You know, there’s just something about layering rugs that makes a house feel like a home. I remember the first time I tried it—honestly, I thought it would be a quick fix to add some warmth to my cold, hardwood floors. But, I quickly realized it’s not just about tossing a bunch of rugs down and calling it a day. It’s like creating art, but with textiles. Plus, it’s a practical way to show off that antique or expensive rug you’ve been dying to use. Here are a few guidelines can help you nail that chic look instead of ending up with a hot mess.
Why Layer Rugs?
For starters, to show that you’re creative. Besides, it’s all about adding texture and depth. Walking into a room and feeling that richness underfoot—different layers, each with its own story, coming together to create a vibe that’s just you is priceless. Layering allows you to mix and match styles, patterns, and colors in a way that lets your personality shine.
Keep Your Base Neutral
Now, here’s where things get a bit technical—but don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy. When you’re layering rugs, keeping your base neutral is key. Think of it like a blank canvas; a neutral base lets your top rug steal the spotlight. This trick is perfect if you’ve got a vintage rug that you brought from your travels to Middle East. Persian on top—works like a charm every time. It’s all about balance.
A boho bedroom with a bed and neutral bbedding, layered rugs, a chair with a lamp and a bench with some decor.
A boho bedroom with a brick fireplace, a bed and layered rugs, floor pillows, a mirror and lots of boho decor.
A boho bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with neutral bedding, a boho bench, baskets, a nightstand, a pendant lamp and cool decor.
A boho bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with neutral bedding, a desk and a chair, potted plants and decor.
A boho bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with neutral bedding, an arched wardrobe and a chair, a dresser and a mirror and some greenery.
A boho bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with orange bedding, a mirror, poufs and table,s a shelf with decor and some plants.
A boho bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with rust bedding, nightstands, a pendant lamp and a potted tree.
A boho earthy living room with a creamy sofa, layered rugs, a coffee table and some poufs is welcoming.
A boho living room with a grey sofa and pillows, a mirror and some boho decor, layered rugs and a coffee table plus some potted plants.
A boho living room with a neutral sofa, brown chairs, layered rugs, various pillows, poufs and various decor.
Don’t Layer Rugs That Are Similar In Size
Here’s a mistake I’ve definitely made before—layering rugs that are too close in size. It just ends up looking… off. You want a healthy margin around your top rug, so shoot for the top one being about two-thirds the area of the bottom one. And whatever you do, avoid the dreaded postage stamp rug—those tiny rugs do nothing for your space except make it look smaller.
A boho living room with amber leather seating furniture, a coffee table and side tables, potted plants and macrame.
A boho living room with an amber leather sofa and pillows, a chair, macrame, layered rugs and a round mirror.
A boho living room with layered rugs, a bed with neutral bedding, nightstands, a ladder, gold sconces and a pouf.
A boho living room with layered rugs, a marigold sofa, baskets and pillows, a macrame and rattan chairs.
A boho living room with layered rugs, a rust sofa with pillows, a chair, poufs, a coffee table and some potted plants.
A bold home office with layered rugs, a large bookcase, a desk, some chairs and black lamps.
A bright contemporary nursery with a watercolor flower accent wall, a white chair and a crib, pink bedding and textiles, a little gold side table.
A catchy contemporary nursery with blush walls, stained wood and rattan furniture, a pendant lamp, layered rugs and polka dot shades.
A chic modern nursery with a farmhouse twist, with all-neutrals, a black crib, a basket for storage and ledges with books.
A contemporary nursery with a black and white gallery wall, a white crib, layered rugs, a basket with toys, a copper table and a floor lamp.
Thickness Matters
Alright, let’s talk thickness. This one’s important. If you’re stacking thick rugs on top of each other, you’re asking for trouble. Not only do they start looking poofy (not in a good way), but they can also become a tripping hazard. I learned this the hard way when I tried to layer two hefty wool rugs—let’s just say, it wasn’t pretty. The rugs slipped around, created unsightly bulges, and my office chair wasn’t having it. To avoid this, stick to rugs that are half an inch thick or less, and always add a rug pad underneath to keep things in place.
A contemporary nursery with a dreamy accent wall, white and clear acrylic furniture, layered rugs and blue bedding, cute toys.
A delicate and cool contemporary nursery with a black accent wall, a white crib, a tan rocker chair, an open shelving unit, a fringe chandelier and a tree.
A lovely modern nursery with a wallpaper wall, a neutral dresser and an acrylic crib, a beautiful glass pendant lamp and pink curtains.
A modern boho living room with a grey sofa with pillows, layered rugs, a coffee table, a pouf and some chic decor.
A modern boho living room with layered boho rugs, a creamy sofa, a leather chair, some boho decor.
A modern boho living room with layered rugs, a rust sofa and a neutral chair, a coffee table and a credenza, some potted plants.
