How To Layer Rugs Over Carpet

On a hard floor an untethered rug is more likely to slide or slip but when layering area rugs over carpet the rug is more likely to wrinkle or ripple.

How to layer rugs over carpet.

As a rule of thumb you can layer two or three rugs at a time but experts say that two is considered the sweet spot. In most cases wall to wall carpeting is very basic. Area rugs generally work best over short pile or looped carpet. When laying an area rug over a hard surface such as hardwood flooring the biggest concern about the rug s movement is that it will slide around.

When laying the rug over carpet however the concern is more about the rug wrinkling or rippling which presents a big tripping hazard wrinkling will occur because as one area of the rug is stepped on it will shift assuming it is not properly. Choose something with a different texture and or fiber like jute sisal silk. Years ago the layering trend started with simply placing a patterned rug on top of a sisal or other natural fiber carpet. Rugs should always be anchored whether used on a hardwood floor or on top of carpet.

The right rug can actually look flawless when placed atop carpeted floors. Layering rugs whether on carpet or hardwood floors is a smart and simple way to give a room texture and take on another trend. You want the rug to bring life to the floor like in laura s adorable melbourne home shown above where she layered a graphic flat weave over beige carpet and a basic tiled hearth. A neutral color with a cut wool pile and no heathering or interesting variation.

The key to layering carpet over carpet is to vary the texture. The thought of layering up here may seem counter intuitive but the design reward is well worth it. It s all about color coordinating says fire. But today we re seeing multiple rugs laid in a room that are more related to each other.

In those cases laying a thick luxurious shag rug adds a wonderful sense of softness and elegance to the space.