Buyers guides

7 contemporary rugs that are classic and family-friendly

The ultimate modern style.
(Photography: Alan Jensen)

A contemporary rug can set the tone for your entire . By establishing boundaries and clearly defining lines, whichever rug you choose will serve as a base for the rest of the design and decor.

Whether you’re looking for a rug for the living room, bedroom, or a rumpus room space, it can be difficult to find a rug that matches your decor. If classic, and modern with a natural twist is your signature look, then these contemporary rugs will blend seamlessly into any room of your choice.

While contemporary rugs can often refer to floor covers that have interesting shapes, or bold, abstract designs, contemporary for us means a style that can be versatile enough to fit any home. Bonus points if you find one that is machine washable, easy to clean, and durable enough to survive family life.

The best contemporary rugs for 2024

blue jute contemporary rug

01

Network rugs navy hand-braided jute rug

from $649 (was $1299) at Temple & Webster

If contemporary is your main style descriptor, then this hand-braided rug is the right choice for you. With elements of simplicity in line and colour, as well as made with an easy-to-clean material, this rug is definitely made for the modern family. A dark navy will complement light-coloured decor and wood-based furniture, and allow for your style choices to shine.

Sizes: 220 x 150cm, 280 x 190cm, 320 x 230cm, 400 x 300cm

Colour: Navy

Material: Hand-braided jute

Key features:

  • Crafted from 100% hand-braided jute, this rug is built to last, adding a touch of timeless elegance to your home for years.
  • This product is easy to style & stores easily for a quick & easy makeover to refresh your setting anytime
  • Not recommended for high moisture areas like outdoors or bathrooms
  • Note: sizing is approximate; rug size may vary up to 3%
contemporary rug that's beige with tan coloured border

02

Rug Culture Sahara Maria rug in Ivory

from $1549 at Myer

Need of a rug that defines a space? Then this one from Rug Culture is ideal. Made from hand-woven jute, this contemporary rug includes a border design, helping to create boundaries within your living or bedroom areas. Great for outlining a bed, or marking out space between living and dining.

Sizes: 225x155cm, 280x190cm, 320x230cm, 380x280cm

Colour: Ivory

Material: Hand-woven jute

Key features:

  • Material: 100% Jute
  • Construction: Hand Woven
  • Pile Height: flat woven
  • Origin: Made In India
contemporary stripy navy and cream rug

03

Sumi Sailor Stripe navy rug

from $1099 at Ruggable

This sailor stripe rug from Ruggable has customisation choices galore, fitting to any space and style you need. It has three colourways, seven sizes (as well as the option for runners and round shapes) and the option to have a flat-woven or tufted cover.

Sizes: 60x90cm, 90x150cm, 120x185cm, 150x215cm, 185x275cm, 245x305cm, 275x365cm

Colours:  Navy, Camel, Black

Materials: Chenille yarn

Key features:

  • Made from our water-resistant, stain-resistant, and machine-washable low-pile Classic material. 
  • Intertwines warm navy and inky blue stripes that alternate against a soft pearl background.
contemporary circle rug with blue circle

04

Network Rugs Jasmine round navy rug

from $349 (was $599) at Temple & Webster

If you’ve got a coastal-inspired home, or love a nautical theme, then this round rug is for you. Nothing says seaside like the natural weave of jute and a touch of navy blue. With 4 different sizes available, your round rug will fit snugly under any cosy armchair or breakfast nook. 

Sizes: 120x120cm, 150x150cm, 200x200cm, 240x240cm 

Colours: Navy

Materials: 100% Jute

Key features:

  • 100% jute fabric is made of natural fibres that feel soft underfoot, while also being able to withstand high-traffic areas.
  • Benefit from the longevity of this rug due to its durable construction, and easily refresh your decor with its double-sided design.
  • Construction: Flatweave – Hand Braided
contemporary jute rug hand-braided

05

Joline caramel and beige braided and looped rug

from $699 at Miss Amara

The best way to add texture to your home is with a braided and looped rug. This one from Miss Amara was designed in-house, and hand-made by skilful craft artisans. If you need something neutral to tone down a space or brighten up a dull floor, this rug is for you.

Sizes: 230cm x 160cm, 244cm x 152cm, 280cm x 190cm, 305cm x 244cm, 330cm x 240cm, 366cm x 268cm, 396cm x 268cm, 400cm x 300cm, 457cm x 366cm

Colours: Cream

Materials: Polyester, Wool

Key features:

  • Handcrafted using a unique combination of traditional rug-making techniques, showcasing the intricate workmanship of our skilled artisans.
  • Designed in-house and exclusive to the Miss Amara Collection
  • Woven, looped and braided techniques have been used to stunning effect and together give the rug a gorgeous thick and spongy pile underfoot.
contemporary rug hand-braided with tasselled ends

06

Natural Montie fringe hand-woven jute rug

from $699 at Temple & Webster

To add natural fibres and a bohemian touch, this jute rug with fringe is all you need. Create a relaxing and stylish space with a floor cover that feels great underfoot, yet will still be durable to last for years to come. 

Sizes: 230 x 160cm, 300 x 200cm, 330 x 240cm  

Colours: Cream

Materials: 100% Jute

Key features:

  • Woven by hand
  • Durable & stylish
  • Adds texture to your space
  • Easy to clean & maintain – simply shake it or give it a vacuum
  • A fringe at either end enhances its bohemian appeal
contemporary rug with check blue and white pattern

07

Atlas Flooring blue Evert rug

from $299 (was $379) at Temple & Webster

Modern and family-friendly all rolled into one is what you’ll get with this rug from Atlas Flooring. A beautiful check design adds great interest to any living area or bedroom, and will match perfectly to neutral, modern spaces.

Sizes: 230 x 160cm, 290 x 200cm      

Colours: Blue and White

Materials: Cottons, Synthetic

Key features:

  • Check design
  • Non-shedding, pet-friendly rug is easy to care for, making it an ideal choice for busy households.
  • Choose from two size options, 230 x 160cm and 290 x 200cm, to perfectly fit your room dimensions and layout.

Should I get light or dark area rug?

Getting a dark or light area rug depends on what you want to add to your space. If you wish to create extension and the illusion of additional space, a light-coloured rug is the right choice.

Dark colours will give your room a classy and elegant appearance and will help divide your space into distinct areas. This is helpful when you have an open living/dining area or large spaces that need specific boundaries.


Looking to save money on rugs? Check out our coupon codes for Temple and Webster, Freedom and more.


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