A modern boho living room with layered rugs, a rust sofa, pillows, a coffee table and some plants and decor.
A modern boho living room with layered rugs, a white sofa with pillows, navy chairs, a fireplace, a coffee table and some decor and plants.
A modern earthy living room with a greige bed and earthy bedding, layered rugs, side tables and lamps and some boho decor.
A modern earthy living room with layered rugs, seating furniture with pillows, a table and potted plants.
Texture Has No Rules
Here’s where you can really let loose—texture! While mixing colors can be a bit nerve-wracking, texture is your playground. You can layer different textures like wool, jute, and silk, and the result is always intriguing. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes the most unexpected combos turn out the best.
A modern farmhouse bedroom with layered rugs, a bed with white bedding, nightstands and lamps and a gallery wall.
A modern farmhouse living room with a fireplac,e brown leather chairs, layered rugs, shelves with decor and a magazine stand.
A modern farmhouse living room with a fireplace, a grey sofa, an amber chair, layered rugs, a gallery wall and some decor.
A modern farmhouse living room with a fireplace, a tan leather sofa, layered rugs, a coffee table, a shelving unit and a black chair.
A modern farmhouse living room with a grey sofa, a built-in storage unit, layered rugs, a leather chair, a coffee table and a chandelier.
A modern farmhouse living room with layered rugs, a grey sofa and pillows, a coffee table and a stump, potted plants.
A modern farmhouse living room with layered rugs, a grey sofa, an amber chair, a gallery wall and a coffee table with greenery.
A modern farmhouse living room with layered rugs, a living edge table, a grey sofa with lovely and chic decor.
A modern farmhouse living room with layered rugs, a neutral sofa, a coffee table, brown chairs, a gallery wall and a black console.
A modern living room with layered rugs, amber chairs, a coffee table, some decor and greenery and jute poufs.
For Pattern On Pattern, Color Mattes
Now, if you’re feeling brave and want to layer patterns, color coordination is your best friend. The trick is to pick one color that ties everything together. Shapes are important too. You want your patterns to complement each other, not fight for attention. Keep them in the same family, so to speak.
Rug Layering Ideas for Different Rooms
Alright, let’s get specific with some ideas for different rooms. In the living room, try layering a small, patterned rug on top of a large, neutral base rug to create a focal point. For the bedroom, I go for soft, plush rugs over a larger, flat-weave rug. In the dining room, a large sisal rug as a base with a smaller, colorful rug centered under the table works wonders. And don’t forget about the entryway—it’s the first thing people see! Even outdoor spaces can benefit from rug layering if you find proper rugs.
A modern neutral living room with a creamy sofa and pillows, layered rugs, a coffee table and an artwork.
A modern neutral living room with layered rugs and white seating furniture, a glass coffee table and a potted tree.
A neutral boho living room with creamy seating furniture, layered rugs, a stained credenza, baskets and tables.
A neutral contemporary nursery with a catchy crib, a creamy sofa, layered rugs, toys, a vintage mirror and some lamps.
A Nordic kid's bedroom with an accent corner, a wooden house-shaped bed with printed bedding, layered rugs, buntings and racks.
A pretty contemporary nursery with a pink printed wall, neutral furniture, layered rugs, lovely toys and a desk for the kid.
A pretty contemporary nursery with a pink spot accent wall, a white crib and a storage unit, layered rugs, pink bedding and lovely toys.
A whimsy modern nursery with a polka dot accent wall, a grey chair, a light stained crib, layered rugs and a color block pouf and cool lights.
A white farmhouse living room with a fireplace, white seating furniture, a coffee table and some decor and layered rugs.
An airy modern nursery with white walls, white furniture and a light-stained crib, layered rugs and abstract decor.
An eclectic home office with a fireplace, layered rugs, a vintage sideboard, chic decor and a desk.
Rug Layering Tips for Every Style
No matter your style, there’s a rug layering approach for you. For a Bohemian vibe, go wild with colorful, eclectic rugs with fringe or tassels. Modern minimalist? Stick with monochrome or neutral-toned rugs with clean lines. For that cozy, rustic farmhouse feel, start with a natural fiber rug like jute or sisal and layer a soft, patterned rug on top. If you’re all about traditional elegance, try layering a Persian or Oriental rug with a more subdued, solid-colored rug. And for those who love Scandinavian design, think soft, neutral rugs in light grays, whites, and beiges for that airy, minimalist look.
Layering Rugs on Different Flooring Types
Finally, let’s chat about layering rugs on different types of flooring. If you’ve got hardwood floors, rug pads and non-slip underlays are your best friends. For carpeted floors, choose thinner top rugs to avoid that bulky look. Tile and stone floors can feel cold, so layering rugs with warm textures can soften things up. And if you’ve got concrete floors in a modern or industrial space, layering rugs adds much-needed warmth and style.