Rust Color Trend and How to Use It in Interiors

Last Updated on January 14, 2025 by SampleBoard

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Rust has been rising in popularity rapidly these last few months. It is now popping up everywhere, from fashion to interior design.

Are you tired of minimalist color schemes and ready to spice up your designs with warm and cozy shades? Well, you are not alone!

Rust Color

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If you want to inject warmth and energy into your home this year, consider using the rust color trend. This rich, earthy hue is associated with autumnal colors and can give any space a cozy feel.

But where did it come from, and why is everyone becoming so obsessed with this rich, retro shade?

To be completely honest, it did not come as a surprise.

The trend has been cooking for years, since the design industry’s most important event, Salone del Mobile in Milan.

But it is not just the rust color growing on us lately. It’s the whole family of earthy neutrals. Symbolizing a slower way of life, a strong connection with nature, and more sustainable living.

Earthy tones reflect our deepest desires and needs as human beings, so it is only natural that we are starting to gravitate toward this particular aesthetic.

Rust Color
Image credit: Pinterest

What does Rust Color look like?

The easiest way to describe rust color is as a reddish-brown, red-orange-brown, or even reddish-yellow color combo, closely resembling iron oxide and the color of terra cotta.

Rust got its name from the Proto-Germanic word rusta, which means redness. In actual fact, rust is not just one shade but rather a small family of hues.

Rust is the perfect color for creating an on-trend yet warm and inviting space. It pairs well with other earth tones like terra cotta and chocolate brown.

And if you are still unsure what this trendy color looks like, look at the mood board below.

Rust Color Trend and How to Use It in Interiors Sampleboard Blog

How to decorate with Rust Color

To use rust in your home, start by incorporating it into your accent pieces. Throw a rust-colored pillow on your couch, or swap out your plain white towels for ones in a burnt orange hue.

With its warm, earthy tones and unique hue, rust is the perfect way to add a touch of coziness to any space.

How to use the rust color trend in your home

1. Rust Color Paint

Choosing the right color for a feature wall can be a transformative decision. One shade making waves in interior design is the rich and earthy tone of rust.

With its warm undertones and subdued charm, Rust adds a touch of sophistication and coziness to any space.

When used to paint a feature wall, it brings depth and character, creating a focal point that draws the eye and sets the tone for the entire room.

Rust's versatility allows it to complement a variety of design styles, from industrial and rustic to modern and eclectic.

Consider pairing it with neutral furnishings and decor for a harmonious balance. Or use it as a bold backdrop for vibrant accents to make a statement.

Whether you're aiming for a subdued, nature-inspired ambiance or a bolder, more contemporary look.

Painting a feature wall in rust is a stylish choice that can effortlessly elevate the aesthetic of your living space.

rust color
Image credit: Frenchy Fancy
rust color
Image credit: Virou

2. Furniture

Beyond just walls, integrating the rich and warm tones of rust into your decor can be expertly achieved through furniture selections.

Opting for pieces with a rustic finish or those upholstered in this captivating color brings a distinct character to your interior design.

The texture and depth of rust-infused furniture make a space inviting and grounded.

Velvet upholstery, in particular, emerges as a popular and luxurious choice. Offering both tactile comfort and a visually appealing sheen.

Imagine a rust-colored velvet sofa becoming the focal point of your living room. Infusing a sense of opulence and warmth.

This versatile color adapts seamlessly to various design styles.

From traditional to contemporary, it is an ideal choice for those seeking to infuse their homes with a touch of sophistication and earthiness.

Whether it's a well-worn leather armchair with a rust patina or a plush velvet ottoman.

Incorporating rust into your furniture choices is a surefire way to create a stylish, cohesive look that resonates with comfort and aesthetic allure.

rust color
Image credit: Soho Home
rust color
Image credit: SF Girl
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Image credit: Be Pure Home

3. Carpets and rugs

Embrace the allure of rust-colored carpets and rugs to infuse warmth and character into your home's interior. The rich, earthy tones of rust effortlessly add depth and sophistication to any space.

Consider anchoring your living room with a rust-colored area rug. This will allow it to serve as a captivating focal point that ties the entire room together.

The versatility of this hue enables seamless integration into various design styles, from bohemian chic to modern minimalism.

A rust-toned rug under the table can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in dining areas. While in the bedroom, it adds a touch of luxury and comfort underfoot.

Pairing rust with neutral furnishings and decor elements makes the color stand out. Creating a harmonious balance.

Whether you choose a plush, shaggy rug for a touch of coziness or a flat-woven rug for a more streamlined look.

