Layering rugs is a great way to add depth, texture, and personality to your space. Whether you’re working with hardwood floors, carpet, or tile, layering rugs allows you to experiment with patterns, colours, and styles while creating a cosy, well-designed environment. It’s a trend that adds warmth and interest to any room, but it requires a little know-how to pull off effectively. Here’s how to layer rugs like a pro and make the most of this stylish and functional design technique.

1. Start with a Base Rug

The first step in layering rugs is to choose a base rug. This rug will anchor the design and set the tone for the rest of the room. The base rug should be larger than the top rug and typically cover a significant portion of the floor. The key is to choose a rug that complements the overall design of your space.

• Size Matters: Choose a base rug that is large enough to cover a substantial area of the floor. If you’re layering rugs in a living room, for example, the base rug should be big enough to fit under all the furniture, with at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs resting on it. A rug that’s too small will make the room feel disconnected and unbalanced.
• Neutral Base: If you want to experiment with patterns and colours in your top rug, it’s often a good idea to start with a neutral base rug. This can be a solid colour or a subtle pattern that won’t compete with the top rug. Think jute, sisal, or a simple, textured wool rug.
• Material Choices: The material of the base rug should complement the room’s aesthetic. Natural fibres like wool, jute, and cotton work well as base rugs, as they are durable and versatile.

The base rug serves as the foundation for your layered look, so choose one that suits your room’s style and feels like a comfortable foundation.

2. Layering with a Smaller, Accent Rug

Once your base rug is in place, it’s time to layer a smaller accent rug on top. This top rug is where you can get creative, as it can be more decorative and expressive in terms of colour, pattern, and texture.

• Add Contrast: Use the top rug to add contrast in terms of pattern, colour, or texture. If you’ve chosen a neutral base rug, opt for a more vibrant, bold accent rug that adds visual interest. For example, a geometric or floral-patterned rug works beautifully over a plain, neutral jute rug.
• Colour Harmony: While the top rug should stand out, make sure the colours in the top rug complement the overall colour scheme of the room. If your base rug is neutral, you can introduce brighter or deeper hues in the top rug. If you’re working with bold colours in the base rug, try picking a top rug with a more subdued palette to create balance.
• Textures and Materials: The material of the accent rug should differ from that of the base rug to create texture contrast. If your base rug is flat woven, try a shaggy, plush top rug to add depth. Wool, cotton, and even faux fur can all work as accent rugs to enhance the layered look.

The accent rug adds personality and acts as a focal point, so this is your chance to express your style while still maintaining harmony with the base rug.

3. Consider the Room’s Functionality

When layering rugs, it’s important to consider the function of the room and the amount of foot traffic the rugs will experience. Certain areas of the room may require more durable rugs, while others might allow for more delicate options.

• High-Traffic Areas: In high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms, it’s essential to choose rugs that are durable and easy to clean. Layering a larger, practical base rug, like a flat-woven rug, with a more decorative accent rug will ensure the space remains functional and low-maintenance.
• Low-Traffic Areas: In areas like bedrooms or reading nooks, you have more flexibility to experiment with plush, luxurious materials for the top rug. A soft, shaggy rug layered over a jute base rug can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.

By tailoring your rug choices to the function of the room, you ensure that your layered rugs not only look great but also stand up to the everyday wear and tear of the space.

4. Play with Shapes and Sizes

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and sizes when layering rugs. While rectangular rugs are the most common, using rugs in varying shapes can create a more dynamic and unique look.

• Different Shapes: Mixing round rugs with rectangular ones can add interest and variety to your design. A circular rug layered over a rectangular base rug can break up the linear lines of the room and add an unexpected element to your decor.
• Layering Multiple Rugs: You don’t have to stick to just two rugs. Layering multiple smaller rugs, like a series of runners or smaller accent rugs, can help define different zones within a room, especially in large, open spaces. Just be sure to keep the colours and patterns cohesive to avoid a chaotic look.
• Size Variations: If you’re layering several rugs, consider varying the size of the rugs. Larger base rugs allow you to layer smaller accent rugs on top, which can create balance and avoid overwhelming the space.

Mixing and matching rug shapes and sizes allows you to play with proportions and creates a more eclectic, curated look.

5. Create Visual Balance

When layering rugs, it’s important to achieve a balanced and cohesive look. Avoid creating a cluttered or overly busy arrangement by paying attention to the design, colour, and positioning of each rug.

• Placement: Make sure the top rug is centred over the base rug, with equal amounts of space on each side. You can adjust the top rug slightly to one side if you want to draw attention to a particular area of the room, but aim to keep the layers aligned to maintain balance.
• Coordinating Patterns: If the top rug has a bold pattern, keep the base rug’s design minimal to avoid clashing. Similarly, if your base rug has a strong pattern, consider using a more subtle, solid accent rug to create visual harmony.
• Matching Materials: The materials in both rugs should work together, whether it’s through texture, weight, or feel. A soft, plush top rug might feel out of place over a very rough-textured base rug, so aim for complementary materials for a cohesive look.

Creating balance between your rugs will keep the space looking intentional and visually appealing.

6. Maintain a Cohesive Colour Palette

While layering rugs provides an opportunity to experiment with different textures and patterns, it’s essential to maintain a cohesive colour palette across the rugs to avoid overwhelming the space. Aim for rugs that either complement or contrast each other in a way that enhances the overall aesthetic of the room.

• Complementary Colours: Choose rugs with complementary colours that work together in harmony. For instance, pair earthy tones like brown, beige, and grey with richer accents like navy, maroon, or mustard. This ensures that the rugs don’t compete with one another but instead create a pleasing visual flow.
• Contrasting Colours: If you prefer bold, contrasting colours, make sure there’s an anchor colour, such as neutral tones or a common hue, that ties everything together. A deep blue base rug with an orange accent rug, for example, can create a striking contrast if balanced properly.

Sticking to a cohesive colour palette ensures that your layered rugs feel intentional and well-thought-out.

7. Choose Rugs with the Right Care Requirements

When layering rugs, make sure you’re aware of their care requirements to ensure that they stay looking good for longer. Rugs made from natural fibres, such as wool, require more care and maintenance, while synthetic fibres may be easier to clean.

• Durable Materials: Wool, jute, and cotton are natural, durable fibres that hold up well over time, even when layered. Synthetic rugs like polypropylene are also durable and often more stain-resistant, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Cleaning Considerations: Layering rugs means more regular cleaning and maintenance. Be sure to choose rugs that are easy to clean and maintain, especially if you have pets or children. Opt for rugs that can be vacuumed easily and are stain-resistant for more practical use.

Understanding the care needs of your layered rugs will help them last longer and continue looking their best.

Conclusion

Layering rugs is a fantastic way to add texture, colour, and personality to your home. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist vibe, an eclectic look, or a warm and cosy atmosphere, the key to successful rug layering lies in balancing size, shape, texture, and colour. By following these tips and getting creative, you can create a beautiful, layered rug arrangement that enhances your space and makes it feel truly unique.