How To Layer Rugs In Living Rooms

Layering rugs in a living room is a simple yet effective way to add visual interest, define spaces, and make the room cozier. The key is learning how to mix and match rug sizes, materials, colors and patterns harmoniously. Follow this guide to layer rugs like an interior designer.

Strategically layering rugs allows you to make design statements without overwhelming a space. Start by determining the right rug sizes and layout before building up textures and colors that complement your living room.

Plan Your Rug Layout

First decide how you want to arrange your layered rugs according to your living room's size and furniture layout. Here are some useful tips:

Decide On Rug Size And Shape

The anchor or bottom larger rug should be big enough to define the sitting area. For example, in a sectional seating area, size it to fit centrally under the furniture with a 18-24 inch border showing. Rug sizes come in standard dimensions so review options like 8x10, 9x12 or 10x14 when planning.

The shape is also key - while rectangular rugs suit traditional spaces, round or oval rugs soften modern living rooms.

Determine Number Of Rugs To Layer

Limit layers to two or three rugs for a simple layered look. Too many busy layers compete rather than complement. If working in a small space, layering two rugs is best.

In larger rooms, you can incorporate three rugs with the top being a narrow console rug used to tie schemes together rather than cover floor space.

Select Rug Materials And Styles

Mix materials and styles instead of matching for lots of texture. Pair hand knotted or woven rugs with plush shags or animal hides. Combining contemporary monochromatic designs with traditional Persian motifs also livens up rooms.

Determine which works best as your anchor rug before selecting the accent layers. Foundational rugs made of wool or dense synthetic piles are long-lasting options.

Choose An Anchor Rug

Since this largest base rug sets the tone for styling, it should:

Be The Largest Rug As Foundation

Size it to fit central seating areas as a base. Extending too widely under other zones dilutes its visual effectiveness. For open concept living rooms, one 8x10 or larger rug can define the sitting area tied with a narrow entry rug.

Boast A Neutral Color

Stick to versatile solids or subtle patterns here rather than bold designs. Gray, navy, ivory and brown are safe neutral bets. This allows the smaller rugs to do the talking through varied textures and colors.

Be Durable Wool Or Synthetic

Wool area rugs are prized for resilience besides providing comfort. But synthetic or machine-made viscose and polypropylene rugs work too for heavy-duty areas. Seek quality certification to ensure longevity.

Add Smaller Statement Rugs

More decorative rugs placed atop complement through shape, texture or color contrasts. Ways to make them pop:

Vary Shapes And Sizes

A round kilim or sheepskin rug makes more visual impact than another rectangular piece. Similarly, vary proportions for interest - place a narrow vertically oriented rug to break broad horizontal lines.

If working in a small area, add a simple square ottoman covering. Multi-layered rugs work better in bigger zones.

Complement Anchor Rug Color

The right color combinations create cohesion. If your anchor rug has subtle blue detailing, coordinate with a pop of soft blue mixed with ivory. In an all neutral scheme, layer creamy ivory with textural browns or greys.

For modern spaces, high contrast colors like black and white make dramatic markers. Color harmony highlights each rug better than matching pieces.

Select Natural Fibers Or Embroideries

Wool dhurries, silk carpets or hand embroidered Suzanis maintain high contrast and visual definition layered over plush foundational rugs. Natural jute and woven rush mats also work beautifully to spotlight living rooms.

Consider Scale And Arrange Furniture First

When working with different rug sizes, furniture placement is pivotal. Follow these basic principles:

Anchor Rug Lays Flat On Floor

Smooth it out evenly, ensuring it is centered under the main furniture like sofas or sectionals.

Layer Rugs Under and Around Main Pieces

The smaller mixed media, patterned or fur rugs then come further under the legs of sofas, chairs and ottomans to tie schemes together.

Overlapping Edges Adds Depth

Allow edges to overlay other rugs naturally rather than attempt concealing - this creates better definition and visual interest.

Having boundaries meet also helps anchor the pieces while preventing buckling and movement.

Incorporate Rug Pads

After working with variable textures, weights and weave densities, securing with rug pads is essential. Follow with these types:

Non-Slip Pressure Sensitive Pads

Placing this under anchor rugs helps grip flooring without slipping while holding shape.

Premium Felt And Rubber Pads For Top

Using under decorative rugs prevents staining or floor damage while holding rugs firmly in place.

Tack Tape Adds Stability

Double sided carpet tape placed at corners borders also works to keep accent rugs secured over anchoring pieces.

This prevents shifting or rippling to safely enjoy your layered rug look for years.

Final Touches Elevate Styling

Set your layered rugs off beautifully by:

Tying Schemes With Decor Items

Place matching pillows or furniture with fabric matching accent rug colors in the mix. This color repetition visually pulls the look cohesively.

Vacuuming And Rotating Regularly

Maintain by regularly vacuuming upper layers first before flipping or rotating seasonally to distribute wear evenly.

Shaking small rugs outdoors also removes embedded dirt while reviving pile freshness and vibrancy.

Seeking Rug Certifications

Quality assurance certifications mean investment pieces made to enjoy long-term. Seek out CRI Green Label Plus, GoodWeave and RugMark when rug purchasing.

Properly caring for prized rugs enhances longevity for appreciating their layered beauty years longer.

Inspiring Layered Rug Ideas

These elegant living rooms showcase flawless use of multi-layered rugs worth emulating.

Modern Boho Chic Living Room

This fresh space artfully piles on ivory shag and colorful patterned floor covering atop textural jute rugs for lots of depth.

Rustic Farmhouse Layered Rug Look

Fitted neat under the seating zone, the handwoven wool anchor rug pairs perfectly with scattered sheepskins and geometric patterns.

Watch how subtly layered muted-toned rugs help zone the sitting space without competing in this elegant area.

Now that you see how easy it is to artfully work with floor layers, try your hand at designing rooms with rugs stacked high in style. Follow our guide closely for a fail-proof lush living space makeover.