Modern & Contemporary Rugs

Modern rugs span everything from bold geometric designs to quiet tonal compositions, making them one of the most versatile choices for contemporary interiors. 

At Landry & Arcari, our collection brings together handwoven modern and contemporary rugs selected for their design, craftsmanship, and lasting quality. From mid-century palettes to contemporary artistic weavings, each piece is chosen by people who have spent decades looking closely at rugs. 

Because much of our inventory is one of a kind, the collection rotates as new work arrives from the weavers and workshops we’ve known for years. That’s the advantage of buying contemporary pieces from a rug specialist: a carefully curated selection, verified authenticity, and guidance from someone who can tell you why a rug will work in your room. 


Browse the modern area rugs below, then visit our showrooms in Salem, Boston, and Framingham to experience their color, texture, and scale in person. Our design team is happy to help you find the right piece for your space. 

Choosing a Modern Rug for Your Space

Start with material, weave, palette, and size—in that order. Think first about how the room is used, then choose the rug that fits it. A durable hand-knotted wool works well in a busy living room, a silk blend brings softness to a bedroom, and a flatweave keeps a low profile where easy care matters. 


Then turn to color. A low-contrast, tonal modern rug creates a calm backdrop, while a bold pattern becomes the room's focal point. Finish with size. The rug should extend at least beneath the front legs of your seating and ideally beneath all of it. 


Modern area rugs here range from small accent pieces to oversized carpets, so measure your space and furniture placement before choosing a rug. 

Modern Rugs by Room

In the living room, size is one of the most important decisions. A rug large enough to anchor the sofa and chairs helps unify the space, which is why modern rugs for living room layouts often start at 8x10 and increase from there. 

In bedrooms, place the rug so it extends beyond the sides and foot of the bed, giving you a soft landing each morning. In dining rooms, choose a rug large enough that chairs remain on it even when pulled out, allowing about 24 inches of rug beyond the table on every side. 

Modern Rug Styles We Carry

Modern rugs cover a wide range of design styles, from the clean lines of mid-century interiors to bold geometric patterns and expressive abstracts. Here are some of the styles you'll find in our collection. 

Midcentury Modern

Midcentury modern rugs reflect the design language of the 1950s and '60s: organic shapes, warm but restrained color, and a sense of ease. They pair naturally with walnut furniture, tapered legs, and clean-lined upholstery, grounding a room without competing with it. 


Ochre, rust, teal, and cream remain defining colors of the style and continue to feel at home in contemporary interiors. 

Geometric and Abstract

Geometric rugs range from tribal-inspired diamonds to curving, architectural grids that bring structure and rhythm to a room. For a softer, more expressive look, abstract rugs rely on painterly composition, tonal layering, and fluid lines. 

Both pair easily with older furnishings, and if you're blending styles, our transitional rugs offer a natural bridge between modern and traditional design. 

Craftsmanship and Materials

The quality of a modern rug begins with how it’s made and the materials it’s woven from. Hand-knotted and handwoven rugs are valued for their durability because each knot is tied and secured by hand, creating a dense, resilient foundation that machine-made rugs cannot match. 

Fiber matters just as much. Our wool rugs offer durability and natural resilience for high-traffic rooms, while silk rugs and silk blends add sheen and fine detail for spaces with lighter use. 

When comparing rugs, ask about knot count, fiber source, and dye method. Understanding those details helps you choose a rug that will continue to perform and look beautiful for years to come.

Modern and Contemporary Rugs: FAQs

What is a modern rug?

A modern rug uses clean lines, abstract or geometric motifs, and current palettes rather than the formal medallions and borders of traditional design. Modern and contemporary rugs range from midcentury-inspired patterns to quiet tonal fields, offering styles that complement today's interiors. 

What is the difference between modern and contemporary rugs?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a distinction. "Modern" refers to a defined design era, roughly the mid-20th century, with its own recognizable shapes and colors. "Contemporary" describes what’s being designed today, so it evolves with current taste. Many rugs qualify as both, which is why you will often see the words used together.

Are modern rugs a good choice for a living room?

Yes. A modern rug anchors the seating, adds warmth underfoot, and helps define the room's palette. Choose a size that reaches under the front legs of your sofa and chairs, and pick a fiber, usually wool, that can handle daily traffic.

What materials are best for a modern rug?

Wool is the most versatile choice: durable, naturally stain-resistant, and comfortable underfoot. Silk and wool-silk blends bring luster and fine detail, while flatweaves are ideal where a low profile and easy care are priorities. Choose the fiber based on the room's traffic, maintenance needs, and the qualities you value most. 

How do I choose the right size modern rug?

Measure your furniture placement, not just the floor. As a rule of thumb, the rug should sit beneath the front legs of your seating and leave a border of bare floor around the room. For many living and dining rooms, that means a room-sized rug, and 8x10 rugs are often a versatile starting point.