Best Rugs & Runners for an Afrohemian Living Room: Jute, Kilim, and Layering

Your living room floor is more than just a surface to walk on; in Afrohemian design, it is the canvas that anchors the soul of the home. When we talk about Afrohemian style, we are looking at a beautiful collision of African heritage, global textures, and a relaxed, bohemian spirit that prioritizes comfort and storytelling.

The right rug does more than just cover hardwood or tile. It defines your zones, absorbs sound, and provides the tactile warmth necessary for a space to feel lived-in rather than staged. In this guide, we will explore why the combination of jute and kilim is the gold standard for this aesthetic and how you can master the art of layering like a professional.

At-a-Glance: Key Takeaways

Materials Matter: Natural fibers like jute, sisal, and wool are the foundation of the Afrohemian look. They offer a neutral, organic base that balances bold patterns.

The Layering Secret: A large, neutral jute rug should serve as your base, while a smaller, patterned kilim or mudcloth-inspired rug sits on top to add color and personality.
Sizing Rule: Never let your rug float in the middle of the room. At a minimum, the front legs of all major furniture pieces should sit on the rug.
Durability and Comfort: High-traffic areas benefit from flat-weave kilims, which are easier to clean and move, while jute provides a sturdy, non-slip foundation.

Cultural Connection: Incorporate patterns that reflect African motifs, such as geometric shapes found in Kuba cloth or the linear simplicity of Bogolan (mudcloth).

What This Style Means (and Who It’s For)

Afrohemian style is a specific niche within the broader bohemian movement. While traditional “boho” might lean heavily into Moroccan influences or 1970s maximalism, Afrohemian design specifically honors the aesthetics of the African continent while maintaining a modern, airy, and relaxed vibe. It is about “the mix, not the match.”

This style is for the person who loves a home that feels traveled and curated. It is for those who appreciate natural imperfections—the slight variations in a hand-woven jute rug or the gentle fading of a vintage kilim. It is also a very practical style for families and pet owners, as the textures and patterns are incredibly forgiving when it comes to daily wear and tear.

If you find yourself drawn to terracotta tones, deep indigos, cream-colored mudcloth, and plenty of indoor greenery, you are likely an Afrohemian at heart. The rug is the most critical piece of this puzzle because it ties these disparate elements together into a cohesive visual narrative.

The Signature Look: Ingredients That Make It Work

To achieve a professional Afrohemian look, you need to understand the characteristics of your primary materials. We aren’t just looking for “a rug”; we are looking for specific textures that play well together.

Jute and Sisal: The Earthy Foundations
Jute is the MVP of Afrohemian design. It is soft underfoot compared to sisal, which can be a bit scratchy, but it still offers that golden-tan color that mimics the savannah. Jute rugs are typically chunky and heavy, providing a visual “weight” that grounds light-colored furniture.

Kilims: The Storytellers
A kilim is a flat-weave rug without a pile. This makes them incredibly versatile and perfect for layering. In an Afrohemian context, we look for kilims with geometric patterns, earthy reds, burnt oranges, or high-contrast black and white designs. Because they are thin, they don’t create a massive tripping hazard when placed on top of another rug.

Mudcloth and Kuba Motifs
While technically textiles and not always rugs, many modern rug designers are creating floor coverings that mimic the patterns of West African mudcloth (Bogolan fini) or Central African Kuba cloth. These patterns—often featuring lines, dots, and squares—add a rhythmic quality to the room that feels authentic and intentional.

Layout & Proportions (Designer Rules of Thumb)

One of the most common mistakes I see in living rooms is the “postage stamp” rug—a rug that is far too small for the space. In an Afrohemian living room, we want the rugs to feel expansive.

Standard Sizing Rules

The 8×10 Rule: For most standard US living rooms, an 8×10 rug is the minimum size. This allows you to place the front legs of your sofa and accent chairs on the rug, which “locks” the conversation area together.
The 9×12 Rule: If you have a large, open-concept space, go for a 9×12. This allows all furniture legs to sit entirely on the rug, creating a “room within a room” feel.
Wall Clearance: Always aim to leave about 12 to 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the walls. This creates a frame for the room and prevents the space from looking like it has wall-to-wall carpeting.

