Five Easy Ways to Layer Area Rugs

When it comes to elevated interior design, sometimes more is more. Designing with multiple area rugs in a space rather than just one is a perfect example.  

If you're wondering where and how you can layer area rugs in your space, here are five ideas to get you started. 

The perfect rug is too small. 

Say you've been searching tirelessly for the perfect area rug. Finally, you come across one that has the perfect texture, pattern and color palette, but it's not large enough for your space.

There's no need to go back to the drawing board. Simply layer that area rug on top of a neutral sisal or jute area rug that is large enough for your space, and your problem is immediately solved.

Your large room or open area lacks defined spaces.

Maybe you have a large room with a seating area and an office desk and chair, both  anchored by the same large area rug. Or, you have an open space with a dining area and a seating area, again both under a large area rug or even wall to wall carpeting. 

Layering smaller area rugs that complement the larger one beneath the distinct areas will distinguish the unique spaces and add depth and visual interest. 

Your existing area rug is getting worn in highly used spots.

Even rugs that are made of durable fibers can become worn over time, especially in spots where they're used hardest. Think of the foyer area rug where feet first land when people enter your home, or the spot on the area rug beside your bed where your feet first touch the floor each morning. 

You can protect a vulnerable area of your larger area rug by layering a small area rug on top. Again, this not only serves a functional purpose, but can also add an unexpected aesthetic flair.

Your color drenched room lacks depth and texture.

If you followed the beloved color drenching trend, but now feel your room looks, well, boring, layer an area rug on top of your existing rug.

If you want to stick with your room's same simple or neutral palette, choose a similarly colored rug but in a contrasting texture. If your existing area rug is subtly patterned, layer a smaller area rug on it with a bolder, contrasting pattern, and watch the space come alive. 

You want to add a big, bold pattern but it could overwhelm your space.

If you have a space where you'd love to make a statement - say with an interesting geometric pattern, bold splash of color, or distinctive animal print - but an area rug incorporating the statement pattern or colors that's large enough would be visually overwhelming, settle for something more subtle as your base and layer a smaller rug that packs that style punch. 

While there really are no hard and fast rules for rug layering, it's important to keep in mind that it works best (and is safest) when you have a lower pile rug as your base. Also, when layering rugs of different patterns, be sure there is some unifying element like a color or shape that makes the rugs complementary.

Want to elevate an area of your home? Why not try the layered look? Natural Rug Co. has many natural jute area rug and bamboo rug options that make great bases for rug layering, and a vast assortment of natural cotton, wool, and silk area rugs in shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors that could be the perfect picks for layering.