Your Ultimate Guide to Layering Rugs Like a Pro

I love when a new iconic trend surfaces to the interior design world, and as of recent, rooms have been given incredible warmth and dimension through the fun trend of layering rugs.

With its forgiving and limitless design possibilities, I urge you to keep reading and see how you can implement and master the art of rug layering into your favorite rooms!

Your Ultimate Guide to Layering Rugs Like a Pro

Keep it Neutral

If there’s one thing layering rugs can do for a room, it’s giving it a wonderful ambiance.

While rugs are usually used as a singular floor piece, there’s a real calming effect created when extra comfort is added to the base of a room.

It creates a more distinguished gathering space and allows many other pieces of the room to be pulled together in a tight-knit, comfortable way. 

Start with a neutral colored rug first, then add a complementing rug on top.

These rugs work well together as the neutrals play off each other.

You’ll then be able to start using colors pulled from the top rug into different pieces throughout the room (pillows, art, furniture, etc).

For the Bold

Who says Persian and striped rugs don’t go well together?

While the two may seem like an overwhelming pair, the look can be pulled off with the right amount flair in decor and furniture.

Usually, opposites attract when it comes to design, but this is an “all or nothing” rug layering process.

Make sure that both rugs are bold in their own right.

You might think you need a more faded Persian rug to go with such a bold striped rug, but it’s the bold color of a brighter Persian rug that will create a perfectly contrasted focal point in the room. 

Keep the flair going throughout the whole space with bold frames and fixtures, while keeping bigger pieces (like bedding or couches) a more neutral color.

Texture Mixing

If you have a particularly large space, you may get the urge to start filling in the blanks.

Since it’s wise to refrain from overdecorating, adding in one more rug than usual is the perfect way to make a big room feel warm and inviting. 

Get the look with neutral rugs of varying textures.

This not only adds dimension, it automatically pulls in most of the decor and patterns throughout. 

Don’t corner yourself thinking you can only layer rugs central upon each other.

Get creative and try layering the top rug at the corners of the bottom rug, which adds interest to the space. 

Neutral Base

If you have a minimalist design in need of a color dose, try a neutral rug as a base.

This gives a natural element to the room, allowing you to top if off with a colorful rug of almost any style. 

With a natural fiber base rug you’re able to add a colorful top rug that is of bohemian, modern, Persian, contemporary, or Moroccan style. 

Don’t be afraid to try out colorful rugs you already own and again, get creative with the rug placement in the room!

Three Isn’t a Crowd

Think you’re a Pro at rug layering?

Try three on for size!

While this is a bit of an advanced style to pull off, with the right tips you may be able to give it a go.

As I mentioned above, first start out with a neutral base, and use complementary colors throughout each additional rug you add into the mix. 

Also, be sure the rugs pair well with other elements of the room (pillows, wall decor, art, fixtures, etc.).

But, the rugs themselves should pair well together first. 

The base rug should maintain a neutral stance with a hint of your main accent color.

Once you’ve decided what that color is, you’re then able to start looking for a middle rug that maintains the accent color throughout most of its design.

So that the color doesn’t overwhelm the room, top off your middle rug with a color akin to the base rug.

To avoid a “sandwiched” effect, make sure it’s a smaller rug with shape and texture to it.

Are You Ready to Layer?

We hope this post has left you feeling confident and ready to take on your next rug layering project, so as to add centrality and creativity to your desired space.

If you find yourself trying the art of rug layering and not quite succeeding, share your struggles in the comment section below and let’s work through it together!

Images

Front + Main, Apartment Therapy, Seaofgirasoles, Home Fulies, Kimset House