How to Layer Rugs Like You're a Professional Stylist

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Some floors deserve to be shown off, whether it be a patterned tile or natural hardwood. Others, however, you want to cover. And while an area rug can expertly provide warmth, coverage, and traction, they don't always provide the design impact you're looking for. Instead of relying on just one rug, may we suggest trying multiple instead? Layering area rugs can actually help to define areas in a larger room, create a balanced foundation for printed accents, and even help protect your vintage pieces. Plus, if you're looking to cover flooring that doesn't quite suit your aesthetic, or you need a solid surface that better matches your space's color palette, layering rugs can help revitalize a room. Designing a space with layered rugs isn't as simple as laying one over the other though. Read on for six foolproof ideas to pulling this off, from mixing pile heights to adding contrast to a monochrome room.

Mix Pile Heights

Flatweave and jute rugs are great for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, but sometimes, you want something softer underfoot. By layering a high-pile or shag rug over a flatweave, you don't have to choose. The lower rug can cover more surface area, keeping you comfortable underfoot, while the shag adds a coziness to gathering spaces.

Egret White Shaggy Rug

Flatwoven Warm Sand Re-Jute Rug

Egret White Shaggy Rug

Create Contrast

Color-drenching is our new favorite way to paint, but in a monochrome space, everything can start to look the same. To create a bit more contrast without bringing in other shades, look to texture instead. In this living room, rugs of three different materials, piles, and colors help to break up the grayscale hues and bounce the eye around the room.

Finley Wool Flatweave Rug

Topo Landscape Rug

Ground a Busy Print

In maximalist rooms, more is definitely more, but the key is balance. Layer your patterned area rug above a larger, solid one to help ground your room full of mismatched prints. A solid foundation can also calm the eye and give you, visually at least, a place to rest.

Juniper Jute Tiled Rug

Bagmati Washable Rug

Designate Different Zones

In large rooms, rugs can help break up the expansive square footage, giving each area its specific purpose. Take inspiration from this bedroom where a smaller area rug designates the area in front of the bed as a getting-ready zone, rather than the restful place the larger area rug covers.

Anderson Rug

Solana Rug

Anderson Rug

Lay a Foundation for Vintage

Vintage and antique rugs are a great way to get a unique look that no one else can copy. But because they're one-of-a-kind, you can't pick the size. If your beloved vintage rug isn't quite the right size for your space, layer it on top of another, larger rug that better suits your room.

Hart Jute Rug

Pretlut Vintage Moroccan Rug

Soften Wall to Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting can look monotonous after a while, especially if it's in every room. To soften the appearance, and break up the swath of solid color, layer a rug with a different color palette or pattern. A runner or smaller rug is great for creating intentional moments, like this one here in front of a closet.

Emerson

Rifle Paper Co. Eden - Mughal Garden

Rules to Consider When Layering Rugs

Use Complementary Sizes

The base rug should always be your largest. The one on top should be at least two sizes smaller to allow the base to show around the edges. For example, if your bottom area rug is 8 feet by 10 feet, opt for a top layer no larger than a 5-foot by 7-foot model.

Start With a Neutral

In order to give you the most options when layering rugs, begin with a base that's a neutral or solid hue. Keep patterns, high piles, and prints reserved for the top layer where you can really show them off.

Avoid Raised Edges

Not only are flapping rug edges a tripping hazard, but they can also disrupt the layered visual. Use masking tape or rug tape to properly lay your rug's edges flat on every layer.

Do You Need Rug Pads When Layering Rugs?

Yes! Like any normal rug, you'll want to use a rug pad underneath the rug that directly touches your flooring (the bottom layer) to prevent sliding and slipping. However, for the top layer, you don't need an additional rug pad. The texture of the first rug will help hold the second one in place. When in doubt, rug tape can help hold down edges, trim, and secure one layer to the other.

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