Brushing up: 9 of the best painterly rugs

Why keep beautiful artworks just for walls? The latest brushstroke rug designs bring an abstract painterly effect to floors that's both subtle and striking – and will lift your space from the ground up.

Choose from soft hues and ethereal expressionist brushstrokes, to bolder colours and abstract paintings, cleverly and elegantly interpreted through the warp and weft into a series of sophisticated carpets.

The Sunkissed Landscape in Light Pool from West Elm and the Fresco from John Lewis & Partners would both add a refreshing splash of colour to a room without any overbearing effects. And set against a pale white painted or dark timber floor would truly come into their own, much as they would if hung on a plain white wall in a gallery space.

Brushstroke by Collett Zarzycki for Christopher Farr makes a bold statement through graphic stripes and bold monochrome shades, while Gradient Drift from Calvin Klein with its earthy shaded lines and Mirage from Carpetright with its watery tones both have a gentle quality that would bring serenity and calm to your space.

With the Prado Palet by Brink & Campman, Atlantic Surf from Floor Story and Murano from Romo you could almost imagine the artist intensely wielding the brush at the easel. Each of these three rugs has a busier feel that evokes movement and would instantly enliven a scheme.

So peruse our 'gallery' ahead and pick your favourite piece.

This Prado rug from Brink & Campman has been expertly made in Holland with a busy paint splash design. Perfect for adding a pop of pattern to any room, it is made from a wool blend and is beautifully soft underfoot.

With blended wool and silk-like fibres, this rug features soft brush-stroke effects creating an evocative dreamscape of gently shaded lines.

Broad sweeping brushstrokes are masterfully translated into a fine, hand knotted wool rug.

An abstract painting of the sea is evoked with this rug.

The gentle pattern and muted hues on this rug are a great way to add colour to a room without overpowering it.

Drawing from modern abstract art, this rug mixes watery shades of blue and white, for a wonderful sense of calm.

This painterly brushstroke design has textural layers of colour, cleverly interpreted as a charming chenille flat weave rug.

Marcus Hodge is a British contemporary artist whose work is known for its vitality and sculptural use of paint. Here his work has been beautifully reinterpreted on a hand knotted wool and art silk rug.

This cheery large-scale print would add beautiful colour and movement to any space.

This cheery large-scale print would add beautiful colour and movement to any space.