Experts manifest how you should ( and should not ) layer rugs to infuse personal style into your blank .
Choosing the perfectarea rug for your spaceis heavily enough . But layering carpet can feel downright impossible , as you have to consider the double-dyed combination of colour , sizes , and textures . Togive your space a refreshormake use of an extra rugyou’ve had in memory board , count layering rugs with the help of a few design experts . They share how to do it properly — including getting the right proportion and which mistake to avoid — along with a few guard tips you might not have consider .
“ Layering is an individual ’s decision and there are no real rules , " enounce Rickie Broff , head of sales at Fayette Studio , which specify in custom carpeting invention . “ It ’s important to level thoughtfully and intentionally so as to reach a cohesive and balanced look . When done correctly , it can be a wonderful excogitation selection . ”

Credit:Carson Downing
Carson Downing
Rickie Broffis head of sale atFayette Studio .
Kate Lesteris originative managing director and chief operating officer ofKate Lester Interiors .

Credit: Jay Wilde
Chelsey Brownis the source ofShut the Front Doorand beginner ofCity Chic Decor .
Why You Should Try Layering Rugs
If you have n’t try out layering rugs before , there are a plurality of reasons you should study the trend .
Define a Space
For one , Broff says , “ it can be practical when trying to anchor case-by-case place within a large room . ” In anopen conception sustenance way , for lesson , she suggests adding domain rugs over existing carpeting tocarve out zonessuch as in a reading corner or under a card table . “ Layering rug can tot up profundity , texture , and visual stake to a room , make a cosy atmosphere , ” she says .
Stay Within Budget
Kate Lester , originative director and chief executive officer of Kate Lester Interiors , explicate that the rug - layer vogue can be beneficial in more ways than one . Say you have your optic on a high end rug , but the price of the sizing you need to fit your space is out of your budget . Or , you want to try out with bold colors but are n’t quite quick to put .
“ Rug layering allow you to incorporate something vintage , or colorful , on a small scale , " Lester says , " It ’s beneficial to those who ca n’t vest in something substantial because they can pair a smaller translation of it with a bigger , more accessible or muted rug . ”
Make the Wrong Size Work
Lester explains that layering a small , colourful rug on top of a larger , neutral one could be the enigma to making the smaller carpeting work in a space it otherwise would n’t . “ Have fun when layering , " she say . " Grab that amazing vintage Turkish while that may be a bit too small and lease it have its shining moment on top of a fantastic woven firearm . "
Hide Imperfections
Yet another two-fold reward of layer is that it can conceal don and tear on a well - loved rug , or allow you to use a rug that would otherwise await pantie on its own . “ If you have a favored rug that is too small or too worn , placing it on top or underneath another one can make a sketch without looking out of dimension or noticing imperfections , " Broff order .
How to Layer Rugs: Designers Share Their Best Tips
1. Always Begin with a Base
If there is one rule to follow when try on out a layered carpeting spirit , it ’s this one . Chelsey Brown , author ofShut the Front Doorand founder of City Chic Decor , explains why this is an important first dance step . “ Begin by selecting an expanse carpeting as your radical that ’s expectant enough to fit under most of the piece of furniture in the place , " she say . " In other words , the base rug should easily fit under the front leg of your lounge , side chairwoman , and chocolate table in the livelihood elbow room . ”
She explains that the basis rug fundamentally act as a sail for the rest of the layered look . you may take on around with how everything else is arrange on top of it , but you do n’t want the base to move .
Brown also recommendssettling on a manner or themewhen getting bulge out . “ you’re able to go for contrast or complemental people of color and patterns , ” she says . “ For example , a indifferent bag carpeting can work on well with a colorful or model rug on top . Or even something misshaped — my favorite . ”

Credit:Jay Wilde
Jay Wilde
2. Properly Position Your Rugs
The next step is something Brown also feels strongly about , as she maintain it ’s the key to create a cohesive face . “ When layering rugs , it ’s essential to overlap them slightly , " she say . " Place a little carpet at an slant or right in the middle of a larger one . ”
She explains that shape does n’t necessarily matter , as you may layer two of the same shape or mix in it up . “ I in person apply a rectangular rug as my base and top it with a wavy area rug that seat under an ottoman , ” she says . At the final stage of the day , she suggests experiment with different bod to find what works best in your blank .
Adam Albright

Credit:Adam Albright
3. Layer Rugs with Different Proportions
While it ’s not always the case , rug layering ordinarily involves one big and one small carpeting . Broff aver that two very different size is a factor she always take into considerateness . It make sense that the bottom carpeting needs to be bigger so that you’re able to in reality see both . But Broff bestow that , “ the bottom carpet should be much bombastic than the top so one predominate the distance and one acts as an accent . ”
Something else that Lester suggests keeping in nous is that the bottom carpet should always be the proper scale for the room . She agrees with Brown that all furniture legs should fit on the rug which , as a bonus , canmake a small room appear larger .
ADAM ALBRIGHT

Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT
4. Layer Rugs with Different Textures
A rug naturallyadds texture to a room , so using more than one carpet is an chance to double up on grain and total more dimension to a space . Brown explain that layering rugs of different textures creates a informal and bid atmosphere . She suggest piling a flossy , high - pile rug ( like ashag rug ) over a abject - pile or flatweave , like manywashable rugsconsist of . " This contrast in texture is not only beyond visually likeable , but also append astuteness to the space and can even do as the feature of speech statement in your room , " she say .
Broff enunciate she typically likes to expend a rug made of natural or organic stuff — such as sisal hemp orjute — as the base , and layering something a morsel more visually interesting , perhaps with a pattern , on top .
Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg
5. Layer Rugs with Different Colors or Patterns
Playing with patterns and color in the layering process is where you may be conciliatory and put your personal touch on the space . Still , keep in mind that less is generally more . Like Brown , Lester likes get to a neutral base , namely ones from herHarman Natural Collection with Jaipur Living , and add color , patterns , or texture to the top carpet .
Brown cautions that if you ’re think about using patterns , ensure they do n’t jar . “ It ’s usually a good idea to have one carpeting with a busy traffic pattern and another with a more subdued or solid colouring to balance things out , " she says .
Kritsada Panichgul

Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
6. Avoid These Design Mistakes
It can be easy to go overboard with rug layering , especially once you startle combining colors , textures , and pattern . Broff explains that a common booby trap is trying to do too much all at once . “ Using carpet that jar with conflicting patterns or colouring can make a chaotic or puzzling depend and make the room look cluttered and ill-chosen , ” she aver .
Lester observe that she ’s not a buff of layering twocolorful carpet , or rugs of the same material . “ The juxtaposition of texture and color is what makes layered carpet interesting , " she says .
“ When layer rug , it ’s crucial to consider the position of furniture and menstruum of the elbow room , " Broff say . " I would be aware of where substructure traffic is so that you do n’t create a tripping hazard . Definitely do n’t bed rugs on step or in tight spaces . ” In addition to right placement , Broff suggests placing a carpeting tablet underneath the al-Qaida rug so that the carpet stays anchored to the floor .

Credit: David Land
Brown also suggest using carpeting pads , and read she always uses them after an unfortunate personal incident . “ One clip , I was chasing my dog around the apartment to seize a sock from his mouth and trip up over the carpet in my entryway , ” she shares . Now , she always makes sure to drop anchor her carpeting . " Once you ’re well-chosen with the placement of your layered rugs , role magnetic tape or pad of paper to procure them in place toprevent rugs from slipping , " she propose .
What to Consider When Layering Rugs
When layering carpet in a room , there are a few things to keep in mind to help determine the type , size , and placement of the rugs .