Layering Proportions
When layering a kilim over a jute rug, the bottom rug (the jute) should be at least 2 feet wider and longer than the top rug. For example, if you have an 8×10 jute rug, a 5×7 or 6×9 kilim is the perfect topper. This leaves a beautiful “border” of natural texture showing around the patterned rug.

Designer’s Note: In my years of designing, I’ve learned that the secret to a successful layered look isn’t just the size—it’s the thickness. Never layer a thick, plush shag rug on top of a jute rug. It becomes a mountain that people will trip over. Stick to flat-weaves for your top layer. It keeps the profile low and the look sophisticated.

Step-by-Step: How to Recreate This Look

If you are starting with a blank slate or a room that feels “off,” follow these steps to build your Afrohemian foundation.

Step 1: Measure Your “Conversation Zone”
Don’t just measure the room; measure the area where your furniture sits. If your sofa is 84 inches long, your rug needs to be at least 96 inches (8 feet) wide so it extends past the ends of the couch.

Step 2: Choose Your Base Layer
Look for a natural fiber rug like jute or seagrass. If you have pets that might have accidents, seagrass is actually better than jute because it is non-porous and easier to wipe down. If you want comfort, choose a “bleached” jute, which tends to be softer and more blonde in color.

Step 3: Select Your Patterned Topper
This is where you bring in the “Afro” part of Afrohemian. Look for a vintage kilim or a modern wool flat-weave. If your room has a lot of neutral furniture, go bold with a deep indigo or a multi-colored geometric pattern. If your furniture is colorful, a black-and-white mudcloth pattern works best.

Step 4: Use the Right Rug Pad
Even with a heavy jute rug, you need a pad. A felt-and-rubber combo pad is best. It adds a bit of “squish” to the hard jute and prevents the rugs from sliding around. When layering, you don’t necessarily need a pad between the two rugs, but you might need double-sided rug tape at the corners of the top rug to keep it flat.

Step 5: Position and Anchor
Lay the jute rug down first, ensuring it is centered with your main focal point (usually a fireplace or a TV). Then, center the kilim on top of the jute. Place your coffee table directly in the center of the top rug to anchor both layers.

Budget Breakdown: Low / Mid / Splurge

You don’t need a designer budget to get this look, but you do need to know where to spend your money.

The Low-Budget Option ($200–$400)

Base: A machine-woven jute rug from a big-box retailer (approx. $150 for an 8×10).
Topper: A synthetic “printed” kilim-style rug. These aren’t authentic hand-weaves, but they capture the look for a fraction of the price (approx. $100 for a 5×7).
Total Look: Focus on high-contrast patterns to distract from the synthetic fibers.

The Mid-Range Option ($600–$1,200)

Base: A hand-braided, thick-pile jute rug (approx. $350 for an 8×10). These have much more texture and “soul.”
Topper: A new, hand-woven wool dhurrie or kilim (approx. $400 for a 6×9). Wool is much more durable than synthetic and will age beautifully.
Total Look: This is the sweet spot for quality and longevity.

The Splurge Option ($2,000+)

Base: A custom-sized sisal or a high-end “chunky” wool-jute blend (approx. $800–$1,200).
Topper: A vintage, one-of-a-kind Turkish or African kilim (approx. $1,200–$3,000). Vintage rugs have a “low-glow” patina that cannot be faked.
Total Look: This creates a gallery-like feel that is truly unique to your home.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are the most frequent issues I see in Afrohemian living rooms.

Mistake 1: The “Tripping Hazard” Layer
If the top rug is too thick or the edges are curling, it becomes a safety issue.
The Fix: Use a flat-weave for the top layer and apply heavy-duty rug tape to the corners. You can also place the legs of your coffee table over the corners of the top rug to keep it pinned down.

