warm colored bed linens, snake plant on ground in basket
Credit: Rikki Snyder

We’ve got some big (small) news over here at Apartment Therapy. We recently kicked off our third annual Small/Cool Experience in New York City, where we’ve taken over an epic space in SoHo and challenged 12 talented interior designers (think: Carmeon Hamilton, Christiane Lemieux, and Julieta Alvarez) to bring 12 of our favorite style trends to life — each within 120 square feet.

If you’re local to NYC, you can visit us downtown every weekend between now and May 15 to experience the space for yourself — plus score face time with the creators and our editors, experience workshops, and participate in Q&A sessions. Don’t live nearby? No worries! We’re sharing the goodness online, too, with a dedicated landing page where you can check out the event schedule, designer mood boards, and more.

We’re even helping you shop the event for your own home, rounding up some of our favorite Small/Cool products making an appearance in NYC. Next up? A selection of gorgeous rugs that will infuse even the most modestly sized spaces with designer-worthy style.

Umbria Indoor/Outdoor Rug, 5'3" x 7'6"
$119

With a classic cross pattern in graphic grey and black, this edgy rug from The Novogratz is cool and effortless all at once. It's made from durable stain-, heat-, and UV-resistant polypropylene fibers, so it's a great option for an outdoor space or a room that's subjected to a lot of wear and tear.

$119 at The Novogratz
Loloi Loren Printed Area Rug, 5' x 7'6"
$339$128

Vintage lovers will swoon over this Loloi rug, which bottles the charm of a flea market find with the durability of a brand new one. It boasts a functional low pile and a recycled backing, for a piece that is as durable as it is beautiful.

$128 at Rugs Direct
Adra Accent Rug, 4' x 6'
$575

With a creamy neutral hue and dueling piles, this textured piece from The Citizenry is like the perfect pair of jeans — it keeps getting better with age. It's handwoven in India and made from 100 percent New Zealand wool, so you know you're investing in a piece that will last you a lifetime.

$575 at The Citizenry
Woven Basketweave Area Rug by Chilewich, 3'10" x 6'
$395

Anchor your room in some dark drama with this dynamic woven rug from Chilewich. It's made from their signature vinyl and polyester combination, so it''ll hold its own against everything from pets to rambunctious kiddos. The basketweave design offers up a slight variation in hue, resulting in a design that feels textured and dynamic.

$395 at Rugs Direct
Diamond Shaggy Rug, 6' x 9'
$299

Mimic the coveted look of a marble checkered floor with this chic rug from Urban Outfitters. It's crafted from the perfect short-but-comfy shag for plush softness underfoot and comes with playful tassels on the edges.

$299 at Urban Outfitters
Georgie Area Rug, 5' x 7'6"
$199$122

Another vintage-inspired treasure, the Georgie rug is designed by the Queen of California-cool design, Amber Lewis. The slightly-faded motif is comprised of all sorts of muddy hues, like rust, brown, sage, and more, making it a beautiful accent in almost any space.

$122 at Rugs Direct
Amman Area Rug, 5' x 8'
$775

This rug from The Citizenry is super fresh and versatile. The light, washed-out color palette is a pretty accent in any space, while the graphic geometric pattern (sort of reminiscent of building schematics) adds a masculine touch. Use it solo, or place it atop a jute rug for layered perfection.

$775 at The Citizenry
Moroccan Palm Mat, 5' x 8'
$489$429

You really can't go wrong with a natural-textured rug — they're versatile, forgiving, and make for a welcome accent in any space. This one from Revival Rugs is woven from palm leaves and feels extra special thanks to a long fringed border that adds a pop of personality.

$429 at Revival Rugs
Tugart Kidira Rug, 5' x 8'
$1,289

One of the more expensive picks on our list, this Lemieux et Cie beauty is well-worth its price tag, with a subtle pattern and handwoven leather-jute combination. Designed to mimic traditional Tuareg mats, this piece will age gracefully and provide an effortless patina wherever you lay it.

$1,289 at Lemieux Et Cie
Gray Janelle Washable Stripes Area Rug, 5' x 8'
$294$132

This mind-bending black and white rug commands attention in all the right ways. Let it lay a funky foundation in an otherwise neutral room, or match its boldness with a whole bunch of jewel-tone decor.

$132 at Rugs USA
Naturals Lucia Mayen Area Rug, 5' x 8'
$365$179

Not sure where to start with your living room design? You can't go wrong with a neutral foundation — and this jute area rug keeps things from feeling boring. Keep it by itself for tasteful simplicity, or layer a vintage find on top of it for extra style.

$179 at Rugs Direct

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