How to Style a Red Persian Rug the Right Way
There’s a reason red Persian rugs have been around for centuries. They’re rich in craftsmanship, full of history, and undeniably beautiful. But there is always a fear that if you put one in the wrong setting, your space looks might start to look like your great aunt’s drawing room.
At Lilla Rugs, we’re here to reframe the red Persian rug as what it truly is: a statement piece that can anchor even the most contemporary interior. The key? Styling it with contrast, restraint and character.
1. Think of the Rug as Art, Not a Backdrop
One of the biggest mistakes people make with Persian rugs is treating them like background noise. A red Persian rug is never just a neutral—it’s bold, full of movement, and emotionally charged. Lean into that. Let it be the focal point, the unexpected art piece underfoot.
This means keeping everything else around it minimal. Opt for furniture that’s simple and sculptural. A simple cream or stone-coloured sofa with clean lines will instantly balance the visual weight of the rug. Choose materials that are refined but unfussy—linen, concrete, raw wood, steel. Let the rug's ornate pattern be the one “busy” moment in the room.
When you treat the rug as a showpiece rather than an accessory, it instantly elevates the space—and steers you far away from that dated, over-layered look.
2. Pair It with Unexpected Elements
Want your rug to feel cool? Set it up with things that don’t match it.
The tension between a traditional Persian rug and modern, even industrial, design elements is what makes it feel current. Think a matte black coffee table. A minimalist pendant light. A vintage Wassily chair or a chunky boucle armchair. These juxtapositions strip away the formality that Persian rugs sometimes bring and make them feel more street-smart than stately.
And don’t underestimate the power of wall art. Abstract or minimalist pieces in black and white—or something bold and graphic—can add visual contrast that shifts the whole tone of the room. Suddenly, the rug isn’t “classic” anymore. It’s just cool.
3. Let the Rug Add Soul, Not Weight
A red Persian rug brings richness, yes—but don’t let it make the room feel heavy. You can avoid this by making intentional choices in the rest of your styling.
Keep the palette around it light and textural. A whitewashed wall, pale floors, light-toned furniture—these act like negative space that lets the rug’s detail shine. You don’t need to match the reds or add in more ornate accessories. In fact, it’s stronger when you don’t. Let the rug be the only traditional or colourful piece in the room—it adds soul without dragging the whole look into vintage territory.
This balance of old and new, bold and restrained, is what makes the space feel considered rather than themed.
A red Persian rug doesn’t have to feel old-world or formal. It’s all about how you frame it. Style it like a piece of art, surround it with modern shapes and textures, and don’t overdo the rest. The result? A space that feels lived-in, layered, and totally current.
Here are three of Camilla's (our founder) favourite red rugs right now:
Left to right: SUMMIT, ISLA, GANG
