The Art of Layering Rugs

Rugs are usually a low priority home décor item. People focus more on the big pieces like sofas, accent chairs, coffee tables– the foreground items. What most fail to realize is that background items (rugs, art, pillows, etc) all help create the finished design.

It is important to understand how to choose the right size rug for your space. There is nothing worse than seeing an ill-sized rug in a space (it’s like nails on a chalkboard for most designers). Once the correct size rug is chosen, the fun layering begins!

When deciding on the size and placement of your rug, always keep in mind the many purposes rugs can have. If you are choosing to use a rug in your living space, it’s purpose is to unify the space while adding a soft element.

A living room rug can have various options, but deciding on a dining room rug is pretty straight forward. Rule of thumb: if all four legs remain on the rug when pulled out- you’re in the clear!

The bedroom is where the majority of people make the mistake of choosing the wrong size rug. Some tend to place any sized rug in the front or sides of their bed. Please avoid this at all costs as it is basically a floating rug that serves no purpose.

When placing your rug, you want to make sure the rug is about halfway or little more under your bed. To make the right judgement, your rug should stop before your nightstands and extend a few feet after the end of your bed.

Rugs can be pretty expensive, so it’s best to have knowledge of rug size and placement before investing. Now that we’ve gotten the educational aspect of rugs out of the way, it’s time to layer those rugs!

The possibilities are endless when layering rugs. And if you know the proper way to choose a rug, good news: you can now keep all those tiny rugs you thought were useless! You want a neutral base which will be the larger rug, I recommend using a jute, or a sisal rug (mainly any type of flat-woven rug).

Quick explanation on sisal vs. jute: Both rugs are natural fibers, but sisal is much more durable than jute. Jute is softer than sisal– better for areas that aren’t used often. Sisal is  super absorbent– prone to staining.

Once the main rug has been selected, it’s time to unleash the layers!

Hide and Chic

I can’t get enough of cowhide rugs, they’re my absolute favorite. I finally bought one (faux, of course), and it completes my space. Cowhide rugs can be a little bit on the smaller side if you plan on using it in your living room, but it’s the perfect rug for layering. Sometimes they can feel a bit bare on their own.

 Rug on Rug

You can layer an accent rug in a room with wall to wall carpeting. This make things more interesting. Flat-weave rugs tend to be textural, which is great to layer on top of a cut pile carpet. It’s also on the thinner side.

Note: Layering a pile rug on top of a cut pile carpet is not ideal.

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This post was written by home contributor Ashley Danielle of Darling Be Chic

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