Layering rugs is something you see a lot in room designs. Layered rugs add warmth, dimension and texture and can help to define seating areas. A beautiful patterned rug can look amazing when placed atop wall-to-wall carpeting (or a larger area rug).
Here are the rules of thumb to follow when layering rugs along with some PROS and CONS to consider.
RULES OF THUMB:
- Layering works best when a pattern is placed over a solid or subtle patterned rug or a natural fiber rug.
- Allow a minimum of 18″ to 24″ of wall-to-wall carpet to be exposed underneath an accent rug. The solid rug will act as a frame for the patterned rug.
- In large rooms, multiple rugs can be layered to define different seating areas or furniture groupings.
- To avoid bunching and rippling, the bottom rug should have a pile of 1/2″ or less.
- In most cases, using a carpet-to-carpet pad will ensure that the layering rug stays in place and doesn’t crawl. RugPadUSA is my favorite source for high-quality pads for all types of flooring.
Layering rugs, like layering clothes, adds texture, color, and dimension. The effect is “calm and warm,” says interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein, owner of Hollyhock, a Los Angeles home store.
PROS OF LAYERING:
- In large rooms, layered rugs can help to physically and visually warm up the space.
- In high traffic areas or main living spaces, layering a rug over light colored wall-to-wall carpeting can be a great way to protect it from spills and stains.
- Layered rugs can cushion hard surface floors like concrete or tile.
- Rugs are a great way to create a focal point within large open rooms. Positioning rugs at an angle can also be used to direct traffic flow within a room.
- Use rugs to add a pop of pattern and color to help bring a room to life.
- Layering rugs can save your money. Rather than splurge on a large oriental, use a solid colored sisal or jute as the under layer and add a smaller version of the patterned rug on top. You’ll still get the benefit of the design without the added cost.
- Layering a patterned rug over carpeingt is a great design solution for someone renting a home or apartment with less than perfect wall-to-wall carpet.
“I like the warm, deep-comfort look of smaller rugs laid right on top of wall-to-wall carpet. The smaller rug could be a bigger-scale pattern…or a needlepoint, or a beautiful Oriental,” said Billy Baldwin (1903-1984), in Billy Baldwin Decorates (1972).
CONS OF LAYERING:
- Layering over higher pile carpet can cause the top rug to buckle and create a trip hazard. If you want to decorate with a plush rug like a shag, use it as the top layering rug.
- Layering multiple patterns together can create that “I ran out of rug” look if not done correctly! The trick…use different patterns in a similar scale and lay rugs at different angles.
When done right, layered rugs can look great. In the right situation, decorating with multiple rugs is a good way to add style and personality to your decor. What do you think of this design trend?
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