How to Use Rugs to Make a Sensory Friendly Space

Naturally, if you live with or have a loved one that has a sensory disorder, you want to do everything in your power to make their life easier. One way you can do this is by considering interior design trends. There are ways you can decorate the rugs in your home to help those who are over or understimulated. Here are a few of our tips.

Solid & Simple

For those who are prone to over stimulation, you’ll want to pair back any loud patterns or colors from your rugs. Instead, use rugs that have simple designs, like stripes, or are one solid color. Earth tone rugs are an excellent consideration if you need a neutral and soothing color scheme.

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Keep patterns simple to avoid overstimulation, like this Moroccan Trellis Wool Rug in Heather.

Busy & Textured

Sometimes people have hyposensitivity, which means their senses are often understimulated. In these cases they need amplified colors and patterns to interact with. Look for rugs that are multicolored and vibrant or with intricate patterns. A rug with texture will also give a tactile component to the sensory stimulation.

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A neutral-colored rug reduces stimulation, like this Boucle Sisal Rug in Beach.

Noise Reduction

Sounds can be very overwhelming to people who are prone to overstimulation. Rugs can help soften the acoustics because the fabric absorbs sound. While one rug is better than none, layering rugs is even better. It’s an interior design trend that you can use to work in your favor.

Another option for sound reduction is to hang your rugs on the wall. Again, the rug fabric will help reduce echoes as the noise bounces around the room. It will also serve as a unique decoration alternative to hanging pictures. 

A Quiet Place

When all else fails, a rug can help create a safe haven for your loved one with sensory sensitivity. Take a large rug and use it to make an instant private space. When you drape it over chairs, it will not only reduce noise, but also light. It can instantly create a private space for someone who is overstimulated.

Sensory Order

As you can see, rugs can play a big hand in helping people who struggle with a sensory disorder. As you adjust your home design to maximize or minimize stimulations, be sure to check out our full catalog of rugs. Many can be made to a custom size and delivered right to your door.