Mistake 2: Color Clashing
Sometimes the “warmth” of the jute rug fights with the “coolness” of the top rug.
The Fix: Check your undertones. If your jute rug is very golden/yellow, choose a kilim with warm tones like red, orange, or brown. If you have a greyish or bleached jute rug, go with blues, blacks, or cool greens.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Runner
People often style the living room but leave the adjacent hallway bare. This breaks the flow.
The Fix: Carry the theme into the hallways. An Afrohemian runner should usually be a kilim. Hallways are high-traffic, and flat-weave wool is incredibly durable and easy to vacuum. Avoid jute in long runners unless it has a non-slip backing, as jute tends to slide easily in narrow spaces.

Room-by-Room Variations

While we are focusing on the living room, Afrohemian rugs work throughout the house.

Small Living Rooms or Apartments
In a small space, don’t layer. Layering can make a small room feel cluttered. Instead, choose one medium-sized rug with a “large-scale” pattern. A large pattern (like a 12-inch diamond motif) actually makes a small room feel bigger than a tiny, busy pattern does.

Open Concept Spaces
If your living room bleeds into the dining room, use the “Sister, Not Twin” rule. Don’t use the exact same rug in both areas. Use a layered jute/kilim combo in the living room, and then use a large, matching jute rug (without the topper) under the dining table. This creates a visual link without being repetitive.

The Indoor-Outdoor Transition
If your living room opens onto a patio, use a synthetic “jute-look” rug for both spaces. This creates a seamless transition that pulls the eye outside, making your living room feel like it extends into nature.

Finish & Styling Checklist

Once the rugs are down, the job isn’t quite finished. Use this checklist to ensure the room feels professional.

Vacuuming: Did you disable the beater bar? Jute fibers can be pulled out by aggressive vacuuming. Use the suction-only setting.
Shedding: New jute rugs shed “dust” for the first few months. This is normal. Frequent vacuuming of the floor under the rug will help.
Furniture Leveling: Does your sofa wobble now that two legs are on a thick jute rug and two are on the floor? Use felt pads to level the legs that are off the rug.

Plant Placement: Afrohemian style loves plants. Place large floor plants (like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or Bird of Paradise) near the corners of the rug. Ensure you have a waterproof tray under the pot to protect your rug from water damage.
The “What I’d Do” Final Step: In a real project, I always add a few floor cushions or a low leather ottoman on the edge of the rug. It emphasizes the “Bohemian” side of the look and makes the rug feel like a functional part of the seating arrangement.

FAQs

Can I use a jute rug if I have a cat?
It depends on the cat. Some cats see jute as a giant, horizontal scratching post. If your cat is a “scratcher,” you might prefer a tight-weave wool rug with a similar look but more resistance to claws. Avoid sisal at all costs with cats; the texture is too tempting for them.

How do I clean a spill on a jute rug?
Jute and water do not mix well. If you spill liquid, blot it immediately with a clean, dry towel. Do not rub. If a stain remains, use a tiny amount of club soda and blot again. Avoid steam cleaning or saturating the rug, as it can shrink or turn brown.

Is layering rugs hard to walk on?
If you use a flat-weave (kilim) on top of a flat-weave or a low-profile jute, it is barely noticeable. The total height is usually less than half an inch. It feels more like a slight transition than a step up.

Do I need a rug pad for the top rug?
Generally, no. The friction between the wool kilim and the jute base is usually enough to keep it in place. However, if the top rug is very small or light, a few strips of rug-to-rug tape can provide extra security.

Conclusion

Creating an Afrohemian living room is an exercise in balance. By starting with the raw, organic texture of a jute rug and layering it with the rich history and geometric boldness of a kilim, you create a foundation that is both stylish and incredibly practical.

Remember to honor the rules of scale—go bigger than you think you need to—and don’t be afraid to let the textures speak for themselves. This design style isn’t about perfection; it is about creating a space that feels warm, grounded, and uniquely yours. Whether you are on a tight budget or looking to invest in heirloom pieces, the right rug combination will transform your living room into a soulful sanctuary.