6 Tips for Layering Area Rugs

The layering rugs trend invites designers to play with color, pattern, and texture when designing to set the tone for a space. One of the benefits of layering an area rug over a wall-to-wall carpet or another existing rug is it protects the rug underneath while adding another unique element to the room. One of the best layering tricks is to combine textures, like incorporating a natural fiber like jute, sisal, or animal hair, with a simple patterned rug.

Here are six tips for making this decorating technique work for you.

The 20 Best Area Rugs of 2024

1. Define a Space

If you have a large seating area and don't want to have an island of furniture in one area, also referred to as "floating furniture," layering rugs can help define a space.

Area rug rules state that there should be approximately 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the edges of the area rug and the room walls and that all furniture should be on the rug. However, if this composition isn't quite working for your space and everything feels a little too big and spaced out, layering a smaller rug in the center of the room can help ground the area and give it a definition.

Rugs also allow you to play with the lines and angles of the room and draw the eye where you want it. You can angle a top rug on the bias or at a 45- to 90-degree angle. Your larger base rug should be placed straight and aligned with the furniture. You can then take your smaller accent rug and change its orientation.

Experiment with it and see if you like the look. Usually, putting the rug on a bias will call attention to it, so think if this is your intention or if you'd prefer that the eye focus elsewhere.

Tip

Layering rugs work best when your two rugs are different sizes. One should be large and more dominant, and the others should be smaller and act as an accent. For example, a 9-inch by 12-inch rug would look great with a 6-inch by 9-inch rug layered on top. An easy rule of thumb: Make sure the top rug is about 2/3 the size of the rug underneath.

2. Highlight an Area

Layering a small rug on top of a larger one can direct the eye to that area. So, if you have a coffee table, bench, chest, or some other type of special piece you want to highlight, layering a rug is an excellent way to do it.

It's also great for doing the opposite—drawing your attention away from an area. If you've got a piece of furniture or architectural element you want to mask, a small rug in another part of the room can pull the eye away.

3. Consider Color

The main reason people like to layer rugs is that it allows them to experiment with color. Some people find a colored carpet covering their entire floor too much, so layering allows for a neutral base with a smaller infusion of color. For other people, a single rug doesn't offer enough color. Fortunately, there's no reason why you can't layer color on color. The key is to find colors that complement each other and the rest of the items in the room. Layer away to your heart's content.

4. Play With Pattern

Layering patterned rugs on top of each other is a little trickier than layering a patterned rug on a solid rug, but it's possible. When experimenting with this look, try to use colors of the same intensity. For instance, don't mix pastels with jewel tones.

Different patterns can often work together if they are in the same hue family. Also, think about tone-on-tone patterns. They can give a room depth and character without coming across as too bold. Ultimately, when layering patterns, it's best to trust your eye and go with your gut. If you like the way it looks, then go with it.

5. Experiment With Texture

You don't need to use multiple colors and patterns to make this look work for your home—layering rugs with different textures on top of each other is a fabulous way to add depth to a room. Consider a cowhide rug on top of a sisal rug, a sheepskin on top of a jute rug, or anything soft on top of a flat weave—add interest in a more subtle but equally effective way.

6. Prevent Tripping or Falling Hazards

Any area rug, whether one or several, is a potential tripping hazard. Rugs can bunch up on top or move from the bottom if not anchored with a rug pad. A rug pad keeps the rugs above it from sliding around. A piece of heavy furniture on top, like a coffee table, can also anchor down a top-layered rug.

Be mindful of the edges; they can sometimes roll up. Curling edges can be flattened with special rug tape, or you can use a few tricks to keep the edges down: back-rolling, applying heat (iron or hair dryer), or weighing it down with heavy books.

Rules for Layering Rugs

Tips are suggestions; meanwhile, rules are stricter guidelines. Here are a few simple rules about rug layering.

• Consider using a neutral color for a rug base to give you more options for the top rug.

• Layer with complementary sizes; the rugs shouldn't be too close or far apart in size—consider a rug that is between more than 1/2 to up to 2/3 the size of the bottom one.

• Watch the thickness and avoid having a mound of rugs that can become a tripping hazard.

• Combine different textured rugs to make the layered rug effect interesting.

• Make sure the patterns and shapes are similar or match; incongruous shapes or patterns that clash will affect the balance of the space.

• Remember: All rules can be broken if you love it, feel good about your space, and know it works for you and your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do layered rugs remain in style?

The trend of layering rugs appears here to stay; it can always work in an eclectically styled space or a space with a traditional or contemporary design.

When is it a good idea to layer a rug?

If you have a large room with a lot of open space but want to create a seating area or conversation nook, a layered rug area calls attention to one spot as a focal point and is a good anchor spot for seating.

Do you need to use rug pads when layering rugs?

If your bottom rug is on a hard surface, get a rug pad so it does not move or slide. As long as the top rug has some grips that keep it anchored to the bottom rug, preventing curling or rippling, the top rug will not require a rug pad.

Read Next: How to Choose the Right Area Rug

Read the original article on The Spruce.