20 Welcoming Entryway Rug Ideas

Merge style, function, and comfort with a stunning entryway rug.

An entryway rug can bring in a pop of color and pattern, but it can be a functional addition too. A rug protects your floors, and comfort-wise, it adds a warm and cozy layer under-foot. An entryway is a high-traffic transitional area which needs to be able to withstand a good amount of daily wear and tear, but it’s also the space that makes a first impression and greets you after a long day out. For this reason, merging style and function when picking out an entryway rug is key.

We pulled our favorite entryway rug ideas to bring you plenty of inspiration, no matter the size or design style of your entryway. They range from vintage-style rugs with rich colors and classic patterns, to small throw rugs that are perfectly suited for a tight space. Whether you have a makeshift entryway that’s part of your your living room or a grand foyer boasting tall ceilings and impressive square footage, use these entryway rug ideas to add visual appeal, function, and comfort to your space.

Related: The 6 Best Washable Rugs of 2024, According to Testing

Dark Entryway Rug

Since an entryway is a transitional space that needs to be able to withstand a lot of wear and tear, a dark rug color is a practical choice as it doesn’t show dirt. In this modern farmhouse entryway, a dark gray rug with a black and gray pattern keeps the space functional while contrasting the bright white walls and door and tying in the dark hardwood floors, wall hooks, and rustic bench.

Related: 20 Entryway Bench Ideas to Create a Warm Welcome

Neutral Entryway Rug

This bold patterned entryway rug proves that neutrals don’t have to be boring! The beige and off-white rug features a herringbone pattern with a playful twist for a contemporary look, contrasting the plain white walls and large solid surfaces.

Striped Entryway Runner Rug

A whimsical runner rug featuring white and coral stripes is a fun addition to this small entryway. A rug rug with a statement pattern and bold colors is a clever way to make a big visual impact in a small space. The coral color in this runner ties in the bright and cheerful front door and complements the blue walls for a beautifully balanced entryway.

Vintage-Style Entryway Rug

Create a warm and lived in feel with a vintage-style rug in your entryway. The faded colors and distressed pattern give the rug an always-been-here feel and lend a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to the space. Take inspiration from this elegant entryway, and pair it with other vintage elements such as a wood dresser, gold mirror, and a pair of upholstered chairs.

Related: 20 Entryway Decor Ideas to Greet Guests in Style

Jute Entryway Rug

If you want to stick with neutrals, a jute entryway rug is an excellent option. It introduces a natural element and a textural layer which complements a variety of flooring materials, from hardwood to stone. One thing to note is that jute can shed and may be harder to clean than other styles of rugs.

Related: The 11 Best Area Rugs of 2024, According to Lab Testing

Round Entryway Rug

A round accent rug is a great way to soften an entryway and visually break up all the linear elements in the room. Here, it highlights a round entryway table, adds a cozy layer through the braided design, and contrasts the square details on the transom windows.

Related: How to Flatten a Rug: 6 Proven Techniques

Square Entryway Rug

Similar to round rugs, square rugs introduce a unique and unexpected shape to an entryway. They can be harder to find than the standard rectangular rug sizes, but are a good option for a square-shaped entryway nook such as this one. The medallion-style pattern contrasts the more modern patterns on the throw pillows, but a cohesive color scheme maintains a harmonious look.

Related: 28 Small Entryway Ideas That Make a Big First Impression

Persian Entryway Rug

Add character to your entryway with the rich colors and bold patterns of a Persian area rug. Typically hand-knotted, this high-quality rug can be an investment, but it’s a timeless design element that will never go out of style and which looks beautiful in a variety of interiors, ranging from traditional to modern rustic.

