7 Tips for Layering Rugs in Any Room

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Layering rugs is a great way to add depth, texture, and style to any room. Here are 7 tips for styling your floors:

1. Choose the right size: Start with a larger rug as the base and layer a smaller one on top. This creates a visually appealing look and defines different areas within a room.

2. Mix patterns and textures: Experiment with different patterns and textures to add visual interest. Try pairing a patterned rug with a solid-colored one or mixing different textures like a shag rug with a flatweave rug.

3. Play with colors: Use rugs to add pops of color to a neutral room or to tie in existing color schemes. Consider complementary or contrasting colors for a bold statement.

4. Vary rug shapes: Mix different rug shapes for an eclectic look. Pair a round rug with a rectangular one or layer a cowhide rug over a square rug.

5. Consider rug heights: Layer rugs with varying pile heights to create depth and dimension. Pair a low-pile rug with a high-pile one for a cozy and luxurious feel.

6. Anchor furniture: Use rugs to anchor furniture in a room. Place the front legs of sofas and chairs on the larger rug, while the back legs can be on the smaller rug.

7. Experiment and have fun: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and styles. Layering rugs allows for creativity and personal expression, so have fun with it and create a unique look for your space.

If you want to give your room a unique look, try layering rugs. This design trend is becoming more popular and can be done in a variety of decor styles from modern to farmhouse. You can layer rugs for practical purposes, to add extra warmth and coziness to a room, or to separate specific areas in an open floor plan.

When layering rugs, it is important to keep some design tips in mind. One tip is to place a heavy piece of furniture on the top rug to keep it from slipping. Additionally, measure the space carefully to ensure there is enough room on either side of the rug to make the difference between the two rugs clear.

Another tip is to play with color and pattern. You can keep the rugs in the same neutral color family for a cohesive look or place a vibrant rug on top of a neutral one for a bolder look. You can also combine unexpected patterns and textures to get creative with your design.

How to Layer Rugs in Any Room

1. Pair a Sheepskin Rug with a Flatweave Option

If you want to add some visual anchoring to your dining room, layer a flatweave rug as the base and place a small sheepskin rug on top for a cozy bohemian vibe. Make sure to anchor the top rug with a heavy dining table or a rug pad. Mixing different colors and hues will offer extra visual interest.

2. Consider a Cowhide Rug

In the bedroom, layering rugs can add warmth and coziness. To achieve a unique or glam look, consider a cowhide rug. Place a simple flatweave rug as the base and add a cowhide rug on top to anchor a nearby accent chair. The hide rug also adds a welcome dose of pattern.

3. Experiment with mixing patterns.


Image Credit:
Farmhouse Living

Don’t be afraid to combine different patterns when layering rugs. It’s a guaranteed way to make any space appear more unique, just like this nursery styled by Shelby from Farmhouse Living. By having a kilim rug on top and a black-and-white striped one underneath, a blend of eye-catching patterns is achieved. Furthermore, it’s a great way to use smaller rugs if you can’t afford to layer larger area rugs one on top of the other.

4. Opt for natural earthy tones.


Image Credit:
Heirloom Projects for The IdentitГ© Collective

If you’re looking for a more harmonious look for your layered rugs, we suggest pairing a natural fiber rug, such as jute or sisal, with a neutral option that appears perfectly worn and loved, resulting in a beautiful, earthy appearance. To style, arrange your furniture around the rugs to create a cozy seating area centered on the coffee table. By incorporating both vintage-inspired and jute rugs, Anastasia from The IdentitГ© Collective highlights the strength of blending different textures and styles in this simple living room.

5. Experiment with color.


Image Credit:
Tessa Neustadt for Style Me Pretty

Layering rugs is also an opportunity to incorporate a pop of color into your space. To slightly tone down the vibrancy of a colorful rug (if that’s what you want to do), pair it with a neutral jute or sisal rug. It’s an approach that will undoubtedly make your space feel bright and cheerful. This look works particularly well in all-white rooms, like this living space designed by Casey DeBois. The airy layout has a lively, spirited atmosphere thanks to the perfectly layered rugs.

6. Add contrast with dark and light rugs.


Image Credit:
Bless This Nest

Although layered rugs look great when they come from similar color families, you may want to elevate the visuals in your space. For example, in a farmhouse color scheme like this one created by Carissa from Bless This Nest, a dark gray Turkish rug stands out against a larger white tasseled rug. Plus, the darker rug also serves as a backdrop for the ivory coffee table. Follow this inspired design and accentuate your space with similar dark hues to tie everything together.

7. Highlight a bold pattern.


Image Credit:
Studio McGee

When it comes to rug layering, you may be tempted to hide bold patterns on the bottom. However, don’t be afraid to showcase graphic patterns by placing them on top. To make the look even more striking, place a solid-colored neutral rug underneath. A jute rug is an excellent choice for a dramatic pattern background. If you want to take things up a notch, pair your rugs with solid, neutral furniture like in this space designed by Shea from Studio McGee. Here, the patterned rug’s only competition is the picturesque view outside.

Crucial Aspects to Consider


Image Credit:
Hunker in Partnership With Acme Real Estate

The trend of layering rugs has gained popularity and it appears to be here to stay. It is a sumptuous and luxurious look that can be achieved by experimenting with colors, patterns, and textures. There are no strict rules to follow, which makes it fun and creative. However, it is important to leave some space around the bottom rug to visually distinguish the two landing pads from each other. Additionally, ensure that the top rug is secure by anchoring it with a piece of furniture or a rug pad, to avoid slips and falls. If unsure, it is always a good idea to opt for a patterned rug on top of a solid one, as it always creates a great visual impact.

FAQ

1. Can I layer rugs on top of carpet?

Yes, you can definitely layer rugs on top of carpet. It can add visual interest and texture to your space. The key is to choose rugs that are smaller in size and have a different texture or pattern than your carpet. This will create a distinct separation between the layers and prevent them from looking too bulky.

2. What is the best way to layer rugs?

The best way to layer rugs is to start with a larger rug as the base and then place a smaller rug on top. Make sure the smaller rug is centered and aligned with the larger rug. You can also experiment with different angles and positions to achieve the desired look. Additionally, consider using rugs with contrasting colors or patterns to create a visually appealing effect.

3. How do I choose the right size rugs for layering?

When layering rugs, it’s important to choose the right sizes to ensure a balanced and harmonious look. The base rug should be larger and extend beyond the furniture in the room, while the top rug should be smaller and proportionate to the furniture it is placed under. As a general rule, leave a border of at least 6-12 inches between the layers to create a visually pleasing separation.

4. Can I mix different rug styles when layering?

Absolutely! Mixing different rug styles can add depth and personality to your space. However, it’s important to ensure that the different rug styles complement each other in terms of color scheme, texture, and pattern. Consider choosing rugs that share a common color or theme to create a cohesive and visually appealing layered look.

5. Are there any specific guidelines for layering rugs in a specific room?

While there are no strict rules for layering rugs in specific rooms, there are some general guidelines you can follow. In the living room, for example, you can layer rugs under the coffee table and seating area to define the space. In the bedroom, consider layering a smaller rug at the foot of the bed or on each side to add warmth and comfort. Ultimately, the placement and style of layered rugs should be based on your personal preference and the overall aesthetic of the room.

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