The floor is the sixth wall

You might have heard of breaking the fourth wall, or the ceiling as the fifth wall, but currently we are seeing waves in the importance of the floor in physically and decoratively grounding a space, coined as the sixth wall (6th wall).

The concept of the sixth wall refers to the use of bold, statement colours or coverings as a basis for home decor planning. Initially referring to the use of paint colours to pull across statement colours and patterns to ceilings and floors, at Jennings we believe this idea ties in with our ethos that rooms should be designed from the ground up – starting with the rug. 

Using flooring and floor coverings to draw the eye from the floor up allows you to fully experience how a space works when designed altogether.  A rug or carpet helps to inject colour, pattern and texture into a room, acting as a focal piece to begin from.

How rugs can center a space

Depending on the room, we would recommend different types of rugs based on use and intended decorative effect. A handmade oriental rug can act as the central focus for a space, to open up a colour story that can be translated into the rest of the room. 

For example, using a large motif rug is a great choice for open spaces such as living areas, halls, and seating areas to draw the user in. On the other hand, we would not necessarily recommend a motif rug for dining areas or bedrooms, where the statement would be diluted by the furniture. Small nooks and hallways are great spaces for a rug or runner to accent and draw the eye down. 

Framing a room around a rug

Recommendations for styling your rug

At Jennings, we work with customers and interior designers to deliver bespoke rug consultations for home styling. Rugs can be a secondary accent but should never be a second thought.

Here are some recommendations when styling your space:

• Choose a rug that matches your vision – encapsulate the colour story or motif that you want for your space, whether that is warm terracottas; leafy, nature-focused imagery, bold geometric shapes; rustic, muted reds – draw the rest of your interiors from this baseline.

• Draw on accent colours from your rug’s borders, details, and central motif to add further dimension, expanding your colour palette with complementary or contrasting colours and textures that complement or contrast with your rug.

• Not all furniture needs to match – use the different features of your rug’s design to highlight different elements, using the rug as your grounding piece. Influence your space, using variation to add personality and textural interest.

• Consider how materials can enhance your space, such as hand-knotted wool, spun silk, strands of metallic thread – tie these into accents around your space, such as brushed metals or tonal lighting.

• Lighting changes everything – whether you are designing a cosy, warm nook or a bright, natural open space, your lighting choices will impact the overall feel of the space. Lighting tonality offers a completely different experience, whether it’s a bright white, warm yellow or cool toned. Furthermore, colour-changing LED lightbulbs are a great option if you like to seasonally alter your space, to match different colour palettes or moods, while grounding your space with your core furnishings.

• Assess how the room will be used – is your space going to have heavy footfall? Is it a dining space? Is it accenting a corner or grounding the whole room? Consider how a size, texture or pattern can be used to add personality or provide a backdrop for a room.

At Jennings, we can advise you on the size, materials and patterns we would recommend to ensure your rug perfectly suits its use, so you can decorate a room with these important elements in mind.

Interested in learning how an oriental rug or carpet could personalise your space? Book a free rug styling consultation with the Jennings team.

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A rug that grows with your space

A rug is a statement piece that offers the longevity and versatility to frame your space through various design styles, lasting for years to come. Read more of our thoughts in our rug buyer's guide.

Read buyer's guide

A vast array of beautiful, one-of-a-kind oriental rugs

At Jennings Rugs, we hand-select hundreds of unique, handcrafted rugs from across the globe. Specialising in oriental rugs and carpets, our team are highly knowledgeable from rug history to craftsmanship to styling and care. We also offer beautiful kilim furniture, cushions, draught excluders, lighting and more, to adorn a home you love.

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