Incorporating rust-colored carpets and rugs into your home is a stylish way to evoke a sense of warmth and sophistication in every step.

4. Rust Color Accessories

Transform your living space with the captivating and on-trend warmth of rust-colored accessories. Introducing accents in this rich hue is an effortless way to infuse character and style into your home.

Consider incorporating rust-toned throw pillows on your sofa or bed for an instant pop of color that radiates comfort.

Vases, candle holders, or decorative bowls in the enchanting shade of rust can become standout pieces on coffee tables or shelves. Adding a touch of sophistication to your decor.

If you want to refresh your kitchen or dining area, rust color table linens, dinnerware, or kitchen gadgets can introduce a subtle yet impactful aesthetic.

The key lies in the artful balance of these accessories. Too few may go unnoticed. While an excess can overwhelm.

You create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere by strategically placing rust-colored accessories throughout your home. Bringing this trend to life with a touch of warmth and elegance.

rust color
Image credit: Little house of four
rust color
Image credit: Home Deco

How to use the color rust in the kitchen

Elevate your kitchen aesthetic by incorporating the rich and warm tones of rust. A trend that effortlessly combines style and functionality.

Introduce rust-colored accents through kitchen essentials like dishware, utensil holders, or small appliances. This subtle infusion of color adds a touch of warmth without overpowering the space.

Consider selecting rust-hued kitchen linens, such as towels or curtains to create cohesion. And tie the color scheme together.

For those seeking a bolder statement, explore the possibility of a rust-colored backsplash or cabinetry.

This can be achieved through carefully chosen tiles or custom-painted cabinets. Instantly transforming the kitchen into a stylish and inviting haven.

Additionally, metallic finishes in copper or aged brass pair harmoniously with the rust palette. Adding a layer of sophistication.

Whether you're aiming for a rustic farmhouse feel or a more contemporary look, rust's versatility makes it perfect for infusing warmth and character into your kitchen.

Turning it into a space that is both visually appealing and uniquely yours.

rust color
Image credit: My Domaine
rust color
Image credit: Domino

How to use the color rust in a bedroom or nursery

Bring a sense of warmth and tranquility to your bedroom or nursery by embracing the timeless and comforting tones of rust.

In the bedroom, start by incorporating rust-colored bedding, such as duvet covers, throws, or decorative pillows. To instantly infuse the space with a cozy and inviting ambiance.

Consider selecting rust as a primary or accent wall color to establish a calming backdrop. This earthy hue can evoke a sense of grounded serenity. Creating a retreat-like atmosphere for restful nights.

Rust's versatile nature can be employed in various ways in nurseries. Opt for rust-colored crib bedding or blankets to introduce the color gently and soothingly.

Decorative elements like wall art, mobiles, or rugs in soft rust shades add visual interest and a touch of playfulness.

The key is to balance the richness of rust with neutral tones or soft pastels to create a harmonious and calming environment.

Whether you're designing an adult's haven or a little one's sanctuary. Integrating rust into your bedroom or nursery can foster a cozy and aesthetically pleasing retreat.

rust color
Image credit: Project Nursery
rust color
Image credit: Cokos
Image credit: Poppyseed Play
Image credit: HGTV
Image credit: Cocon

What color goes with rust?

Rust can warm up even the coldest interiors and is bound to make a strong statement without overpowering the rest of the space.

It can be used as an accent and a neutral shade while displaying an equally impressive vibe.

Balancing rust with white

Elegance meets warmth in the harmonious combination of rust and white. Creating a timeless palette that can transform any space.

When decorating with these colors, consider starting with a neutral white backdrop for walls or larger furniture pieces. Allowing the rust accents to take center stage.

Rust-colored throw pillows, blankets, or upholstery on a white sofa can bring warmth and sophistication.

Experiment with rust-colored accent furniture against a predominantly white setting for a bolder statement. Achieving a balanced yet striking visual contrast.

Incorporating rust and white in patterns, such as striped or geometric designs, can add depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Additionally, consider using white as a canvas for rust-colored artwork or decor. Allowing each piece to stand out.

Whether you're aiming for a modern, minimalist look or a more classic and cozy feel. The marriage of rust and white brings tranquility, warmth, and visual appeal to your home decor.

Image credit: Shelterness
Image credit: via Pinterest
Image credit: Lulu and Georgia

Combine rust color with sage green

Discover the harmonious blend of earthy sophistication by incorporating the warm tones of rust and the serene shades of sage green into your home decor.

Start by establishing a neutral foundation, perhaps with walls in a soft sage green. This will provide a calming backdrop for the richer rust accents.

