How to Seamlessly Transition Rugs From Summer to Fall

As the leaves begin to turn golden and the air gets that crisp, cozy feel, we all know that summer is slowly slipping away. But while you're swapping out your bikinis for sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, your home needs a seasonal refresh too. And guess what? Your rugs play a huge role in setting the mood. So, let’s talk about how to effortlessly transition your rugs from summer to fall without a hitch. Trust us, it’s easier (and way more fun) than you think!

Sure, everyone’s focused on throw blankets and scented candles (which, by the way, we're ALL for), but rugs are heroes when it comes to making your space feel in-tune with the season. They’re like the backdrop to your entire room — they set the tone, the vibe, and yes, they also warm up your feet on those chilly autumn mornings.

So, how exactly do you transition rugs from summer to fall, go from bright, breezy summer rugs to warm, cozy fall ones? Let’s dive in!

One of our absolute favorite tricks when transitioning rugs from summer to fall is layering rugs. Think of it as the rug version of layering sweaters and scarves (and we all know how fab that is). If you’ve got a lightweight summer rug that you adore but don’t want to part with just yet, you can absolutely keep it in rotation by adding a thicker, cozier rug on top.

Imagine this: your airy jute or cotton rug as the base, and a chunky, plush wool or shag rug layered on top. Not only does this give your room texture and dimension, but it also screams “cozy fall vibes” without you needing to fully pack away your summer favorites.

Pro Tip: Stick to complementary colors when layering. If your rugs from summer to fall is in light pastels, opt for a rich jewel-tone rug (think emerald, rust, or navy) for that perfect fall aesthetic.

Speaking of color — let’s talk palette. Your rugs from summer to fall will likely feature breezy blues, sunny yellows, or crisp whites, which are all perfect for the bright days of summer. But as fall rolls in, you may want to incorporate more earthy tones to reflect the changing season.

• Warm neutrals: Think taupes, creams, and soft grays. These colors will blend beautifully with your existing summer pieces but still give your space a fall-forward feel.
  
  

• Rich hues: Jewel tones like deep reds, burnt oranges, forest greens, and mustard yellows instantly bring that autumn charm.
  
  

• Moody shades: Want to make a bold statement? Dark charcoal, navy, or burgundy rugs can add drama and warmth to your space while making it feel oh-so-cozy.

Fun Hack : You don’t necessarily have to replace your summer rug! Instead, add fall-themed accents around it, like pillows, throws, and candles in warm hues to complement the rug’s colors.

When transitioning your rugs from summer to fall, it’s all about texture . Summer is the time for sleek, smooth, and airy fabrics — but when it comes to fall, it’s all about those chunky knits, velvets, and fuzzy materials.

Consider swapping out your flatweave summer rugs for something with a little more heft and texture. A high-pile shag rug, a braided jute piece, or even a thick wool rug can add that sense of warmth and comfort that we all crave when the temperatures drop.

But if you’re attached to your lightweight summer rug, don’t worry! Here’s a quick fix: simply layer it with soft textiles . Add a chunky knit throw over your couch or invest in a few velvet or faux fur pillows. These will work with your existing rug to create a cozy fall vibe without replacing it altogether.

Fall is synonymous with nature — golden leaves, crisp air, and a hint of woodsy goodness in the breeze. This is the perfect season to incorporate natural fibers into your rugs from summer to fall. If you’ve been using cotton or synthetic materials during the summer, now is the time to switch it up with something that feels a bit more organic.

Consider rugs made from wool, jute, or sisal . These natural fibers not only look beautiful, but they also feel super cozy underfoot. Wool rugs, in particular, are excellent for rugs from summer to fall because they’re naturally insulating, keeping your home warm and inviting as the days get chillier.

Extra Tip: Natural rugs also tend to have a more neutral palette, which works perfectly with those rich, autumnal tones we talked about earlier. They’ll blend seamlessly into your fall decor while still giving your space that laid-back, natural feel.

Don’t forget about the runners! Hallways, entryways, and even kitchens are great spots to switch up your rugs from summer to fall. If you’ve been using lightweight, summery runners, it’s time to transition to something more seasonally appropriate.

For fall, we recommend thicker, more durable runners with a bold autumnal pattern. Think geometric prints, Persian-inspired designs, or anything with a strong color contrast that will make a statement in your home. These runners are not only functional (they trap dirt and keep your floors cozy), but they also set the tone as soon as you walk in.

Okay, so we’ve covered indoor rugs from summer to fall, but what about your outdoor space? If you’ve got an outdoor patio or porch, chances are you’ve been rocking a fun, bright rug all summer. But just because it’s fall doesn’t mean your outdoor decor needs to be neglected.

Swap your outdoor rugs for something a little more season-appropriate. Look for rugs from summer to fall that are still weather-resistant but in muted, earthy tones that align with the season. This way, you can still enjoy that crisp autumn air while sipping on your pumpkin spice latte in style!

Before you tuck away your summer rugs for the season, make sure they’re cleaned and stored properly. This will help preserve them so they’re in tip-top shape when next summer rolls around.

• Vacuum thoroughly : Get rid of any dirt, sand, or debris.
  
  

• Spot clean any stains: Make sure your rug is stain-free before storage. You can use a gentle rug cleaner or even a DIY mixture of water and vinegar.
  
  

• Roll, don’t fold : To prevent creases, always roll your rug when storing it.
  
  

• Store in a dry, cool space : Avoid storing your rugs in humid places like basements or attics, as this can lead to mold or mildew.

And there you have it — a foolproof guide to transitioning your rugs from summer to fall. Whether you’re layering up, embracing rich autumnal tones, or adding cozy textures, your space will feel ready for sweater weather in no time. Just remember, your rug is the foundation of your home’s decor, and with a few simple swaps of rugs from summer to fall, you can create a warm and inviting space that’s perfect for all those pumpkin-spiced gatherings. Happy decorating, and here’s to a fabulous fall season with Mark & Day!