You often hear designers talking about how important layering is in your home. Layers creates depth and makes a room feel pulled together. It’s what sets those Pinterest-worthy rooms apart from others. Layering can feel a little intimidating so I am sharing some tips to help guide you in the art of layering rugs.
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Why Layer Rugs?
There are many reasons to layer rugs in your home but three of my favorite reasons are the cozy vibe it brings in to your room. It looks so inviting to see a more traditional rug feeling more approachable with the help of a casual jute rug layered underneath. Layering rugs brings in more texture and dimension to a room that would otherwise feel flat. And last but not least, affordability! Purchasing a good quality rug should be thought of as an investment but not everyone is at a place in life to be able to afford one. Most room size patterned rugs, like 9x12’s or larger are in upwards of $1000+ but you could opt for a smaller size of your dream rug and layer it on top a more affordable base rug to get a similar (if not better) look for so much less. You can purchase a large jute/sisal rug (like a 9x12) for around $300 (see some great options below) and layer it under a slightly smaller rug you love. You will achieve the same look and only spend half as much.
Size
If you take away only one thing from this post, I hope that it is this tip. When it comes to layering rugs, size is so important. I cannot count how many times a client of mine has fallen in love with a rug that is either too small for their space or is way out of their budget in the correct size. Layering rugs is a great solution to both of these problems. By layering a simple natural fiber rug (like jute) underneath a rug that is a little bit too small can make the smaller rug actually work in your space. The trick is to get the scale correct so it doesn’t feel unbalanced. I suggest a 2/3’s rule or going up or down a rug size. Meaning if your rug is an 8x10, you would need a 9x12 layered underneath it.
Rug sizes I see most often:
4x6
5x7
6x9
8x10
9x12
Height
When layering rugs, I suggest choosing a low pile or a flat weave rug especially if you are planning on placing furniture on top. If the rug layers are to high, it could become a tripping hazard. Both of the rugs I used are a low pile/flat weave and together make up the thickness of a medium pile rug. You can get away with a high pile rug on top if you use a flat weave below.
Furniture
I suggest you orient the rugs according to the furniture in your space. Keeping them straight as you would if you were only using one rug with the exception of layering hide rugs. Hide rugs can be placed at a bias for a casual look. When placing your furniture on any rug, I always suggest keeping at least the two front legs on the rug to make sure they are stable. You can go a step further and be sure two front legs are on top of your uppermost layer of rug.
Great Rugs For Layering
I like a more streamlined look when it comes to choosing rugs for layering. I keep my base rug pretty simple and then use the top rug as an opportunity to play with patterns and color, or vice versa. My favorite look is a casual jute flat weave with a more traditional rug layered on top like you see in my living room. In my bedroom, I have a neutral base rug with a hide rug placed on a bias. If you are new to layering, try a neutral or solid rug as your base and then add a patterned rug on top. You can never go wrong with a tonal color scheme (different shades of the same color). If you have a more eclectic/bohemian vibe in your space, you could play with patterns and color on both rugs.
Entryway Rugs
Want to try rug layering without a huge commitment? Try it first with your front door mat or entryway rug. Just be sure your base rug is flat/low pile and that the two rugs stacked near the door doesn’t prevent it from opening. Try using an expressive doormat with a contrasting patterned outdoor rug.
Defining Spaces
If you have an open floor plan, layering rugs can provide the needed depth to define the different areas. You can add refined definition while keeping a cohesive, open space. Rugs naturally anchor floating furniture in large rooms, adding another layer help define the space even more.
Layering is a trick every person that moves a lot should have up their sleeve.
This one is so near and dear to my heart as a military wife. We move a lot would be an understatement and sometimes that perfect rug that I bought for our last home no longer fits in my new home. There is hope! That now too small rug can work perfectly in the new house by adding a larger neutral rug underneath. If you have small children, clumsy friends or are just prone to spilling yourself, layering rugs can cover a multitude of sins. From stains and discoloration, to worn out spots and snags, rug layering can cover up most problem areas.