Introduce rust-colored furnishings, such as throw pillows or blankets, to add a touch of warmth and depth to your living space.

Consider incorporating sage green into larger furniture or accent pieces like vases, curtains, or even planters, infusing a natural and tranquil vibe.

Achieve balance by alternating the prominence of each color. For instance, a rust-colored sofa against sage green walls. Or vice versa.

This dynamic pairing works well in various design styles, from rustic and bohemian to modern and eclectic, creating a welcoming and visually engaging atmosphere.

As you play with these hues, rust and sage green, effortlessly create a sophisticated and balanced color scheme that brings a refreshing and grounded energy to your home.

Image credit: via Pinterest
Image credit: via Pinterest
Image credit: via Pinterest

Pairing rust with grey

If grey is your go-to neutral, exploring the decorating options that rust brings is a must.

While grey exudes a cool and contemporary vibe. Infusing the warm, earthy tones of rust can elevate your space with a newfound sense of coziness and sophistication.

Consider incorporating rust into your grey-dominated palette through strategic accents, such as throw pillows, area rugs, or artwork.

The contrast between the cool neutrality of grey and the warmth of rust creates a dynamic interplay. That is both visually captivating and inviting.

Opt for rust-colored furniture pieces. Like a cozy armchair or accent table. To anchor your space and introduce a touch of rich character.

Experimenting with rust and grey in varying proportions allows for a personalized aesthetic.

Whether you lean towards a balanced and harmonious look. Or prefer a more pronounced statement with rust taking the lead.

Combining these two versatile tones ensures a timeless and balanced color scheme that complements a range of design styles.

Offering a fresh perspective for those seeking to infuse their living spaces with warmth and contemporary flair.

Rust Color Trend and How to Use It in Interiors Sampleboard Blog
Image credit: Mad about the house
Image credit: via Pinterest
Image credit: Rug Society

The perfect pair: rust and pink

The perfect pairing of rust and pink creates a delightful and dynamic visual synergy. That effortlessly balances sweet and sophisticated.

Millennial Pink has taken the design world by storm with its soft and soothing charm. Contributing to the resurgence of interest in the versatile hue.

Combined with the spicy warmth of rust, the result is a harmonious blend of trendy and timeless. Observing these two colors together is an instant invitation to fall in love with their captivating contrast.

For those enamored with millennial pink and its role as a modern neutral. Introducing pops of rust is the key to elevating the interior from merely sweet to undeniably sophisticated.

With its earthy undertones, Rust brings depth and warmth to the softness of pink. Adding a layer of richness and complexity to the color palette.

Whether through rust-colored furnishings, decorative accents, or artwork, this pairing allows for a versatile and chic approach to interior design, transforming spaces into havens of contemporary elegance with just the right touch of edge.

Image credit: via Pinterest
Image credit: Anthropology

Navy blue and rust color pairing

When juxtaposed with rust, one of the perennially chic colors that hold its allure in any season, navy blue, emerges as a captivating storyteller of authentic style.

Navy blue, with its deep and sophisticated undertones, offers timeless elegance. That seamlessly complements the warm, earthy richness of rust.

Whether referred to as dark blue, midnight blue, or any variation in between. This color pairing transcends trends. Creating a visual narrative that is both classic and contemporary.

The juxtaposition of rust and navy blue in interior design celebrates contrasts. The bold, robust nature of the navy interacts harmoniously with the warm, grounding essence of rust.

Consider incorporating navy blue as a dominant wall color or through statement furniture pieces, allowing rust to punctuate the space with its inviting warmth.

This combination brings a sense of balance, depth, and sophistication to any room. Proving that these two colors tell a compelling story when they come together.

One of enduring style that transcends fleeting fashion trends.

Image credit: Nina Jizhar
Image credit: High Street Homes
Image credit: Maria Ward

Summary

Whether it's the sleek lines of modern Scandinavian aesthetics. The retro vibes of the '70s accentuated with rattan.

The diverse and eclectic flair. The laid-back Californian casual style. Or the timeless elegance of Modern Victorian homes.

Incorporating rust hues into your design projects promises to add a rich and delightful extra dimension.

Rust's versatility makes it a key player in enhancing various design styles, infusing spaces with warmth and character.

Regardless of your design aesthetic, introducing rust hues brings a tasteful and inviting layer to your interiors. Elevating the overall visual appeal of your living spaces.

Bonus tip: If you like the urban jungle trend, give Rust a chance! The way the greenery pops next to the rust sofa is absolutely divine!

Rust Color Trend and How to Use It in Interiors Sampleboard Blog


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