Gone are the days of only using one rug in a room. Layering rugs is an increasingly popular interior design trend that instantly adds visual interest, warmth, and texture to any space. But mixing and matching multiple rugs can seem tricky if you don’t know where to start. This complete guide covers everything you need to seamlessly incorporate two rugs in one room.
We’ll explore expert tips on choosing complementary rug sizes, styles, colors and patterns so you can avoid a cluttered look. You’ll also discover strategic guidance on placement based on your room’s layout and purpose. Follow our rug-layering blueprint and unlock a pulled-together style that dazzles.
Getting Started with Rug Layering
Determine Your Style
Before shopping for rugs, identify your interior design style to narrow options. Your rugs should align with your existing decor. Key style types include:
- Traditional – Intricate patterns like damask and Persian rugs suit ornate, classical rooms
- Modern – Solid colors and simple geometric shapes complement sleek, contemporary spaces
- Eclectic – For a mixed aesthetic, anything goes – have fun and blend patterns or textures!
Choose a Foundation Rug
Anchor your room with a foundation area rug sized to fit the main furniture layout. Neutral solids or subtle patterns give you flexibility to layer almost any style on top. Be sure to measure accurately so all furniture legs sit on the rug.
Select a Patterned Rug for Layering
Choose a secondary rug to place atop your foundation rug. The goal is to cover a portion of the bottom rug to frame a seating area or create a focal point. Contrast the foundation color and texture for interest. But you can also do tone-on-tone with varying heights. Feel free to introduce your personal style here!
Mixing and Matching Rug Styles
Pattern Play
Don’t be afraid to play with patterns when layering rugs! Mixing complementary geometric, floral, paisley or other prints adds appealing complexity. Place patterned rugs in seating zones to define spaces within open floor plans. Tip: Repeat accent colors used elsewhere in the room for a cohesive look.
Texture Mixing
Vary textures when stacking rugs to incorporate enticing dimension and contrast. Think: a plush wool rug on top of flat jute sisal. Shag on short pile. Or lightweight cotton layered over heavy duty polypropylene. Unexpected combinations excite the senses!
Strategic Rug Placement
Living Room Layouts
In living rooms, use larger foundation rugs to anchor sofas or sectionals, unifying the full seating arrangement. Then place smaller patterned rugs beneath coffee tables to distinguish conversational zones. Or try a patterned rug underfoot with legs on the bordering solid.
Dining Room Design
Extend your dining room style into adjacent spaces with an area rug underneath the table and coordinating runners alongside or below the buffet. The layered look transports visual cohesion from room to room. For open concept dining, box it in with multiple area rugs.
Bedroom Balance
Warm up sleek surfaces alongside beds with plush shag or textured cotton rugs, ideally extending 20 inches past the sides. Utilize shapes like rounds and ovals rather than wall-to-wall rectangles. In sitting areas, layer rugs to define the space while allowing legs to rest on the bottom rug’s border.
Additional Tips for Success
Rug Pads
Maximize comfort and prevent slips by using non-slip rug pads underneath rugs, especially on hard surfaces like tile or hardwood. Pads also provide extra cushion and noise reduction. Look for natural rubber and felt options.
Proper Care
Maintain the beauty of your layered rugs with regular vacuuming and professional cleaning every year or two. Be sure to test cleaning products on inconspicuous spots before use. Turn, rotate and shake out rugs outdoors seasonally.
Shop Smart
The key to seamlessly blending rugs? Order samples before fully committing to check colors, scale and material quality. Don’t forget to measure space dimensions, accounting for furniture placement. Be prepared with a tape measure.
It’s easy to put two rugs in a room. Thoughtfully curated combinations create a custom, collected look with enhanced comfort underfoot. Now that you’re armed with expert techniques for mixing and matching rugs, it’s time to experiment with layering in your own home. Blend colors, patterns and textures with confidence to craft a space that wows yet maintains cohesion. Be bold, have fun and make it yours.