Related: 25 Entryway Lighting Ideas for a Warm Welcome

Entryway With Contrasting Rugs

In this small entryway, a traditional area rug featuring deep colors and tassel borders contrasts a modern stair runner for an eclectic vibe. The tassel detail adds softness and a classic detail, while echoing the warm white wall color. Textiles—whether it’s a patterned area rug with tassels, an upholstered sofa, or unique throw pillows—are an excellent way to make a big statement in your entryway, especially when you mix design styles for a truly unique-looking space.

Related: 20 Modern Entryway Ideas for an Inviting First Impression

Vintage Throw Rug

You don’t necessarily need a large area rug in your entryway as this small vintage throw rug proves. Here, it pairs beautifully with a framed tapestry, a rattan bench, and a brass semi-flush mounted ceiling light. When designing your entryway, keep scale in mind. If you use multiple small items—such as this throw rug and minimalist light—juxtapose them with one oversized piece like the tapestry on the wall to create visual balance.

Patterned Entryway Runner Rug

A small-scale diamond pattern on this entryway runner rug instantly draws the eyes and ties in other playful design features such as a blue front door and a nautical wall mirror. The rug’s colors and pattern contrast the white shiplap walls and ceiling, break up the solid light gray floor color, and add a nice detail to this coastal style entryway.

Striped Area Rug In an Entryway

A striped gray and white area rug injects a big dose of pattern into this light and bright entryway. If you’re working with a limited color palette, distribute your chosen colors thoughtfully and evenly throughout the space to keep it interesting. Take inspiration from this modern entryway and use one of the rug colors on the baseboards and door trim for unexpected contrast and a seamless way to tie in the rug colors.

Southwestern Entryway Rug

Use a southwestern-style rug to add instant character to your entryway. Featuring a bold graphic pattern and vibrant colors, it sets an eclectic tone in this narrow entryway and complements a colorful pottery collection on the console table. A coral painted front door and lush potted and fresh-cut greenery complete the lively space.

Related: 8 Essential Items Every Entryway Needs

Narrow Entryway Runner

If your entryway is long and narrow, opt for a narrow runner to match the space. To prevent it from shifting, use a rug pad or corner grippers that secure it in place and stop the corners from curling.

Multiple Entryway Rugs

The size and shape of your entryway may require multiple rugs, whether that’s identical runners or a combination of different rugs. To maintain visual harmony, make sure there’s a common thread that ties the rugs together. You can use matching rugs, a couple of different sized rugs featuring an identical design, or go with contrasting rugs that have one design element in common, whether it’s their color, material, or pattern style.

Washable Entryway Rug

A washable rug is a practical choice for a high traffic area like an entryway. Instead of scrubbing muddy boot stains off an entryway rug or having to replace it altogether, go with a low maintenance option in the form of a washable rug.

Statement Entryway Rug

A statement rug will transform your entryway no matter how tight the space is. This small entryway boasts plenty of charm and character between the penny tile floor detail and unique decorative accents, but it’s the vibrant orange throw rug that makes the space. The vintage rug brings in an energetic burst of color which livens up the neutral entryway, plus it’s super practical in that it hides dirt well.

Vintage Runner In a Contemporary Entryway

Layering different design styles makes for a unique and thoughtfully curated entryway. Take cues from this contemporary entryway which juxtaposes a vintage-style runner rug featuring a classic pattern and colors with modern design elements such as light wood floors, clean-lined doors, and oversized brass pendant lights.

Colorful Entryway Rug

In this charming craftsman style entryway, a colorful area rug brings in rich colors and a beautiful pattern. The warmth of the colors ties in the dark hardwood floors and front door, while the organic pattern contrasts the clean lines of the wood paneled ceiling.

Related: How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug for Your Room

Popcorn Loop Entryway Rug

For a cozy feel and an interesting texture, opt for a popcorn loop rug in your entryway. Usually crafted from wool, the rug is made up of rows of popcorn-like loops and has a welcoming quality thanks to its soft texture. While you’ll often see this style of rug in solid neutral colors in bedrooms, a colorful version such as this blue and green one is a fun way to add personality to an entryway.

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